Birmingham, AL May 2024

Ladies Issue

May. The school year is almost over, and excitement for summer is building as days lengthen and temperatures rise. It’s wedding season, Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day. It’s also my birthday and Mother’s Day—often falling on the same weekend. Cahaba Lilies are blooming, and feminine energy is buzzing as we reflect on the mothers, mother figures, female friends, and trailblazers in our lives—welcome to our Ladies Issue!

I don’t know who first said, “Your grandmother’s prayers are still protecting you,” but I think that notion encapsulates the significance of moms (and grandmoms) in our lives. It hints at both the often unseen and underappreciated nature of a mother’s work and the far-reaching, generational impact one woman can have. My mom, Pam, is no exception.

In between taking care of her own mother and grandkids, Pammy makes time to meet me for coffee, walks, and margaritas (her fave). I call her without hesitation with the dumbest, most minuscule questions, as well as the most important ones. She stuck with me despite some tumultuous teenage years and is now my preferred plus-one for dinner, shopping, road trips, and international travel.

Years ago, I bought her a piece of folk art at the Kentuck Art Festival by an artist named Missionary Mary L. Proctor. In crude handwriting, the piece says, “A Mother Love Come From Above.” I agree! This month, and throughout this magazine issue, we celebrate the supernatural and tenacious love of moms, and the myriad contributions strong and inspired women make across Birmingham every single day.

KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emilie Maynor, Denise K. James

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mary Fehr

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn

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Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 337 transactions totaling over $165 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

1857 Catala Rd. | Buyer’s Agent VESTAVIA

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-4: The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs hosted the inaugural Bell Center 5K and Children’s Run, presented by Daniel Corporation. The 2024 Bell Center 5K is a community-oriented race benefiting The Bell Center, which provides vital early intervention therapy for hundreds of children from across Alabama. 5-7: A great time was had by all at the Alabama Ballet Pointe Ball, where guests enjoyed a ballet performance, dinner, and dancing.

AARON WILHITE, BIRMINGHAM CREATIVE

AARON WILHITE, BIRMINGHAM CREATIVE

AARON WILHITE, BIRMINGHAM CREATIVE

AARON WILHITE, BIRMINGHAM CREATIVE

ERIC LUCKY ERIC LUCKY

city scene

8-11: Guests enjoyed the 2024 Contenders Collective presented by Battle Republic. The event featured influential and inspiring women and was held at Red Mountain Theatre. Photography by Mary Fehr 12-14: This year’s Shamrock Shindig, benefiting The Arc of Central Alabama, took place at B&A Warehouse.

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Culinary Dropout Now Open at The Summit

Culinary Dropout, the brainchild of acclaimed restaurateur  Sam Fox, is now open at The  Summit. With a "rock & roll" theme, the restaurant provides a vibrant atmosphere featuring a wall of speakers, a stage for live music, and strategically placed TVs. The menu boasts elevated versions of classic dishes, such as Steak Frites, Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue, and the famous Fried Chicken drizzled in honey.

Mizzen+Main Opens at The Summit

The menswear brand based in Dallas, TX, opens at The Summit on May 23. Known for clothes that feel like athletic wear and look like custom-tailored fits, Mizzen+Main combines performance fabrics with modern silhouettes that are wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable. From the board room to the golf course, Mizzen+Main has you covered.

Cala Coffee Launches Gulp

Cala Coffee has entered its "wine era" with the addition of Gulp: a curated selection of wines at their downtown location. Gulp is a fun & approachable exploration of natural wines. These wines highlight producers & winemakers who use low-intervention techniques with the least possible use of additives & overly technological procedures. Expect to find retail bottles available 7 days a week + extended weekend hours with wines by-the-glass, charcuterie & craft beer offerings!

Photography by Marina Moore

Photography by Nik Layman

Mockingbird Day Spa Now Open

Owners Brittany Martin and Jill Copeland-Henderson have launched a new day spa in Trussville. Mockingbird offers both organic and clinical facials, custom massage therapy, spray tans, infrared sauna, spa packages, and couples services. Brittany has been a licensed esthetician since 2009, and Jill is the owner of The Retreat Day Spa. Mockingbird is located at 145 N Chalkville Rd.

