Programs designed around real barriers
The Osborne Foundation organizes its work into three programs that reflect the Protect, Educate, and Restore pillars. Each program focuses on general education, resources, advocacy, and referrals that help single mothers take a clear next step.
Legal Services & Advocacy
We help connect single mothers with information, resources, advocacy, and appropriate legal-service pathways when legal challenges affect their families, housing, safety, stability, or future.
Purpose
Legal systems are difficult to navigate without guidance. Many mothers do not know which questions to ask, which documents matter, or which organizations can help. This program reduces that uncertainty by offering plain-language information and directing mothers toward appropriate services.
Who this program is for
Single mothers in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and surrounding Central Alabama communities facing family, housing, safety, or stability-related legal concerns.
Types of assistance and resources
- General, plain-language information about family-related legal issues
- Child support and custody-related resource information
- Housing-related legal resources and tenant information
- Domestic violence resources and safety-planning referrals
- Know Your Rights education
- Referrals to legal aid organizations, clinics, and appropriately authorized legal professionals
Community partnerships
The Foundation works toward relationships with legal aid organizations, community service providers, and professionals in Central Alabama so mothers can be connected to the right help rather than being handed a phone book. Partner organizations are listed publicly only once a partnership is formally established.
Know Your Rights Workshops
The Foundation plans educational workshops designed to help mothers better understand their rights and identify appropriate resources. Workshops focus on general legal education — such as how family, housing, and child support processes typically work, what documentation to keep, and where to seek qualified help.
Workshops are educational. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Workshop dates are announced as scheduling and community partnerships are confirmed.
Ask About Workshops
Scholarship & Education Support
Education can create a pathway to greater stability and opportunity. This program supports single mothers pursuing GED programs, trade certifications, career credentials, and higher education.
Who may qualify
- Single mothers living in Birmingham, Jefferson County, or surrounding Central Alabama communities
- Mothers pursuing a GED, certification, credential, or degree program
- Mothers whose educational goals are limited by cost, information, or navigation barriers
- Applicants who complete the Foundation's inquiry and review process
Educational pathways supported
- GED advancement and adult education
- Trade and technical education
- Career certifications and workforce credentials
- Community college and higher education
- Career development and advancement planning
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarship availability depends on funding raised and is announced when application periods open. The Foundation does not publish scholarship amounts or awards before they are confirmed. Mothers who submit an inquiry are notified when opportunities become available.
Long-term family stability
Education support is intentionally paired with our other pillars. A credential matters most when a mother also has stable housing, a safe home, and support navigating legal or family challenges.
Explore Educational OpportunitiesFamily Restoration & Support
Restoration focuses on helping families move forward from instability, conflict, and difficult circumstances through supportive resources, education, referrals, and community-based approaches.
Our restorative approach
A restorative approach asks what a family needs to move forward rather than focusing only on what went wrong. In practice, that means listening first, addressing immediate stability concerns, connecting families with appropriate community services, and supporting communication and conflict resolution where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Family-centered support
- Family stability planning and resource navigation
- Conflict resolution education and referrals to qualified mediators or counselors
- Family-centered programming that considers children's well-being
- Connections to community organizations offering housing, food, childcare, and counseling support
- Ongoing encouragement and follow-up as families rebuild
The Foundation does not provide therapy, custody evaluation, or emergency shelter. In situations involving immediate danger, mothers are directed to emergency services and qualified crisis organizations.
Learn About Family Restoration
Not sure where to start?
Tell us a little about your situation and we will point you toward the most appropriate program, resource, or community partner.