3 ways this nonprofit supports Alabama children and families + big changes for the better

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For more than 114 years, Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS) has supported children and families across the state, with deep roots in the Greater Birmingham Area. Through services like adoption and foster youth support, parenting education and more, the organization works to meet families where they are and provide help when it matters most.

Now, incoming Executive Director John Stone is building on this momentum with a vision to expand the organization’s impact and drive lasting change for children and families—starting right here in Birmingham.

Here’s a look at a few key ways he plans to do it.

Plus, don’t miss details on CAS’s upcoming First Pitch Event with the Birmingham Barons on August 14.

1. Expanding adoption + foster youth support across Alabama

One of John’s top priorities is helping more Alabama children find safe, stable and loving homes, while also making sure the families who step up feel supported every step of the way.

“I want us to reach even more of Alabama’s children and families—from the older youth in foster care we support through Independent Living, to the parents strengthening their families through EPIC and Family Partners, to the young unhoused mothers building stable homes from the ground up with Project Independence.

There are nearly 6,000 youth currently in Alabama’s foster care; of those, about 220 are currently waiting and available for adoption through APAC. We’re eager to connect these waiting children with dedicated forever families and to provide those families with the free, ongoing, trauma-informed support they deserve.”

John Stone, Executive Director, CAS

Part of this work includes growing awareness around CAS programs, including:

• Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC): Provides free, trauma-informed training + long-term support for adoptive + foster families across Alabama, and stands ready to connect with the 220 children currently available for adoption with dedicated forever families.
• Effective Parenting Instruction Course (EPIC): Provides parents with evidence-based tools and skills to strengthen their families, reduce risk + keep children safe and at home.

You can learn more about CAS’s services here.

2. Building long-term pathways of support across Birmingham + Alabama

As children grow to become teens and young adults, CAS wants to continue providing resources that help them build confidence, stability and independence. This includes programs focused on independent living, family support and helping young people successfully transition into adulthood.

For John, the organization’s impact is rooted in personal connection and listening to the families it serves.

“Our impact isn’t measured by budget numbers or total clients served. It’s measured by face-to-face interactions and treasured moments at our summer camps or discussions over pizza with our Project Independence mothers. Fresh ideas will come from these interactions—all we have to do is listen.”

John Stone, Executive Director, CAS

By continuing to invest in long-term services, John hopes CAS can create stronger outcomes—not just for children, but entire families and communities across Birmingham and the state.

3. Deepening community connections in Birmingham + beyond

Children’s Aid Society of Alabama hosts summer camps for adoptive children and teens in foster care, helping participants build connections, share experiences and find support. (CAS)

John believes part of the work ahead is making it easier for more people to learn how they can get involved in supporting children and families across Birmingham and Alabama.

He also hopes to expand statewide outreach efforts and strengthen partnerships with organizations working to support vulnerable children and families.

“Our opportunities for Children’s Aid Society of Alabama are limitless, including increased outreach to adoptive and foster families and youth and statewide training in the prevention of child sexual and labor trafficking through the Child Trafficking Solutions Project (CTSP).”

John Stone, Executive Director, CAS

This focus will be highlighted on Thursday, August 14 during CAS’s First Pitch Event with the Birmingham Barons—a community celebration that will bring together families, supporters and local partners from across the Greater Birmingham Area.

Adding to the excitement: John will throw out the first pitch during the evening’s festivities!

As a whole, the event reflects what he hopes to build moving forward: stronger community partnerships, greater visibility for family services and more opportunities for Birmingham residents to support children and families across the state.

To learn more about Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, its programs or the upcoming First Pitch Event, visit their website now.

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