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Published: July 30, 2024

Services Offered at The Lovelady Center

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 teaches each woman how to overcome barriers to success and be self-sufficient, an asset to her family and community. You can give a person shelter, food and clothing, but if they cannot support themselves, the cycle of poverty, incarceration, and crime will never be broken.

Spiritual direction, housing, nutrition, medical and dental needs, fitness (full commercial gym), life-skills, job training, post-secondary education & certification opportunities, in-depth counseling, transportation, 1st-8th grade private school (off-campus), daycare with sensory & learning rooms for infant-K4, after-school recreational areas, aftercare graduate apartment campus.

Our clients join us through family court referrals, alternative sentences, criminal court orders, parole, supervised releases, homelessness, or by self-admission seeking a path to a better life (a substance abuse issue or incarceration does not have to be present in order to enter our program).

To graduate, each woman must earn 34 core credits, 34 continuing education credits, and 34 health credits. Credits are earned through completion of one class, comprising six 1-hour sessions. Examples include GED tutoring for continuing education credits and fitness classes for health credits.

Upon entry, we assess each woman’s educational needs. Those without a high school diploma are enrolled in GED tutoring, while others are guided towards college or certificate programs. Having a personalized education plan is a core tenet of our approach, known as the “Lovelady Law.”

Each woman must complete at least 9 sessions with our on-site counselors, with additional sessions determined by counselor assessment. Dr. Debra “Chap” Jones must approve program counseling completion for graduation. Given the complex backgrounds of our participants, thorough counseling is integral to their successful transition at Lovelady.

Upon arrival, each woman undergoes comprehensive medical and psychological assessments. Our on-site medical clinic provides 24/7 access to medication and basic medical assistance, including emergency care. Dedicated volunteers, including general practitioners, psychiatrists, dentists, and optometrists, generously offer their expertise to meet the diverse medical needs of our women.

Women participate in job training within our organization until Phase 5, based on their ability level. This “sweat equity” model not only sustains our program but also fosters personal investment in recovery. Community partnerships offer support with interview skills and job search strategies to better equip clients for transition back into society.

Women and children attend church services three times weekly, with women also attending daily morning devotionals. These sessions offer Biblical training and a sense of community. Church services are led by our campus pastor or ordained staff, and devotional services are led by staff members.

Ensuring accountability and monitoring via drug testing is integral to our women’s success. Clients undergo random and post-overnight pass tests, adhering to all court, probation, and parole orders. Our on-site testing covers 15 substances, facilitating comprehensive oversight.

After graduating the program, women either stay at the Center or transition to our off-campus apartments. In our aftercare program, they experience increased freedom within a structured environment, subject to random monthly drug tests. Participation entails attending church services, Celebrate Recovery meetings, and staying engaged in recovery activities.

Miracle Academy offers a Christian curriculum based upon individualized plans, counseling, and age-appropriate recreational areas. The primary focus is to address each child’s needs, both academically and emotionally, so that they will be better prepared for what the future holds. Having a qualified teaching/counselor approach provides the extra help they need to adjust to the public school system & its demands once they depart our program. Children are transported by bus to Miracle Academy.

We offer excellence standards and nurturing care for newborns to k-4-aged children while their mothers make progress in our program. Our calming sensory rooms and child/parent psychotherapy options, in partnership with ADMH, are vital for the emotional well-being and development of our little ones.

Want to visit for a tour? Contact our Development Director, Frank Long at: frank@loveladycenter.org

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The Lovelady Center
7916 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35206
Main: (205) 833-7410
Fax: (205) 833-9997
Lovelady Thrift - Irondale
7720 Ludington Lane
Irondale, AL 35210
Call to schedule a pick-up: (205) 951-9230
Lovelady Thrift - Clay
2402 Old Springville Road Birmingham, AL 35215
Call to schedule a pick-up:
(205) 951-9230
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