Because of its proximity to the Alabama River, as well as its expansive rail connections, it has been and still is, a distribution center for a broad range of industries. Also, the city of Montgomery is recognized within the LendEDU top 100 cities in the United States for the number of business openings, proving that it is a welcoming and supportive business environment for women in which they can advance their careers and prosper financially.
Big Lots Foundation
Supports women-owned non-profit organizations that strive to advance the lives of families. The Big Lots Foundation specifically focuses on areas such as hunger, housing, healthcare, and education. Their aim is to help women and other impoverished individuals transition from poverty to becoming self-sufficient. To learn more, go to their official website: https://www.biglots.com/corporate/community/support
Alabama Small Business Development Center – Women’s Business Assistance Program
Recognized for outnumbering the rest of the United States in adding women-owned businesses, the Alabama Small Business Development Center proudly supports women entrepreneurs within the state. Throughout this program, women can attain the proper leadership and entrepreneurship skills that are necessary in order for them to become successful, independent business owners. To learn more about their business coaching and mentoring program, visit: http://asbdc.org/womens_business_assistance_program/
City of Montgomery Neighborhood Services
They aim to support the community by organizing various services to women and empowering them to take action, and stay engaged and connected. The link to their official website is as follows: https://www.mgmc3.com/
- Grants
Offered to women in multiple categories, such as:
- Physical Improvements – $5,000
- Public Safety/Works Program – $3,000
- Cultural, Education, Community Participation, and Recreation – $3,000
- Neighborhood Plan/Study – $3,000
- Technical Assistance/Marketing – $500
To gain access to the application forms, visit: https://www.mgmc3.com/funding-opportunities
Education Incentive Program for City Employees
Aims to help women improve within their career specialties, which in turn makes them more valuable residents of the community. This program was organized from the belief that supporting women in their careers and helping them improve their work skills will in turn benefit the city as a whole. The policy offers repayment to an employee for education fees of technical, associate, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate courses in accredited universities within the region. These degrees must be deemed relevant to the employee’s present or future working position. For more information, visit: https://www.montgomeryal.gov/work/city-employee-resources
Community Centers
For a full list of community centers in Montgomery, go to https://www.funinmontgomery.com/facilities/recreation-sports-culture/community-centers
- Chisholm – For Children of Single Mothers
Located right next to the Montgomery Zoo, this massive complex includes a field for sports activities, a playground, baseball/softball area, fitness room, meeting room, gaming room, and even an arts and crafts space. For single mothers who are working hard to make ends meet, after school programs are provided for their children, as well as a day program during summer. For more information, visit: https://www.funinmontgomery.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/299/3085
- Highland Gardens – For Children of Single Mothers
A small center that not only provides the same services as the ones listed above but also specialty programs such as a mother’s morning out for single moms. To learn more, visit: https://www.funinmontgomery.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/258/3085
- Therapeutic Recreation Center
The center offers recreational activities to those who otherwise are not able to participate, such as a large gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gaming room, meeting room, and kitchen. The center also provides a greenhouse, patio, and playground. For more information, visit: https://www.funinmontgomery.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/215/3085
Well Woman Alabama
It offers women the opportunity to receive preventive services, screenings, and management of chronic diseases such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol. Well Woman also supports women before, during, and between pregnancy. The program welcomes women from ages of 15-55. For more information about how this organization supports women’s health, contact (334) 206-5672, or visit the following webpage: http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/womenshealth/well-woman.html
Women of Refined Gold
An organization with an aspiration to educate and empower women who have suffered from domestic violence. Counseling is provided on maintaining healthy relationships and identifying negative signals in unhealthy ones. To contact Women of Refined Gold, call 334-877-7013. For further information, visit their official website: https://www.womenofrefinedgold.org/
Family Sunshine Center
The Family Sunshine Center assists vulnerable women in need. Whether it is domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, they are there to support those who are affected. Some of the various ways this center supports these women are by helping them regain hope and heal from trauma, providing emergency shelters during crises, and counseling. Also, they promote community awareness through education and training. Find them on http://familysunshine.org/
- Crisis Intervention
Offers walk-in services, forensic accompaniment, referral services, and access to emergency shelters. To contact their 24-hour resource and crisis hotline, call 334.263.0218. Learn more at http://familysunshine.org/get-involved/our-services/crisis-intervention/
- Counseling, Advocacy, and Support Services
Comprised of individual, family, and group counseling, advocacy, and support services. Through these services, neglected women can access trauma therapy, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, violence assessment, and safety planning. Programs are customized to each client and are also available to children. For more information, visit: http://familysunshine.org/get-involved/our-services/counseling-advocacy-supportive-services/