Our Story
Mr. Willie Richmond and ARM@AU
ARM began in 1998 in Sumter County, AL. as a pilot project through the University of West Alabama Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Campus Ministry) and Auburn University. Founded by, Lisa Pierce, there was a heart and desire for two things: to minister to families on limited and fixed incomes in the rural parts of the community and to create intentional missional and discipleship encounters between all those involved.
ARM first started by hosting volunteer teams who served families by providing home repair such as repairing roofs, building wheel chair ramps, replacing flooring, etc. In 2001, we started a summer day camp called Sonshine Kids Day Camp. This was because we saw children in the community with very few opportunities for summer enrichment, growth, and nurture. Since then ARM has grown to two locations throughout the state. We now also serve in Macon, Lee, Russell, and Chambers counties. In addition to out of state volunteers, many volunteers are from the local area including Auburn and Tuskegee University, several churches, and civic organizations.
ARM has grown into other areas of housing including renovating abandoned homes, working with veterans, and exploring new builds. Since 2012, we have been renovating Tuskegee Methodist Church into a missions outreach center we call the Tuskegee Hub. The day camp ministry expanded in 2012 by partnering with I Am My Brother’s Keeper (IAMBK) that hosts an after school tutoring ministry in Tuskegee.
Our Vision
Transformed rural communities with sustainable homes, strong families, and strategic community partnerships for the glory of God.
Our Mission
We are discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual leaders who, as disciples of Jesus Christ, minister with rural and under-resourced communities to create sustainable homes, strengthen families, and build strategic community partnerships for the glory of God.
We believe Christ’s love must be expressed in action to people in need. ARM is a hands on ministry; responding to people through Christian love with an emphasis in home repair and children’s ministry-it’s all about building the family!
Alabama Rural Ministry coordinates home repair efforts and children’s day camps in rural areas of Alabama. We are interdenominational but are connected to the United Methodist Church. All denominations are welcome to come and serve!
Our Values
- Christ-centered
- Compassionate servant leaders
- Intentional strategic partnerships
- Creative and thoughtful stewards
- Racial Bridge Builders