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ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT

with Mom Travels

I live for the thrill of discovery made possible by travel. Whether it’s finding a favorite new bistro in a familiar city like Paris or browsing antique shops in Cashiers, North Carolina, I find endless inspiration, joy, and creative renewal every time I set out for adventure. And, while I’ll always advocate for solo travel for its way of forcing immersion and greater awareness, over the past year, my favorite excursions have been with my longest-serving travel companion, my mom. While traveling with Pam is not without some stress (she hates airports and my need for speed while navigating French back roads), overall, we are compatible travel partners, both loving slow travel focused on lots of walking, conversing with locals, and flexible (or no) itineraries. Oh, and plenty of coffee and food breaks.

JACKSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

It had been over a decade since we’d visited High Hampton. A beloved retreat for so many Birmingham families, we were excited to spend a brisk weekend in February discovering the culinary delights and natural beauty of Jackson County and experiencing the relaxed luxury of High Hampton, which underwent a stunning and well-documented renovation completed in 2021.

We opted to stay in the generously proportioned two-bedroom, two-bathroom Mayapple Cottage, conveniently located steps from the Inn. With a cozy living room, fireplace, and my own soaking tub, it would have been entirely possible not to leave the cottage, much less the resort. The mix of antiques and cheery textiles blend harmoniously with the quirks of the old architecture–an interior recipe that immediately settles and comforts weary travelers.

Pottery from Mountain Mist Gallery, Cashiers

Hôtel du Sentier

High Hampton

The food and beverage scene did not disappoint. With an ever-changing menu, incredibly gracious staff, and the most endearing and knowledgeable sommelier I’ve ever encountered, our meals at High Hampton were the highlight of the trip. Opting for the wine pairing had me buzzily taking notes on esoteric varietals, and, as wine often does, it led to conversations around travel, international relations, and languages.

Between hiking the grounds and exploring some of the new construction at High Hampton, we made our way into the quaint town of Cashiers. What a delight to happen upon Josephine’s Emporium, the outpost of Josephine McDonough, my Antiques at the Garden friend and exceptionally knowledgeable dealer of antique French pochoirs, maps, and botanical prints. Within the rambling shop are a handful of antique dealers and exhibits by local artists. We left having discovered new artists and new friends—the absolute joy of travel.

Additional weekend highlights were daily lattes at Buck’s Coffee, local brews at Whiteside Brewing Company, dinner at The Orchard, and pizza at Slabtown. Always on the hunt for art of all mediums, we were delighted to visit Mountain Mist Gallery. Painter David Berger and his wife Julie, a painter and jeweler, have curated an excellent gallery with works echoing the natural surroundings of Jackson County. We left with plenty of earthy-hued Butterfield Pottery for ourselves and family members.

After a quick jaunt into Highlands and more mountain gazing, it was time to drive back to Birmingham—refreshed, relaxed, and with memories of time spent with mom, unburdened by the distractions of everyday life.

High Hampton

Hôtel du Sentier

Breakfast at High Hampton

“I find endless inspiration, joy, and creative renewal every time I set out for adventure.”

SUMMER IN PARIS

The Hôtel du Sentier is a newer hotel in the very central 2nd arrondissement of Paris. As someone who has lived and worked in Paris and is very familiar with the city, I can say unequivocally that this was the most gracious hospitality I’ve experienced in this favorite city of mine. Rooms were spacious and serene, owing to the location adjacent to Passage du Caire, the oldest covered arcade (read: pedestrian mall) in Paris. The neighborhood is a bit of a garment district, made extra lively as our stay coincided with Men’s Fashion Week. Locals, models, and guests congregate at the hotel’s picture-perfect outdoor bistro tables over decadent (all day!) breakfasts that turn into lunch and apéro hour. Our trip was perfectly timed to the annual Fête de la Musique, the all-night music festival which is one of my favorite times to be in Paris.

Our American need for iced oat milk lattes to-go was met by nearby Boneshaker Donuts, allowing us to enjoy extra-long, aimless strolls along and across the Seine, shopping in St. Germaine, a pop-in to Musée Picasso, and even trekking out to Parc Bagatelle in the Bois de Bologne to revisit the exceptional rose gardens.

The grounds of High Hampton

Hôtel du Sentier

The dining room at High Hampton

A life well lived should continue at home

“I have been very happy with my services from Home Instead. My CAREGiver is extremely conscientious and does things so well. She really wants to make sure that I am pleased with the care she provides. She is so careful to let me know about any changes so I don’t worry about her or the schedule. She is living proof that Home Instead has an excellent training program.”

