Lovelady Center

This has to be the most comprehensive ministry I have ever seen! Our Church among hundreds of others is partnering with the Lovelady Center to help out. It houses approximately 400 women and children from all types of struggles from those getting out of prison, possibly going to prison, drugs and alcohol, abusive situations, you name it! It's located in an old hospital in East Birmingham and is totally faith-based. It takes no government funding and has been around since 2005. They have classes of all kinds preparing women for the work force and life. They bus kids to school, provide 3 meals/day, and mainly provide the truth that Christ is the way to healing and restoration and can guide you to the life he has planned for you. The founder, Brenda Lovelady Spahn, said, "The Lovelady Center is not a halfway house. There is nothing half-way about it!" After Jeff and I toured it and helped with their Adopt A Room project, we totally agree.

This is the only facility of its kind in the USA that allows women who have custody of their children to keep their children with them. The rooms are hospital rooms and are in need of repainting etc. They asked for volunteers to Adopt-a-Room and come in on a Fri night and repaint and provide new bedding. We partnered with a couple from our small group and did just that and it was a blast! WE got to meet this young lady and hear her story and God has done a powerful work in her life and she is on her way. We got word she liked bright colors so we didn't hold back. We went for pink walls and bright green doors and matching bedding. It felt like a mini Home Makeover. She loved it and was so grateful. It was fun to see her bring her friends by to see.