CSS Baldwin's Beam retires, will 'miss helping people

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
ROBERTSDALE — As a volunteer, then receptionist, then office manager and most recently as director, Phyllis Beam has done it all and helped plenty of people at Catholic Social Services of Baldwin County. 
But it’s now time for someone else to take over. 
After 18 years working at the Robertsdale office, including the last six as director, Beam has retired – but not before impacting many people.
“It’s been a great experience to be able to do this,” she said. “And I’ll miss the people the most. I’ll miss helping people.”
Beam helped many in all sorts of ways. 
She fondly recalls helping a man acquire his Commercial Driver’s License. The seemingly innocent task turned out to be vitally important because the client had an intellectually disabled son whom he couldn’t leave at home. By acquiring his license, the client was able to have his son with him while working.
The client also remembered CSS when he had some damaged boxes of frozen chickens. 
“I think he brought us 10 cases of frozen chickens. He could have sold them, he could have kept them, but he brought them to us,” Beam said and explained that a local grocery store helped CSS take the chickens apart, bag them and give them to needy families.
“Who would’ve thought a CDL license would lead to that?” she said.
Just last year CSS in Robertsdale helped 1,489 families – nearly 5,000 individuals – in so many ways.
Beam has also seen the facility and offices expand. CSS in Robertsdale underwent a $600,000 renovation in 2019, which included new workspace for its To Be Options for Women that provides assistance and education to new and expecting mothers. The facility’s thrift shop also expanded.
Beam has been succeeded by Angela Hickey, a parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Daphne. 
Hickey most recently worked at AltaPointe and at the Cindy Haber Center, which serves those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
But taking over at CSS has been a longtime dream.
“In college, my goal was always to work with Catholic Social Services. That’s where I wanted to end up. It just didn’t happen until now,” said Hickey.
“I just kind of came around a long way, but I’m so happy to be here. This was the answer to my prayers in every possible way, so I have to work hard to be deserving of that.”
Hickey heard Beam’s story of helping the man obtain a CDL and said “I’m excited for that right there. That’s what makes the difference and when you see the results of it … “
She added that connecting with clients is what she’s most looking forward to in taking over for Beam.
“I want to be that support for people, to be able to provide assistance, affirmation and hope,” she said. “People need hope.”