POWERGRAMS

10 Lovelady Center gardens bloom with renewed beauty Four years ago, the Lovelady Center gardens in Birmingham underwent a remarkable transformation, when a desolate space was turned into a vibrant oasis. The once neglected garden, established in 2004, had lost its appeal until help arrived from the Magic City Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO). Today, the gardens boast vibrant flowers and a cornucopia of crops that have become the lifeblood of the center's residents. Even during the cold weather, the garden provides fresh produce that nourishes the Lovelady Center community. But the garden's purpose extends far beyond sustenance: The beautiful blooms in the garden add joy to events and also serve as an enriching backdrop for gardening classes offered to the women residing at the center. A faith-based, nondenominational residential facility, the Lovelady Center serves as a haven for vulnerable women and their families. With a mission to empower and transform lives, the center provides its 600 residents with shelter, meals, childcare and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Joni Morton, volunteer coordinator at the Lovelady Center since October 2018, vividly recalled the impact made by the volunteers from APSO's Magic City Chapter whose service ignited a passion to breathe new life into the rooftop spot. "The support we receive from APSO has greatly benefited our women and children as they recover from hardships and transition their lives," Morton said, noting Magic City APSO's 2018 contributions in building the flower and vegetable garden and designing an inspirational mural. "These meaningful contributions provide such value to our center and help give our residents faith and hope as they grow in their recovery." Members of Magic City APSO and the Mountain Brook Horticulturist Club joined Watco Rail Services employees in giving new life to the garden. Marketing Specialist Kaylon Mikula chaired the project, with APSO members helping install the first four sets of railroad ties. Mikula noted the work couldn't have been done without the help of JaCorey Murray, Mechanical Safety and Training manager at Watco Rail Services, whose team helped with the installation. Watco also donated the railroad ties. "It was really difficult getting the ties placed on top of the roof, but Watco Rail Services brought out equipment to install them successfully," Mikula added. She said the APSO members, along with Birmingham Division Energizer Wilbur Johnson, combined to put in about 100 hours on the project. It's not the only contributions APSO Magic City members have made to the Lovelady organization. Volunteers also have provided hygiene products and held a holiday toy drive for the children of Lovelady residents. Garden is powerful metaphor for life Today, the garden flourishes with purpose and growth, just as the Lovelady Center helps its residents cultivate a renewed sense of purpose to rebuild their lives by supplying them the needed tools to reintegrate into society. Residents have access to educational opportunities, enabling them to complete their GED and obtain other degrees and take part in life-skills classes. The center's nine-month education program, supported by dedicated volunteers, ensures that each resident departs with a secure place to stay and the prospect of a brighter future. The Lovelady Center encourages individuals from the community to volunteer their time and skills to help. Visit www.LoveladyCenter.org and click on "Donate" or "Volunteer" to make a significant difference in residents' lives. By Andrew Rhodes APSO Morton (le), with Mikula, oversees Lovelady's gardens.

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