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Mike Hamilton

MEET THREE LOCAL BUSINESSES RUN BY MOTHER-DAUGHTER CREATIVES

Dynamic Duos

ARTICLE BY EMILIE MAYNOR

There’s no denying the strength of mother-daughter relationships. When that bond becomes a professional collaboration, it creates a unique business dynamic. Mothers offer wisdom and experience, acting as mentors and supporters. Daughters bring fresh perspectives and the drive of a new generation. Avani Rupa, Stone Hollow Farmstead, and PopJoy are local mother-daughter business duos that have harnessed this powerful combination and channeled it as a recipe for success.

Just as you might be, we were curious to learn more about their origin stories, creative processes, and how they navigate healthy boundaries between their personal and professional roles. We wanted to know the burning question, “What is it REALLY like to work as a mother-daughter team?”

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers creates exquisite custom jewelry, each piece reflecting a mix of modern style with whispers of inspiration from their Indian heritage. Their designs feature vibrant gemstones

and handcrafted metals meticulously sourced and selected for their customer’s unique vision. Rest assured, this is not your average jeweler. A brief scroll through the website or a stroll through their Mountain Brook showroom and you’ll see what we mean. Avani Rupa offers customers everyday opulence. These one-of-a-kind pieces are not flashy or loud, but they absolutely make a statement.

Mother Rupa began designing jewelry around the time daughter Avani was in middle school. What started as a small side hobby quickly became a viable business. But more importantly, after years of being a devoted daughter, sibling, mother, and wife, this was something Rupa could call her own.

Rupa had to leave school at age 16. She got her GED while helping raise her sisters and supporting the family. After marriage, Rupa’s focus shifted to raising children–being able to stay home with them is something she is deeply grateful for. As the kids got older, she found herself not only dabbling in jewelry design but also hosting unofficial jewelry shows in the family basement. The demand for Rupa’s designs continued to grow, as did her desire to start a business. So she did. At age 40, Rupa officially founded the company that would become a family legacy.

“Seeing Mom put her mind to something majorly influenced me. She taught me to be confident and trust myself not by telling me what to do, but by showing me how through her journey,” says Avani as she considers the impact of her mom starting a business in her 40s.

Although inspired, Avani was not initially inclined to join her mother in business. She had always planned to pursue a medical career, but things shifted the summer after high school when she worked with Rupa to create inventory systems and help streamline the business. Avani recalls thinking, “I want to do what mom does.” Rupa replies, “I always said, ‘Do something that makes you happy.’ I never pressured her, but I was glad to see her take an interest. Avani is a natural with jewelry design, and I’m very proud.”

After graduating from Birmingham Southern College with her B.S in Accounting, Avani headed to California to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she earned a diploma in the GIA Graduate Gemologist, Jewelry Design, and CAD/CAM programs. With esteemed credentials, she returned home, joining Rupa as co-owner of Avani Rupa. She quickly injected her energy into the business, initiating changes like moving the storefront location, modernizing the showroom aesthetics, and creating more efficient systems. Rupa smiles and shares, “I LOVE Avani’s systems. She’s made my life so much simpler and, in turn, more enjoyable.”

Their roles have shifted throughout their partnership to meet the many phases of life and business. These days, Rupa is less involved with the day-to-day tasks, opting to spend more time with her grandkids. They continue to co-create on the in-store lines, including their custom signature line. These lines, usually comprised of 8-12 pieces, are unique everyday wear designs infused with Indian flare.

Avani’s primary focus is on the custom design process. She emphasizes the importance of truly getting to know a customer and their tastes, whether designing engagement and bridal sets, repurposing family heirlooms, or creating a statement bangle bursting with color. When clients arrive with a Pinterest board of ideas, she reminds them, “You can express your personality in this piece of jewelry,” and encourages them to go beyond current trends. She guides the process from creative conception to completion, handling everything from initial sketches to sourcing the perfect gemstones.

The mutual respect this mother-daughter team has is palpable. “We are lucky we never argue about work— but we occasionally bicker in our home life,” Avani says as she and Rupa lock eyes and smile at the truth of the statement. They cite being open-minded, comfortable with constructive criticism, and giving each other creative space as key ingredients in creating a successful working dynamic. Photos of Avani Rupa by Mary Fehr.

STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD

Stone Hollow Farmstead is a mother-daughter-owned and operated 80-acre farm in Shelby County specializing in botanicals, cosmetic extracts, and cosmeceuticals. Those familiar with the Pepper Place storefront will recognize skincare products, farm-fresh cocktail mixers, and thoughtfully curated gift boxes. Over the years, the business has taken many forms, but every Stone Hollow endeavor is rooted in a love for the land and a deep family history of entrepreneurship.

After years of running a successful spa, Deborah Stone sold her business and shifted focus to the farm. In 1999, she established Stone Hollow Farmstead with her daughter, Alexandra (Alex), by her side. Deborah recalls the early years of working together as a team, “We both fully committed ourselves to the farm until Alex left for college. She has been part of this journey from a very young age.” Much like her mother, Alex is an entrepreneur at heart. While she

envisioned running a business one day, she did not initially plan to co-run the family business. Alex left Birmingham to pave her future in New York and California, with dreams of creating her own makeup line.

After studying product development at the Fashion Design Institute in California, Alex explains, “The journey of life brought me back to the farm, and when it did, I rediscovered my passion for nature and creating.” Resettling into her southern roots, Alexandra joined her mom full-time on the farm, and the business came further into focus. Deborah elaborates on their growth, “Since Alex came on board, Stone Hollow has become more cohesive. The worlds I’d known–spa, skincare, and farming–didn’t fully align. Alex managed to unify these aspects under one umbrella, clarifying our vision.”

Deborah had started to explore utilizing their crops for less conventional, more creative uses. Her curiosity led the duo to the West Coast to

Photo Courtesy Stone Hollow Farmstead

learn the art of distillation, which became the foundation for their apothecary lines, Botanikō and Farmstead Laboratories. They describe the lines as the meeting point of science and nature–true farm-to-bottle products like facial serums, wellness tinctures, and luxurious body oils. On a deeper level, the lines are where Deborah and Alex merged their unique skill sets, solidifying their professional relationship and future growth.

With their apothecary lines thriving, they began to develop their flower farming skills, with a specific interest in growing dahlias. It may seem they have plenty to juggle, but Alex explains, “Everything on a farm is seasonal, so you have to have different things coming in at different times of year to keep financial momentum.”

As Alex’s grandmother and great-grandmother were avid flower gardeners, flowers are also part of the family history. In fact, the irises grown at Stone Hollow were transplanted from her grandmother’s property.

In 2016, the pair attended a flower farming workshop at Floret, a small, prestigious farm in Washington state. The challenge was bringing that information back to Alabama–an entirely different climate. Alex shares the heartbreak experienced after losing their first crop of dahlias, “we’re both pretty resilient, but mom is more so. I love that about her and strive to be more like her in that way.” After years of trial and error, Deborah and Alex’s dahlias are thriving; in 2023 Stone Hollow began shipping them nationwide. Stone Hollow Farmstead photos courtesy of Stone Hollow.

Deborah Stone and Alex Stone

Photo Courtesy Stone Hollow Farmstead

Photo Courtesy Stone Hollow Farmstead

POPJOY STUDIO

Donna and Ginger launched their business, PopJoy Studio, as an artistic collaboration blending history, architecture, and nature. PopJoy is the meeting point of their creative endeavors as artists and offers various products, from stationary and candles to silk scarves and ceramic pieces. While both women could be considered Artists with a capital A, Donna focuses on vibrant paintings and textile designs, while her daughter, Ginger, is inspired to work with ceramics.

A unifying aspect of the duo’s creations is the love of storytelling. Donna has always enjoyed discovering the histories of old homes and buildings, as well as antique textiles and furniture. When Ginger was a little girl, she and Donna explored historic homes and antique shops all over the southeast, learning the stories of the south. Ginger also recalls her grandmother as a beautiful storyteller and shares how that influenced PopJoy’s desire to create pieces that hold meaningful narratives, stating, “Everything we create is weaving in and out of periods, architecture, the beauty of the natural world.” Their candle line is the perfect example. Names like Baroque Lemon and Lanai Cucumber use natural scents that match the architectural period that inspired the candle.

Talking with Donna and Ginger feels like sitting down with modern-day Gilmore Girls. When asked about their relationship, Ginger explains, “My whole existence is our passions—everything about Mom is infused into my art. I have a connection with her that most don't. It’s rare. It’s special.” Donna beams with pride and confesses she always dreamed of them working together but had to let Ginger find her own path.

