Sewell secured this funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal government funding package

Birmingham, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced $2 million in federal funding that she secured for the Lovelady Center to help break the cycle of incarceration and poverty for women in the Birmingham region. At a press conference, Rep. Sewell presented a check to Lovelady Founder Brenda Lovelady Spahn, which will be used to rehabilitate two dormitories on the Lovelady campus. The funding is part of the $42.8 million that Sewell secured in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package for local projects in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

“By providing food, a safe place to stay, and spiritual guidance, the Lovelady Center has played a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty and getting our most vulnerable women reintegrated into society,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am thrilled to have secured $2 million to help rehabilitate the center’s dormitories so that they can continue their critical work. My team and I worked diligently to ensure that money for this project was included in the annual government funding bill so that we can make our community safer, stronger, and more prosperous. I can’t wait to see the impact that it will have here in Birmingham!”

“We are so honored to receive this funding to rehabilitate our 96-year-old facility,” said Frank Long, Director of External Affairs at the Lovelady Center. “It means so much to us and the women we serve to have our Congresswoman support the Lovelady Center that has transformed the lives of thousands of women. Since its founding in 2005 we have helped over 14,000 women and 4,000 children and we know that this funding is a critical part of our dedication to long term recovery. Ultimately we are so honored she would think of us.”

The mission of the Lovelady Center is to help women rebuild their lives and walk forward with faith-driven hope for the future. The Lovelady Center ensures that each woman is taught how to overcome barriers to success by providing not only much needed services, but also life skills and spiritual guidance. 

See a full list of projects receiving funding in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District here.