Grace House Ministries
Grace House Ministries is a privately-operated Christian non-profit which provides a foster home and programs for girls on its campus near Fairfield High School in Fairfield. It accepts girls removed from the custody of other caregivers by the Alabama Department of Human Resources due to abandonment, neglect or abuse. Its offices are located at 4947 Farrell Avenue.
The program was founded in 1992 by "Mama Lois" Coleman, who had long been known for hosting neighborhood children at her home, known as the "Cultivator's Club". Originally serving 8 girls at one house, it has since grown to a "village" of 13 properties serving 40 girls with housing, meals and counseling, as well as a campus school and a transitional housing program for graduates. The campus school operates as part of Harvest Christian School, and is geared toward helping girls who struggle in regular classroom environments. The nonprofit also works with Restoration Academy and Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School to place students. Grace House also provides extracurricular opportunities in social, career and financial skills and community volunteerism.
Coleman retired in 2010. The current executive director is Pamela Reed Phipps. The organization broke ground for a new $4.5 million facility in 2024.
References
- "'Mama' Lois Coleman, founder of Grace House, dies at 95." (April 3, 2019) The Birmingham Times
- Bookman, Alaina (June 5, 2024) "Birmingham nonprofit expands aid for girls in need: ‘No more abandonment’." AL.com
External links
- Grace House Ministries website