by Dr. Philip Walton
With all the bad news in our society these days, it’s refreshing to hear some good news once in a while. I’d like to share the story of something wonderful that happened recently at The Lovelady Center in Birmingham, AL. Several of those in our HWWC office had the blessing of seeing this unfold and the privilege of taking part.
The Lovelady Center is the largest center for abused women and children in the United States. It is located here in Birmingham in the old East End Hospital on 2nd Avenue South and 80th Street. This Center was founded four years ago by a remarkable woman named Brenda Lovelady Spahn. While working with women in a prison ministry, Brenda realized that despite their best efforts, 75-80% of those released would return to prison in six months or less. Many come from abusive situations, have drug addictions or just have no other place to go. Brenda started the Lovelady ministry in her home and then quickly moved it to the present site. Through this ministry, the return rate to prison has dropped to about 25%. Currently, there are 325 women residents and 100 children under going rehabilitation and receiving new hope at the Lovelady Center.
Until just recently, this Center had no organized medical care. When there was a need they had to either travel to emergency rooms around the city and endure long waits or get an appointment at one of the local charity clinics. Thanks to the generosity of many and the grace of God, they now have a new 3200 sq. ft. medical clinic with a waiting room, lab, nurses station, two exam rooms, dental and eye exam rooms and a separate area for counseling.
From the beginning, this medical clinic was a labor of love, with many donating time and materials. Elizabeth Wilson at Krumdieck A+I Design dedicated her time to draw a floor plan. Then Brasfield & Gorrie provided two men to do the demo work and add walls, doors, etc. Carpet Specialties donated carpet and rubber base, Classic Flooring donated tile, and United Plywood donated laminate for the countertops. The painting, ceiling repair, carpeting, tiling, and rubber base installation were all done by volunteers, and others donated medical supplies and office furniture. LabCorp is providing all the lab supplies and many physicians of various specialties are volunteering their time to care for these ladies.
On March 25, 2010, The Lovelady Center held a Grand Opening Ceremony for the new medical clinic, with dignitaries and guests invited to see first hand what had been accomplished. Of course, now that the clinic is open, they will continue to need donations of medical and office supplies, as well as volunteers to staff the clinic. They also need non-medical volunteers to help in many other ways at the Center. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with this amazing ministry, call (205) 833-7410 or click here to visit their website: www.lovelady.homestead.com.