Donna shares, “When she told me finally she was going to join me in business, I was ecstatic.” Donna had been making beautiful note cards while Ginger was creating ceramic pieces. They laugh as they remember the first collaboration, essentially gluing each of their creations together. They have since moved beyond glue and expanded their collaborations and their bond. Donna describes their working dynamic as “having four eyes in the same realm. We have an understanding with each other that elevates our art and our relationship.” PopJoy photos by Caley Ellenburg.

Candle by PopJoy Studio

Purpose-Driven Women

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES AND KALI MCNUTT

THESE LOCAL CHANGEMAKERS ARE CREATING A MORE

WHOLE BIRMINGHAM BY PROVIDING LIFELINES FOR THOSE IN NEED

We’re taught from childhood to change the world but to actually do so requires unique vision and determination. The Magic City is home to many individuals who share this selfless passion, and for this year’s annual women’s issue, we wanted to introduce just a few.

These amazing ladies, with the help of their respective organizations and teams, are doing everything from eliminating hunger to challenging domestic violence to improving the foster care system, and more. One thing they all have in common? Believing that life can be better for everyone – from the city of Birmingham to the state of Alabama and beyond.

We hope their stories open your heart and inspire your next act of kindness toward a stranger. Here in Birmingham, we might already feel like neighbors. Now just imagine if every human on earth shared a similar connection.

JENNY WALTMAN

Jenny Waltman moved to the Magic City to attend Samford University, later joining her husband in their remodeling and restoration company, Grace Klein Construction, Inc. Soon, the name “Grace Klein,” meaning “little gift from God,” became the right name for the nonprofit she would be compelled to start in 2009.

Grace Klein Community’s main initiative is rescuing food to ensure no morsel of good food goes unused. Known as FEEDBHM, the initiative has embraced the challenge of food waste in Alabama and reallocated the problem into a solution for food scarcity.

“When we give a box of food to someone who needs it, that’s a little gift – but Jesus is the big gift who sticks with you when the food is gone,” Jenny says. “Loving our neighbors is the point. We pursue and love every type of person, share what we have, and do our part to meet basic needs in our community.”

One of the best parts about FEEDBHM is anyone can volunteer through a national app platform, Food Rescue US, adopted by Grace Klein Community. Volunteers rescue food between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. by selecting a pickup location and following the directions in the app. The rescued food is delivered to one of Grace Klein Community’s locations in Bessemer, Hoover or Calera where the food is distributed in 24 hours or less.

Recipients, volunteers and donors in 35 Alabama counties are benefiting from the work of FEEDBHM. Educational in nature, everyone from food suppliers and team volunteers to the food insecure are learning from Grace Klein Community the importance of preventing food waste and sharing overage to benefit the community.

In the last year, FEEDBHM rescued more than 2.7 million pounds of food, valued at over $8 million, to feed 448,368 unique individuals. The long-term goal of Grace Klein Community is to address food insecurity in all 67 Alabama counties. In 2022, Homewood City Schools piloted as a food donor which has inspired 25 additional schools to consistently share their food overages in 2024.

“We are taking collective strides to bring the best food options to the table to address heart disease, obesity and mental health challenges,” Jenny says. “When we provide healthy food to our communities, our food recipients miss fewer days of work due to illness, maintain their jobs, advance their careers and volunteer to give back to their communities.”

JENNY WALTMAN

Occasionally, the food volunteers rescue food that is not ideal for human consumption. Grace Klein Community responds with their program, Handfuls of Purpose, which equips farmers to feed animals or compost. The vision is for all Alabama schools to partner with local farmers in their food purchasing program, offered through the Alabama Department of Agriculture, to create a “full circle” relationship.

“A school purchases food from a farmer, students eat the food, schools give the overage food to the FEEDBHM initiative, and any food not acceptable for human consumption is returned to the farmers… a full circle,” Jenny says. “And nothing is wasted.”

Jenny Waltman

SUSANN MONTGOMERY-CLARK AND MEREDITH MONTGOMERY-PRICE

In December 2019, Susann Montgomery-Clark’s world turned upside down when her daughter, Megan, lost her life to an abusive husband. Megan Montgomery was a gifted young woman with a bright future and numerous interests and talents – in other words, her mother says, “like any victim of domestic violence.”

“The first 90 days after a woman escapes are the most dangerous – more so than while living with the abuser,” Susann explains.

