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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Turning Point Foundation in Thorsby has received an energy efficiency grant from Alabama Power and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund.

Turning Point executive director David Pendley said the $10,000 grant will be used to install central heating and air in the lower level of the dormitory.

The project is something Pendley has wanted to do ever since he became executive director four years ago.

Previously, all of the dorms only had window units for heat and air. An energy efficiency grant the organization received about two years ago provided the funds for the top floor to be renovated with a central unit.

The upgrades will increase energy efficiency, allowing the organization to stretch its budget.

“To be able to save the money we need to save as a nonprofit to do the things we do is incredible,” Pendley said.

Turning Point is a 90-day residential, addiction recovery program for men. The facility serves up to 30 men at any given time.

Joey Merritt of Alabama Power said numerous organizations apply to the program and recipients are chosen on a quarterly basis.

“What we do as Alabama Power is we come out and do an energy audit and make recommendations on what the organization can apply for,” Merritt said.

An official grant application is then completed online.

“Ultimately, the hope is that it saves them some money on their power bill,” Merritt said.

Applicants find out within a month of the deadline whether or not their organization has been selected to receive funding.

Turning Point is one of only two recipients in the Alabama Power Southern Division, which includes areas from Selma to Clanton to Montgomery to Greenville.

Organizations can apply once a year.

For more information about Turning Point Foundation, visit turningpointal.org.