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Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 PM – Friday, October 9 at 2:00 PMThe Lovelady Center | Birmingham, Alabama What can happen when we simply sit down together and talk? On October 8th, The Lovelady Center is putting a bench outside our building and inviting Birmingham to find out. For 24 hours, our Executive Director, Melinda […]

Summer Update Because of You... generosity became a second chance for them. He was able to just be a kid this summer. Mothers and children were reunited, made memories together, and built a legacy of faith. Children discovered the joy of giving, were shown a bigger world, and celebrated at our Freedom Fest. Because of […]

I came through the Lovelady program multiple times and have graduated three different times. Looking back, I can see that every time God was pursuing me, even when I wasn't ready to fully surrender. It was during my last relapse that everything changed. God showed me very clearly that if I didn't make a real […]

For over 20 years, I was trapped in addiction. I spent years in and out of jail, living on the streets, running from my mistakes, and making poor choices that led to losing custody of my children. I felt hopeless and stuck in a cycle I couldn't break. Before addiction took over my life, I […]

For many of the women who arrive at Lovelady, pregnancy has often been surrounded by uncertainty. Some have experienced addiction, homelessness, incarceration, or broken relationships. Many have never had the experience of someone celebrating them during pregnancy. A baby shower at Lovelady changes that narrative completely. Instead of isolation or fear, these mothers are surrounded […]

The Lovelady Center in Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation’s largest long-term, Christ-centered recovery program dedicated to women and their children. Recognized as a national model, the Center delivers comprehensive, evidence-based wraparound services—at no cost to clients—serving women displaced by addiction, incarceration, domestic violence, and homelessness. Rooted in community, the Center thrives because Birmingham shows up. […]

In July of 2022, I hit what I thought was my lowest point. I woke up in a hospital on life support with my hands strapped to the bed after attempting suicide. I had never been suicidal before but I was tired of the depression. I had lost my husband to pancreatic cancer and believed […]

Date & Time: Thursday, December 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM (CST)Early Setup: You may arrive as early as 11:00 AM to decorate and prep. Please have someone present by 4:30 PM. Help make this Christmas one they’ll never forget—for eight Loveladies, hosted at The Lovelady Center! In years past, many women have said that our Tablescapes Christmas Dinner was the most meaningful […]

Loveladies are finding their voices through the power of words, thanks to a transformative creative writing class led by volunteer teacher Mary Stagno. With support from the UAB English Department and funded by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, this class offers writing skills as well as healing. In recovery, women […]

The Lovelady Center to Host 24-Hour Livestream:Real Conversations on Homelessness, Addiction & Hope BIRMINGHAM, AL — October 9, 2025 What if a simple bench became a platform for change? Melinda MeGahee, Executive Director of The Lovelady Center, is taking a bold step—literally. For 24 continuous hours, she’ll sit outside on a bench at 7916 2nd […]

🎬 An Evening with Tony Hale and Seth Worley: Sketch Movie Screening! Lights, Camera… Hope!The Lovelady Center is thrilled to announce a special fundraising event unlike any other — a private screening of the new film Sketch, with a follow-up with Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Hale, and critically acclaimed director, Seth Worley, right here in Birmingham. This unforgettable night will […]

When a mother is deemed ready to have her child join her in The Lovelady Center program, the transformation for the child can be profound and multifaceted. Here are key aspects of the transformation:Stability and Safety: Our children often come from chaotic backgrounds. The Lovelady Center provides a stable environment that contrasts with their previous […]

2024:Lovelady Thrift Irondale had its best year on record! Est. 20102nd Elevator repaired and operationalAnother Freezer addedNew AC units for the Civic Room and KitchenNew, modern exterior doors for entire buildingNew modern back gatesPlayground 1 with pickleball/basketball courtPlayground 2Podcast roomNew roof completedNew exterior windows for entire buildingMarketplace/Xtool RoomLittle Lovelady AftercareClient Handbook RevampedKidzone CurriculumAftercare Small Groups […]

Welcome & PrayerPastor Jamil Gilleylen Goodness of GodSavvy Gregory, Granddaughter Remembering Miss BrendaLovelady Center Pastor Lestley DrakeBrenda Lovelady Spahn Celebration of Life VideoNoah Gregory & Joseph MeGahee, GrandsonsBrandi Mizell, Lovelady Graduate Coming Home, Sweet JesusKevin Derryberry Melinda MeGahee, DaughterJoe Medina How Great Thou ArtSadie Goodman Pastor Dino Rizzo We Will RideShawn Lombard Closing & PrayerPastor […]

Today I woke up at 4:30 am feeling extra thankful. I get to go pick up my seven-year-old son from Mobile, Alabama for our weekend visit. It truly amazes me that The Lovelady Center has allowed me to go and pick him up and bring him back for a visit, every other weekend, since August […]

