For many REALTORS®, giving back is a natural extension of serving their communities and supporting the people who live and work within them.

For the 2025 Mickey Phillips REALTORS® for Children award recipient, Kelly Woodham, that commitment is deeply personal. As a parent, she believes helping children in unsafe or uncertain situations is a responsibility she carries whenever she can.

"Having kids of my own, I can’t imagine being in a situation where they would be in want of something or in an environment that wasn’t safe," Woodham said. "If there is some way, big or small, that I can help make life better for a child, then I feel like it’s my responsibility to try."

Much of Woodham’s service centers on organizations that provide safety and stability to children and families, including Wiregrass Children’s Home, where she serves on the board of directors, and The House of Ruth, both in Dothan. She credits her local REALTOR® association with introducing her to these organizations through fundraising and volunteer opportunities, which allowed her to become more involved.

Woodham also views giving back as an important duty for REALTORS® and the real estate industry as a whole.

"I think anytime you are not in a position of needing help, it’s important to be the one who reaches out to help others," she said. "The real estate industry — and society in general — does better when others do better. When you’re living in a situation where you are afraid or worried about your basic needs, you can’t be the best version of yourself."

Reflecting on receiving the award, Woodham said the recognition reinforces her belief in giving back whenever possible.

"I’m honored to be selected for the award," she said. "I’ve always thought that giving back is just what you do when you can. If I can make anyone’s situation just a little less difficult, even for a moment, then that’s what I need to be doing."