We honor the hands and tiny toes that wiggled in paint to say thanks. We also want to thank the community that continues to show up for them.
If you’ve supported Project Independence in any way financially, through mentorship, or through your shared hope in their potential, this post is for you.

PI moms are navigating early parenthood while working toward independence, housing security, and a future full of possibility. Their babies are just weeks old, some have an older sibling as well. They are leaving their mark to show everyone that support and access to resources changes lives.

Each print represents a beautiful child’s heartbeat. A young family’s new beginning. A story still being written by young women determined to make a life on their own terms.

🌎 Live Virtual
Nov. 20th
training.childrensaid.org/events/shut-...

- 5.5 NBCC CEU Credits
- FREE for parents joining in-person or virtually, as well as Alabama DHR staff
- $55.00 for all non-Alabama DHR professionals

📍Montgomery, AL
Nov. 18th
training.childrensaid.org/events/shut-...

📍Birmingham, AL
Nov. 20th
training.childrensaid.org/events/shut-...

Led by MINT Certified Trainer, Hillary Logan
📅 October 16th
📍 ZOOM, Available Anywhere
11:00am - 12:00pm CST
💵 FREE for all parents joining from any location and Alabama DHR staff. Other professionals will be charged $15.00 for your NBCC approved CEU certification.

Learn how to guide change, not push it.
Our upcoming Motivational Interviewing Training is designed for parents and professionals who want to inspire and support youth through meaningful conversations.

Birmingham, Sept. 25th
training.childrensaid.org/events/evide...

Virtual (Any Location)
training.childrensaid.org/events/evide...

***FREE for all parents and all Alabama DHR staff. All other professionals seeking the 5.5 NBCC approved credit hours will be charged $55.00 for CEU certification.

Through lively conversations, breakout groups, and games, participants walked away with strategies they’ll never forget.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Join us in Bham or online Thursday, September 25th for an experience to change the way you see, and support our youth. Register today!

***FREE for all parents and all Alabama DHR staff. All other professionals seeking the 5.5 NBCC approved credit hours will be charged $55.00 for your NBCC approved CEU certification.

- Evidence-based research on how brain development is shaped by ACEs
- Insights into the cycle of substance use and its ripple effects on families
- Practical strategies you can apply in your work with children, teens, and families

Meghan McKenzie – Integrative therapist with a person-centered approach, certified in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Gottman Couples Therapy.

Paige Rubin – 15+ years of counseling experience specializing in substance use, anxiety, depression, and family systems.

Meet Your Trainers:

Jarvis Cleveland – Counselor and advocate for healing across all traumas, providing a safe and affirming space for ALL.

Dr. Matt McKenzie – LPC, Clinical Supervisor, and MINT Certified Trainer with expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.

This 5.5 CEU training will explore the complex intersection of brain development, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and substance use, and what it means for the children, families, and professionals navigating these challenges.

Together, we can shine a light on trauma, build understanding, and promote healing throughout our communities.

If you are a parent in Alabama who has adopted a child with experience in Alabama's foster care, contact Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection's adoption-competent counseling team for FREE mental health support.
🔗 childrensaid.o...

🎁Download our FREE RESOURCE GUIDE: "Shining a Light on PTSD in Foster and Adoptive Youth"
🔗 childrensaid.o...

✨ Camp APAC (Wetumpka, AL)
📆 July 21–25 | Serving Alabama adoptees and siblings
📍 Camp Chandler
👥 Must be 19+ to apply!
🔗 form.jotform.com/240605235778...

✨ Camp LIFE (Wadley, AL)
📆 June 23–26 | Serving Alabama foster youth Ages 14–16
📆 July 14–17 | Serving Alabama foster youth Ages 17–20
📍 Southern Union State Community College
👥 Must be 21+ to apply!
🔗 form.jotform.com/250144936354...