Gift of Life Serves Families in Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, Macon, Russell, Chambers, Lee, Crenshaw, Pike, Perry, Barbour, Lowndes, Tallapoosa, Coosa and Bullock Counties
Gift of Life Mourns the Loss of Founding Board Member James Robert Beshear, M.D.
The Gift of Life Foundation family joins children’s health advocates across our community and state in mourning the loss of Gift of Life Founding Board member James Robert Beshear, M.D.
Affectionately known as "Dr. Bob" to thousands of Alabama families, he passed away peacefully in Montgomery on September 3, 2026, at the age of 84, following an extended illness.
Dr. Bob was a tremendous leader in our community, founding Physicians to Children in Montgomery in 1977. For 45 years, he cared for thousands of Alabama children and was a tireless advocate for them both locally and statewide.
Dr. Bob was the driving force that birthed The Gift of Life Foundation in 1988, because he recognized the critical need to address the community’s high infant mortality rate, connect vulnerable women to obstetrical care early in pregnancy, and give all babies a fighting chance to be born healthy and to thrive.
The Gift of Life honors Dr. Bob Beshear and his legacy, which is memorialized in our building with a special conference room named in his honor.
He used his voice to inspire change and help move the state to action on infant mortality, and as a result, thousands of mothers and babies who have been served by The Gift of Life since its inception are equipped with the tools they need for a great beginning. We're proud to further his legacy through our work and will do so until every Alabama baby is born healthy.
2026 INFANT MORTALITY CONFERENCE
Join the Gift of Life Foundation for our 2026 Infant Mortality Virtual Conference: United for Maternal Mental Health, Fatherhood, and Community on September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT. This FREE virtual conference will bring together healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, social workers, home visitors, community organizations, public health leaders, and other partners dedicated to improving maternal mental health, strengthening father involvement, and creating healthier outcomes for moms and babies across Alabama. Click the button for registration, CEU and session information. Registration is FREE! CEUs are available for $25.
Gift of Life Foundation Salutes Our 2026 Program Graduates!
🎉Watch our salute to Gift of Life's 2026 graduating class at our Virtual Graduation Program. Watch as we celebrate the achievements of more than 150 moms, dads, and babies who have completed their GOL program.
New Counseling Program for Fathers
Gift of Life’s Fathers in Action is now providing professional counseling services to support fathers. If you are interested in this service, sign and complete the referral form and email it to Fatherhood Program Supervisor Jessie Yates at: jyates@golfound.org.
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Our Mission
Our mission to improve the health and well-being of mothers, babies and families to build stronger communities.
Who We Are
Gift of Life is committed to improving the health and well-being of at-risk mothers and babies to build stronger communities.
Who We Serve
Gift of Life serves expectant and parenting moms and dads and children in Montgomery, Macon, Lee, Chilton, Elmore, Russell, Autauga, Pike and Crenshaw counties who are at a greater risk for infant mortality. We help our program participants reduce barriers to success, related to economic, social and health disparities and improve birth outcomes.
What We Do
Gift of Life offers programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of families. All our programs are voluntary and offered at no cost.
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