Deidre Tatum’s War on Poverty

Executive Director of the Walker County Community Action Agency is using lessons she learned as a child to help those in need. 

Words by Justin Hunter | Images by Ryan McGill

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40

Diedre Tatum sits down, takes off her mask, and leans back in a chair in a conference room at the Walker County Community Action Agency (WCCA). It’s been a busy Monday morning already, and it’s barely 9 a.m. As she takes a breather in the quiet space, a smile dances across her face, followed by a quick laugh. 

“You know, you have to find time to laugh and celebrate the small victories in this field of work or it can be overwhelming,” she says.

Tatum, Executive Director of the WCCA, is on the frontlines of eliminating poverty in Walker County. The battle has only intensified as low-income and middle-class families have been hit hard financially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization’s lobby seems to fill up quicker every morning and the number of requests for assistance has surged over the last 17 months as families struggle to keep their heads above the ever-increasing tide. 

Despite the increased challenges, Tatum and her team’s mission is to enable citizens to overcome barriers by assisting them with the basic needs, skills, and information essential to become successful and productive citizens through agency programs and referrals.

“I believe our sole purpose for being here on earth is to help people,” Tatum says. “I know we’re supposed to help them in a Christian way by both giving and teaching. I don’t believe in giving a person a fish. I believe in teaching them to fish.”

Originally from Sheffield, Alabama, Tatum grew up in a large Christian family and was the sixth out of seven children. Her family wasn’t wealthy by any stretch, but were faithful, blue-collar folks who trusted the Lord, worked extremely hard, and gave to those less fortunate. 

Tatum understands the struggle of her clients at WCCA because she has walked in their shoes. 

“I remember when we were kids, our neighbors used to go down to the Sheffield community center, which was a couple of streets over, to get free lunches, and we asked, ‘Mom, can we go with, can we go?’ She said ‘No, there are people who are more needy than y’all,’” Tatum recalls.  “Mom was always sacrificing and teaching us how to sacrifice to make sure the more needy folks had food or clothing. As you grow up, you see and hear stories from neighbors and clients, and you understand your life wasn’t peachy, but many people were worse off than you. Then, you are able to thank God for the things He had blessed you with."

Tatum eventually learned the lesson her mother was trying to teach her and continues to practice it daily. Before joining WCCA, Tatum owned a local flower shop and bakery, Flowers by Deidre & Gifts. In August 2008, she heard about a job opening at WCCA and felt her previous work experience in accounting, human resources, and business management would be useful. Sadly, the agency was in shambles and on the brink of being shut down when Tatum came on board. 

“I was hired to come in and straighten things out,” she explains. “I worked days and evenings the first several months and by that December, we were removed from high-risk status.”

The WCCA offers services for the residents of Walker County, including energy/crisis energy assistance, a clothing closet, senior programs, a career/job readiness program, budgeting program, emergency food program, and youth programs. The organization provides public transportation for Walker County. Plans are in the works to eventually have a program that provides rides to surrounding counties to work, doctor visits, and grocery stores for the whole county. 

“I do believe that a person can grow, and everybody has a gift and the potential to do whatever they enjoy doing,” says Tatum. “Sometimes people just need some assistance, and sometimes people have never seen the map (toward achievement) and don’t know it even exists and is an option for them.”

Tatum and her team at WCCA are celebrating the daily victories in the war on poverty by offering hands up and not merely handouts, making sure every resident of Walker County has a chance to thrive. 78