Nothing matters more than a child’s wellbeing.
Yet, in our very own communities, many children live unsafe lives. In poverty. In hopelessness. And some, worst of all, entrapped by child traffickers.
However, there’s hope. One organization, the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS), makes a profound difference when it comes to securing the future of children, giving them an avenue to emotionally healthy lives and, eventually, helping them to become thriving adults. Founded in 1912, CAS is a cornerstone of support for Alabama families – all at no cost to those it serves. CAS offers support in a number of critically important ways, including:
- Parenting support, including education and ensuring safe homes
- Adoption support, both before and after a child joins a new family
- Helping youth in foster care become independent adults
- Combating child trafficking through education and community involvement
- Supporting young mothers experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing housing stability, life-skills training and educational support
- And many other ways.
“At CAS, our work is vital to the survival of children, and we’re spreading the word that we all have a say in the fight to help children and to prevent child trafficking,” said John Stone, CAS Director of Advancement. “We value family unification and reunification and want to help ensure that parents and youth have all the needs programming, education and love to thrive and survive.”
A Day of Giving. A Lifetime of Difference
The CAS mission is so powerful, it inspired a team from Regions Affordable Housing (RAH) to help. In November, a team of twenty RAH associates learned about the tragedy of child sex trafficking and – just as importantly—to join in the fight.
According to Cade Connally, Affordable Housing Underwriter, “We had team members from Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Portland and Birmingham all come together to do this important work. We learned about not only how to recognize the signs of child trafficking, but also ways to combat it.”
As part of their effort, the RAH team helped the Children’s Aid Society team assemble training packs for law enforcement. These packs, loaded with essential information, can help police learn how to recognize the signs of exploitation and how to intervene.
We had team members from Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Portland and Birmingham all come together to do this important work. Cade Connally, Affordable Housing Underwriter
In addition, these same volunteers prepared outreach bags for individuals experiencing homelessness. Filled with essential day-to-day needs such as hygiene products, socks and more, these bags contain a way off the streets, too. Because each outreach bag holds crucial information on where to find financial aid, shelter and support. After all, homelessness and trafficking are often intertwined, so reducing homelessness can also reduce any opportunity for exploitation.
A Regions Associate Committed to the Welfare of Children
To Connally, the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama is more than a one-day volunteer opportunity. Instead, when he learned about CAS on a previous volunteer day, their mission became his very own.
“I have been involved with CAS for two years now. I was introduced to their work by another Regions associate. Before then, I would never have thought about this problem, especially when it happens just a few miles from where I live.
“I decided to do something about this. The first thing I did was involve Regions financial literacy training. Then I was asked to help spearhead a new group that CAS put together, the Leadership Council, raising awareness of CAS’s mission around Alabama so more people know what we’re doing.”
I have been involved with CAS for two years now. I was introduced to their work by another Regions associate.Cade Connally
Connally’s efforts have proved successful. So much so, he currently serves as co-chair of the Leadership Council and – with Board consideration – will play an integral role in ushering in a new generation of Board of Directors leadership in 2027.
Regions’ Commitment: Part of the Mission
Regions consistently connects families and individuals with safe, affordable and attractive housing. It’s the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities.Katie Such, Regions Head of Affordable Housing
At Regions, affordable housing is more than part of a business — it’s a calling. Katie Such, Regions Head of Affordable Housing, underscores this dedication on the part of the organization.
“Safe and stable housing opens a world of possibilities for people,” she said.
“Regions consistently connects families and individuals with safe, affordable and attractive housing. It’s the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities.”
But housing alone isn’t enough. Families often need an umbrella of support to overcome the challenges of poverty. As Stone pointed out, Regions has provided the kind of support that changes lives.
“Regions has delivered extraordinary value in financial education to those we serve. For those of us who grew up in stable households, it’s hard to grasp how financial literacy might as well be rocket science for people who grew up in less stable environments. When people can clearly visualize what financial planning looks like, they are better positioned to break the cycle. CAS is honored to work with Regions in this meaningful effort.”
Building a Future of Hope
As we look to the future, Regions remains committed to creating better, healthier communities. And we look forward to a future where every child is safe, every family has a home and hope is more than a word—it’s a reality.
For more information about Children’s Aid Society of Alabama and its important, life-changing programs, visit https://childrensaid.org/.