I came to the Lovelady for the first time in early 2022. I had escaped a brutal domestic violence situation coupled with a long standing addiction to alcohol and meth. The love of Jesus flooded me immediately when I got here, I just didn't know what it was. I knew this place felt different. Amongst […]

Mission Empowering women, through Christ-centered initiatives, so they can return to society as well-equipped women of God. The program is about empowerment, hope and a belief in the value of each and every human life. It is our mission to help women rebuild their lives and walk forward with faith-driven hope for a future. TLC […]

A Transformed Life: Taylor’s StoryI started using drugs at age nine, beginning with smoking spice, a synthetic form of marijuana. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, I faced significant challenges, and by age 16, I experienced devastating losses: my father to drugs in 2013 and my sister to a car wreck in 2014. These tragedies […]

by Kristien, current program participant, in her own words On any given day, The Lovelady Center is a hive of activity with Lovelady clients, staff, and volunteers all moving and working towards the same cause- the best life for each and every woman who enters through its doors. What it takes to get any single […]

What we achieved because YOU gave: Completed Projects: Security CamerasSensory Room for KidZoneNew area for school-age childrenKeyless Entry Cafeteria Renovated Large Walk-in Freezer for MannaRestroom addition and renovations  Maintenance Area improvement:Car lift & Cardboard Bailer  Projects in Progress:2nd Elevator (90% Complete)Safety Alarm (80% Complete)Roof (Just starting, fully funded)Windows (Just starting, 75% funded) Intakes:899 new ladies, serving over 1300 […]

Jazmin is a lovely blonde-haired, green-eyed 27-year-old who wears glasses that are currently superglued back together, a testament to her rambunctious 18-month-old. As we sat and chatted her phone was continually buzzing which she laughingly told us was due to said 18-month-old bringing it to her in the shower the night before. “He’s so great. […]

Iris lived in fear for the majority of her life. This fear lead her into addiction and a life spent in-and-out of prison. After eight years of sobriety, Iris relapsed and was sent to jail. Incarcerated during the pandemic, she received an early release but she did not want to leave the jail. Iris explains, […]

One of our youngest Loveladies, Katie remembers that she had a good childhood, even though addiction had a hold on her family. Her mother and stepfather struggled with drugs. Katie and her siblings were unaware of their struggle, however, until one day, Katie arrived home from school to find her mother had left. "I came […]

Hope's journey with The Lovelady Center began seven years ago when she first came for recovery. Over the years, she has come to the Center several times, each time leaving due to relapse. "For years, I've gone to extensive measures to find something to fill the void that I have lived with my entire life." […]

December 1, 2021 Andie had no idea her life was about to take a drastic turn for the better. After a life lived in and out of prison, on the streets, selling and using drugs, Andi was at the end of herself. "I've always heard people say they didn't want to look themselves in the […]

When Charity signed up for Jefferson State Community College's Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program she was a little nervous that she might not fit in. However, her worries quickly disappeared after meeting her diverse classmates and her instructor. Charity had some prior experience with heavy equipment working with her brother's company in Arkansas, and she applied […]

Lovelady Graduate Obtains Degree and Returns to the Center to Put It to Use: Meet the Lovelady Center Dental Hygienist and Clinic Manager To see her today, one would never know that Jael has walked through some of the darkest days a human can endure. Like the majority of the women who enter The Lovelady […]

The Lovelady Center welcomes women from all walks of life. Kelsey came to us after a timely wake-up call. Hear her story.

It’s that time of year again — spring cleaning! Keep reading to find out what we accept as thrift store donations.

Our two Birmingham thrift stores are located in Irondale and Clay. Keep reading to find out how they got their start.

At The Lovelady Center, education is a priority. Read on to learn how we help our clients reach their goals and earn their GED.

The Lovelady Center is constantly looking for ways to help more women in our community. Keep reading to learn what we’re hoping to accomplish in 2022.

In 2021, we were able to serve more women than ever before. Keep reading to learn how we were able to change lives last year.

The Christmas season is a busy one at The Lovelady Center. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from us throughout the season.

What’s the best gift you can give a child? At The Lovelady Center, we think that presence is the best present. That’s what our toy drive is all about.

Always looking to meet the needs of our community, we are opening Lovelady Manna—a community food bank to serve our neighbors. Learn more.

Make a gift on November 30 for GivingTuesday and help us provide heating & cooling units for fifty client rooms this winter. Read on to learn more.

On Sunday, October 24, our reunion event for our former graduates had more than 1,200 attendees. Keep reading to hear some of their compelling stories.

Our program sees so many women reclaim their lives and successfully graduate. Keep reading to learn more about our most recent graduating class.