Created for the most difficult moments.
Based on compassion.
About Shelly G. Sanchez
The founder of Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy
Shelly G. Sanchez has dedicated the past ten years to supporting families during their most challenging moments.
A graduate of Jefferson State Community College, Shelly is a Licensed Funeral director, Licensed Certified embalmer, and Licensed cremationist with 11 years of experience. She is also the only Hispanic registered mortician, cremationist, and embalmer in Birmingham, Alabama.
With firsthand experience in the funeral industry, Shelly identified a significant gap in the support available to Alabama families after the loss of a loved one. During these moments of profound grief, many families feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do or where to turn. While funeral homes offer essential services, their guidance often comes with the expectation of purchasing their services. This is where Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy steps in.
Mission Statement
Our mission is simple:
To empower Alabama families with compassionate guidance, information, and support so they can make dignified, informed decisions about funeral arrangements. We understand this is a challenging time, and our goal is to be your guide. You can reach us by phone or email. As a non-profit organization, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate this process.
Your Practical Guide During a Difficult Time
We know that when a loved one passes away, many questions arise. That’s why we’ve prepared resources to assist you. We offer a step-by-step guide outlining immediate actions, how to obtain a death certificate, and how to manage interactions with other agencies. We detail the various funeral options available in Alabama, from traditional burial to cremation, and explain terms so you can make confident decisions.
It’s crucial to know your rights.
Under the FTC Funeral Rule and Alabama laws, you have the right to choose services without pressure. We provide information on getting price lists, selecting only the desired services, and clarifying that embalming is not legally required in most cases. We also answer frequently asked questions and offer a glossary of terms to help you feel more confident when speaking with professionals.
Our Transparency and Commitment
Because trust matters deeply in moments of loss, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty and openness.
We aim to be completely transparent with you.
We reference the Alabama Board of Funeral Service and state laws to ensure every detail we share is accurate and reliable.
- It’s important to know that we are not a licensed funeral home, nor do we sell products or services.
- Our sole purpose is to be an informational and consulting resource.
- Our goal is to equip you with knowledge so you can navigate this process with peace and confidence
Our Values
Everything we do at Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy is grounded in compassion and guided by principles that place families first.
Compassion: We understand that the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we face. We are committed to offering emotional and practical support throughout this process, guiding families with empathy and without judgment.
Transparency: We believe that funeral and legal processes should be understandable to everyone. We ensure that each family receives clear and accurate information, without fine print or commercial pressures.
Cultural Respect: Alabama has a rich diversity of cultural traditions. We take pride in working with English-speaking and Hispanic/Latino communities, adapting our approach to meet the needs and values of each family, while respecting their beliefs and customs.
Family Autonomy: We want families to feel empowered to make informed decisions. Our goal is not to make decisions for you but to help you understand your options and honor your choices, respecting your wishes and budget.
Ongoing Education: We are committed to providing free educational resources, giving families the tools they need to understand Alabama funeral laws and their rights throughout this process.
How We Can Help
We know that managing legal and funeral details after a loss can feel overwhelming. At Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy, we offer a variety of free services designed to help families navigate this process with clarity and confidence. Here are some ways we can support you:
Step-by-Step Guide: We provide a detailed guide on the immediate steps you need to take after a loss, including how to obtain the death certificate and how to interact with other agencies and organizations.
Individualized Consultation: If you need personalized help, we are available by phone or email to answer your specific questions. Whether you need guidance on funeral options, Alabama laws, or assistance understanding your situation, we are here to help.
Information on Legal Rights: It’s important to know your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule and Alabama laws. We explain how to obtain price lists, how to select only the services you need, and how to avoid pressure to purchase additional services. We also help you understand that embalming is not legally required in most cases.
Financial Assistance Resources: We know that funeral costs can be a major concern. We provide information on financial assistance options through state programs, Veterans Administration benefits, and other government initiatives such as FEMA’s emergency assistance.
Support for Hispanic/Latino Families: As part of our mission to serve the Spanish-speaking and Latino communities, we offer bilingual support to ensure that Spanish-speaking families receive the same quality of guidance without language barriers.
Testimonials
“They helped us understand everything. We felt informed, not overwhelmed.” – The Thompson Family
“Being able to speak in Spanish made all the difference for my mother. Thanks to their help, we were able to make informed decisions without stress.” – The Williams Family
“They helped us understand everything. We felt informed, not overwhelmed.” – The Brown Family
If you or someone you love needs guidance today, we’re here to help — with compassion, clarity, and care.