M-POWER Ministries, a faith-based social services ministry in Birmingham, Alabama, was established in 1997. The organization grew out of an initial collaboration between the Birmingham Baptist Association, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, and South Avondale Baptist Church. The founders’ vision was a ministry to serve and support families and neighborhoods in urban Birmingham. The Avondale & Woodlawn communities were selected as the first areas of focus. The first ministries launched were SMART, an after-school tutoring program, and the Woodlawn Family Community Organization.

Over the years, the ministries of M-POWER have expanded greatly. A financial assistance ministry was created in 1998 through which M-POWER assists local congregations in distributing more than $15,000 in utility assistance annually. In 2000, a free, after-hours medical clinic was established under the direction of Dr. Tim Denton. M-POWER began providing adult literacy services in 2002. 

In addition to these ongoing programs, M-POWER is engaged in a number of short-term and seasonal programs. These include summer Bible schools, day camps, family trips, a community health and resource fair, and income tax assistance.

Today, M-POWER operates as an independent, faith-based, nonprofit ministry funded by an interdenominational coalition of churches, organizations, and individuals.  Although our work is centered in Avondale and Woodlawn, the ministries and programs are not limited to the residents of these communities.   M-POWER partners with schools, churches, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of families and communities and to provide opportunities for change and growth.   While the work of M-POWER has continued to grow beyond the vision of its founders, our calling is unchanged: to minister the love, hope, and transforming power of Christ to the people of urban Birmingham.