OUR HISTORY
WHO WE ARE
Eighth Street Community is a non-profit organization that provides services for adults with diverse disabilities ranging from autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, hearing impaired, cognitive disability, and visually impaired.
Since 1979, we aim to:
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Provide quality structured living arrangements and care plans
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Advocate for individual strengths
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Improve the quality of life activities that enable personal growth
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Broaden our residents’ network of friends and family
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
The cost to provide the 24-hour, full-care service to each one of our residents is $3,605 per month. Because most of our resident's income is from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on average, their monthly income is $900. That's why we work with our community to match their "everyday care."
Please consider making a monthly contribution to help with this ongoing need! If you would like to sponsor a resident, contact Susan McGrady.
A HISTORY OF DEDICATION TO OUR COMMUNITY
1949
The original “Eighth Street Community” house is located at 305 8th Street- just behind the Stovehouse in Huntsville, Alabama. The 11 bedroom home was built in 1949 by the McDonald Family.
1962
The Booker Family moved into the home. Mr. Booker worked at NASA and rented bedrooms to NASA interns.
1979 - 1982
Miss Irene Smith purchased the home in 1979 for the purpose of serving mentally ill adults, who had been living in the local missions. Her sister, Inez Bastin, assumed responsibility for the home in 1980 after Miss Smith passed away. Gordon Bastin joined his wife in the mission. In 1982, they welcomed two intellectually disabled adults, who had been living in foster care, into the home.
The Bastins' vision to make a family for those who “fall through the cracks”, gained ground in 1982, when the Bastins were granted 501c(3) non-profit status. The program was then named Jehovah Jireh, Incorporated, which translated from Hebrew means “The Lord Provides”.
Mr. and Mrs. Bastin
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1990 - 2000
In the early 1990s, the Bastin Home, a state-funded home for mentally ill men, was opened in Athens, AL. The Bastins both passed away in 2000. While family members were able to sustain the mission, the property and needs of the residents became overwhelming to manage, so the Bastin Home was closed.
2007
In 2007, Jehovah Jireh, Incorporated was on the brink of closure. Andrea Vosper Williams, the granddaughter of Inez and Gordon Bastin, felt called to continue the dream of her grandparents. After just two months of volunteering and praying the simple prayer, “Let Your Will be done”, Williams was given the strength to lead the community into a new era. Her leadership engaged the community and expanded Eighth Street’s services.
2017
In 2017, a home was built at 312 8th Street on property that was gifted to the organization. The four bedroom home was named “Nora’s House” after Nora Hopkins, a wonderful 8th Street neighbor who cared deeply for the residents. This home was built for female residents.
The Eighth Street Community also acquired the home at 310 8th Street through a generous donation. This home is lovingly known as the “MOMS" house in reference to the meals, observation and medication supervision that are provided to the two, semi-independent residents, who live there.
2023 - Present
Andrea Williams served in the capacity of Executive Director until June of 2023. Susan McGrady began her service as Executive Director upon Andrea’s retirement. Susan’s heart for people, experience in various realms of social service and business mind has already proven to be a wonderful addition to the Eighth Street family. We look forward to seeing what lies ahead.
Executive Director Susan McGrady & Fmr. Executive Director Andrea Williams