Susann and Megan’s older sister, Meredith Montgomery-Price, didn’t know these stats prior to 2019. But in the wake of Megan’s horrific death, the family made it a solemn mission to research domestic violence and how to prevent it. Today, the Megan Montgomery Foundation ensures that young adults  know and understand the difference between unhealthy and healthy relationships. Prevention is key to stopping relationship violence, says Susann, who worked in nonprofit fundraising for 35 years before launching the foundation in 2022 with her husband Rod Clark, and Meredith.

“After what happened to Megan, I closed my consulting practice,” Susann said. “I knew I had been prepared by God for this very thing. It would have been a sin to waste 35 years of experience and not take this on.”

It is well documented, Susann adds, that domestic violence is not a “women’s issue” –rather, it is everyone’s issue, and young men need to be educated  on how to hold one another accountable. “We are working for a cultural shift not to accept any kind of violence to women, whether it’s physical, verbal or emotional,” Meredith and Susann point out.

The two women put their heart and soul into the foundation for Megan’s sake; Meredith serves as the executive director, while Susann is volunteer president of the board. “I am learning so much from Mom,” Meredith beams, while her mother adds, “and I am so proud of Meredith. This is emotionally exhausting work.”

Funds raised are distributed to schools and nonprofits – a total of $134,000 since the foundation’s inception – and each school or nonprofit can invite the program of their choice to educate

SUSANN MONTGOMERYCLARK AND MEREDITH MONTGOMERY-PRICE

on the topic of  healthy relationships, as long as it is approved. But even literature from the foundation – a brochure listing “red flags” to look out for in a potentially abusive partner – has already made a difference in prevention.

“Moms have told us that their daughters learned about the red flags in our brochure and ended their unhealthy relationship before any harm occurred,” Meredith shares.

As of press time, the Megan Montgomery Foundation had just funded its first school outside of the state. The family’s long-term goal by the year 2031 – honoring Megan’s age of 31 when she passed away – is to fund healthy relationship programs in every corner of Alabama.

“Before Megan died, she wanted to save women’s lives,” Susann says. “It was her Godly calling . . .  and now, it is ours.”

For information, visit megansfoundation.org

Susann Montgomery-Clark, Meredith Montgomery-Price, and Rod Clark

AUGUSTA COLE AND CATHERINE LAKE

One day in 2022, Catherine Lake found herself hyperventilating in a windowless stairwell at a local hospital. She’d just received the worst news of her life and didn’t know where to turn. Just nine weeks pregnant, she was informed her baby had Anencephaly, a terminal diagnosis. Days later, a trusted friend connected her to Augusta Cole, another Birmingham woman who had lived through the same diagnosis exactly two years prior.

The two started texting. “Augusta became my life support. It was monumental to have her coach me through that time,” Catherine says. Months later, they decided to meet in person. The conversation turned to action–the two asked themselves why there were no support groups or resources for women facing “non-viable” diagnoses. Catherine wondered how she would have gotten through that devastating and confusing time without the emotional support Augusta provided.

After much discussion and research, Worthy Within was born. The organization, which is pending 501(c)(3) designation, aims to be a nationwide online portal where women can connect with other women who can support them as they face the heartbreak of a non-viable diagnosis. The idea is that Worthy Within will be a resource given to mothers by their doctors and caregivers and will provide that immediate lifeline Augusta was for Catherine, along with unbiased information and resources.

The organization plans to help women find therapists and counselors and provide financial support and postpartum grants for time off work, mental health care, and child care. As the tribe of Worthy Within women grows, Augusta and Catherine imagine hosting gatherings for women to honor the babies they’ve lost. “We don’t want anyone to experience a lack of connection as they walk through this,” Augusta says.

Visit worthywithin.org to learn more.

AUGUSTA COLE AND CATHERINE LAKE

“WE DON’T WANT ANYONE TO EXPERIENCE A LACK OF CONNECTION AS THEY WALK THROUGH THIS.”

Augusta Cole and Catherine Lake

Photographed by MaryBlan Moore

TAMMY SPENCE

Tammy Spence didn’t plan to devote herself to youth aging out of the foster care system, but personal experience called her to be the lifeline so many young adults in Birmingham need.

“It was adopting my children and learning about their trauma and needs that prompted me to go back to school and get my degrees,” Tammy, now a licensed master social worker, says. She went on to work in a residential treatment facility for adolescents in the foster care system. The experience opened her eyes to the struggles and statistics young adults face as they leave the system. “I felt like something had to be done,” she says.

