ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsAlabama Gives - a lifeline for state nonprofits

" I started coming here about 6 years ago," Jackie Johnson, a patient at Lakeshore Foundation said.

Aerobics and strengthening exercises are part of Jackie Johnson's recovery.  Back complications brought her to the Lakeshore Foundation. She works out with hundreds of others - many with severe physical handicaps.

"I see so many people here with disabilities and it's just fantastic the things they can do! I say, if they can do it, you know you can do it!" Johnson said.

The Lakeshore Foundation received about $6,000 on Alabama Gives Day, enabling it to sustain programs for Alabamians with physical disabilities.

"These are greatly needed funds to help with our injured military, our youth program, and our paralympic program," Gia Rabito, Director of Development at Lakeshore Foundation said.

Safehouse in Shelby County has a similar story.  Alabama Gives is providing a lifeline for families caught in domestic or sexual violence.

"In the last two or three years we've seen an increase in the number of people asking for help," Kathy Wells, Director, Safehouse said. "We had experienced some funding cuts over the last year. So we were working really hard to raise money for the grants that fund the salaries and critical services we provide at our shelter and temporary housing facility."

After promoting the organization - even using an Elvis impersonator, Safehouse brought in almost $6,000.  Money that can now be matched by grants.

"Keeping the roof over people's heads, food on the table, and keeping people safe. Literally, saving lives," Wells said.

"It's fantastic the things they do for these people," Johnson said. "I never would have believed it! It's just so encouraging. You shouldn't let anything hold you back!"

Other groups we spoke with today, say while some states brought in millions of dollars - Alabama Gives Day was still a success for state nonprofits. All total, almost 10,000 Alabamians contributed to the participating organizations.