Operation: Regenerating Hope—Where Education Meets Action

At Regenerate Society, Inc., we believe that knowledge is only as powerful as the action it inspires. Operation: Regenerating Hope was designed to merge education and empathy—creating a space where young adults could learn how to support Birmingham’s unhoused population and immediately apply their understanding through real service.

Event attendees and panelists tune in closely to Ms. Alice Westery as she speaks on the unhoused youth of Birmingham.

Held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, this two-part event featured a panel discussion with deeply committed advocates: Ms. Alice Westery from Youth Towers, Chris Carr from The Just People Project, and Kameron Phillips of Change Comes with Action. Moderated by RJ Lee, the conversation drew from firsthand accounts of homelessness in Birmingham, offering insight into both the struggles and solutions facing our city.

Immediately following the panel, attendees came together to distribute 75 weather-resistant blessing bags—assembled on-site—to unhoused individuals throughout the community. While we fell short of our 250-bag goal due to funding constraints, each bag was intentionally packed with high-need items including hygiene products, non-perishable snacks, and vital survival supplies. Thanks to feedback from last year’s recipients, we were also able to include some of the most requested items—like bug spray and additional bottled water—to better meet the real needs of those we serve.

Blessing bags in preparation the night before distribution by the Outreach team

This year’s project was also unique in its intentional targeting of 17–24-year-olds. With nearly 70% of attendees in this demographic, our aim to engage and empower the next generation of servant leaders was clear. Real-time data was collected via Menti, revealing that 89% of participants learned something new and plan to use that knowledge in continued service.

This year’s Operation: Regenerating Hope served as a powerful follow-up to the 2024 pilot project, which first featured a moving conversation with Ms. Alice Westery of Youth Towers. As our Outreach Division continues to focus on the pressing social issue of homelessness and hunger, this year’s project carried the torch forward with deeper insight and expanded impact. Led by third-year veteran and first-time captain Ni’Keriya Hurst, the project also marked the leadership debuts of rookie members Lilyan Mims and Jacob Smitherman—both stepping into their first season with grace and purpose. Their collaborative efforts reflect our commitment to empowering young leaders and addressing urgent needs in our community with compassion and action.

All event speakers including St. Paul’s Lynn Douglas (4th) and Outreach Captain, Ni’Keriya Hurst (1st), posing together for a group photo after the event.

Special thanks to Pastor Marion Royston and Mrs. Lynn Douglas of St. Paul UMC for their gracious partnership, Christian Service Mission for their donations that went into each bag, and to our panelists for their powerful stories. Operation: Regenerating Hope wasn’t just an event—it was a movement toward empathy, education, and sustainable impact.