She worked with a colleague to write a book about the issue. “We talked about how someone should change things for these kids. We complained about the system having failed them. We asked ourselves why nothing changed. For a long time, we did not see our power to affect change in the world,” Tammy says.

One day, while discussing marketing and selling books, Tammy realized she didn’t care about profiting from the book–she wanted to use the money to help kids. “That’s how Second Shift came about. We just stepped out and started,” she says.

Today, youth and young adults come to Second Shift through DHR referrals and self-referral. Anyone who knows of a young person aging out of the foster care system or at risk of homelessness can contact Second Shift for help.

To assist young adults transitioning from foster care to independence, Second Shift provides “Beginning Bins,” large plastic storage bins packed with household goods and supplies needed to set up a home. “When young people age out of foster care, they usually move into an empty apartment or dorm room if they can obtain housing, Tammy explains. “Beginning Bins give them all the little things they need, like sheets, towels, extension cords, etc.”

Another life-changing resource Second Shift offers is the “Forever Adult Mentor,” or FAM, program. A FAM is a stable, caring adult who is in it for the long haul–they go through Second Shift’s training and decide to become a lifeline for a young person. “Research tells us that even just one stable, caring adult can change outcomes–preventing homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, trafficking, and the repeated generational cycle of foster care,” Tammy notes. “When we provide someone support and encouragement, it costs us nothing but changes everything.”

Tammy relays the story of one of Second Shift's earliest clients to emphasize the impact one adult can have on a young person. “He left foster care with a very good plan. He had housing, a roommate to help with expenses, a job within walking distance of his apartment, and all the

TAMMY SPENCE

furniture and household goods he needed. Aging out was a smooth transition. Everything went beautifully for a couple of months. Then his roommate moved out.” Tammy explains how this event, which may seem ordinary to many of us, led to panic and distress for the young adult. “He froze, stopped going to work, got an eviction notice, and abandoned all his belongings. Suddenly, he was homeless and unemployed. This began an 18-month-long period of couch-surfing, homelessness, unemployment, anxiety, and depression.”

Throughout those 18 months, the young man had a Second Shift mentor who stayed in touch and provided help, encouragement, advice, and emotional support. The client returned to stability, health, and a job. He’s now sustainably independent, happily married, and a homeowner. He and his wife have become foster parents so that he can give back.

For anyone interested in learning more about Second Shift, Tammy encourages attending one of the group’s monthly informational meetings. Volunteers and potential board members are encouraged to reach out to Link@secondshiftalabama.org. Follow Second Shift @secondshiftAlabama on Facebook and Instagram.

Tammy Spence

MAY 4TH

The 67th Annual Museum Ball

Birmingham Museum of Art

The Museum Ball is the Birmingham Museum of Art’s largest fundraiser and serves as an important opportunity to showcase the collection and highlight the programs and exhibitions the Museum brings to Birmingham each year. Funding from the Ball provides critical resources for the Museum’s educational efforts and community outreach, enabling all ages to discover the world through art.

MAY 8TH-12TH

Regions Tradition

Greystone Golf and Country Club

An Official Major Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions, Regions Tradition is back this year for five days of golf, good times, and celebrity sightings. New this year is the Casamigos Club. Since the tournament became Regions Tradition in 2011, it has raised over $5.5 million for local charities and more than $21 million since its inception in 1992.

MAY 10TH

Tails in the Trails

The Birmingham Zoo | 6:00 PM

The Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board invites you to the 14th Annual  ‘Tails in the Trails event on Friday, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The party takes place on the Trails of Africa and includes music, animal encounters, small bites from area restaurants, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and a silent auction.

MAY 18TH

Do Dah Day

Cahaba Brewing Company | 11:00 AM

The beloved annual festival returns this year for a day of music and family (and pet) friendly fun.

MAY 21ST

Golfing for Good

Greystone Golf and Country Club | 10:30 AM

This year’s Golfing for Good tournament, benefiting The Arc of Central Alabama, will take place on the Legacy Course at Greystone. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. Dinner and a scoring party will follow at 5:00 p.m. For sponsorship opportunities or to participate, email emily.hamilton@arcofcentralalabama.org.

MAY 21ST-26TH

SEC Baseball Tournament

Hoover Met

The Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament returns to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex and will feature 12 teams. Seeds 5-12 will meet in a single elimination format on the opening day of the tournament, followed by traditional double-elimination play Wednesday-Friday. The tournament will return to single elimination play on Saturday. A total of 17 games will be played throughout the tournament.

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