Project Blessings' Eight-Year Impact

A former New York lawyer, Kenneth "Ken" Randall served 20 years as the dean of the University of Alabama School of Law, during which time he pioneered two online master's degree programs and improved bar passage rates to approximately 97 percent. Additionally, Kenneth Randall did pro bono legal work for Project Blessings, a home-rebuilding nonprofit located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

After eight years of repairing homes in the Tuscaloosa region, Project Blessings announced it would be discontinuing operations as of June 1, 2017. Since its creation in 2009, the nonprofit has helped repair over 150 homes for low-income families. The inspiration for Project Blessings came as a result of a bedroom renovation project for a young girl who had serious medical issues. Upon arriving at her house, the group of volunteers realized the entire home needed renovation, which prompted a fund-raising effort that led to its first completed project. 

More than 500 volunteers of all ages have contributed to essential home repairs since the completion of that first project. Following a tornado in 2011, Project Blessings completed numerous repairs on homes in the communities of Rosedale and Alberta and also constructed a new men's homeless shelter in Tuscaloosa.

Giving Back with Project Blessings

President and CEO of iLaw & iLawGlobal, Kenneth (Ken) Randall is among scores of volunteers who give their time to Project Blessings, a nonprofit organization located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, dedicated to repairing the homes of those in need. Created after a 2011 tornado ravished the Alabama area, the organization sponsors several events a year with the help of its local team, including Kenneth Randall.

For the past five years, Project Blessings has changed the lives of dozens of families in the Tuscaloosa area. Donating home repairs and other services to those in the community with limited means, volunteers find the way to give that is best suited to their skill set. In addition to this year-round effort, several events are held each year that generate press exposure and subsequent donations for members of the community who are in need.

Recently, Project Blessings helped to open a men's homeless shelter, as the previous shelter was destroyed by the 2011 tornado. In addition to a yearly talent show, the association holds a donations-only Thanksgiving dinner each November, with all proceeds going to further the Project Blessings mission. With 50 volunteers waiting tables this past year, over 1,200 people enjoyed a hot meal and donated what they were able to help those less fortunate during the holiday season.

People Served by Project Blessings

Licensed to practice in New York and Alabama, Kenneth Randall is a lawyer with degrees from Hofstra, Yale, and Columbia. Besides practicing law, Ken Randall of Alabama is a philanthropist who offers pro bono legal services to Project Blessings.

Project Blessings is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help underprivileged and low-income homeowners renovate and repair their homes to achieve a better quality of living. Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, AL, Project Blessings is made up of more than 500 volunteers. The organization was called into service especially after the April 2011 tornado which displaced numerous residents in the area, primarily in the communities of Alberta and Rosedale.

Project Blessings sponsors several events each year to raise the funds needed to help renovate the homes, including a “donations-only” annual Thanksgiving meal and a talent show. The organization also recently helped open a new men’s homeless shelter in Tuscaloosa, which had been without one since the 2011 tornado.