New Year, New Hope: Making a Difference in Alabama

As the new year dawns, many Alabamians are pondering ways to positively impact lives. For some families, this leads to the incredible journey of foster care and adoption, offering stability, love, and hope to children who need it most. Kids to Love, an amazing non-profit, empowers this transformation across Alabama.

A Personal Calling

Jared and Rachel Pittman's story is a testament to this. Their desire to adopt began years ago. After facing hurdles in the initial adoption process, they discovered foster care through Kids to Love's supportive training programs. What began as a willingness to help soon blossomed into a defining chapter for their family.

A Family's Journey

Over two years, the Pittmans opened their hearts and home to five foster children. In February 2023, they welcomed a precious infant boy, Jaylen, whose biological mother needed support. Like many foster families, they were committed to reunification, if possible. When that wasn't an option, the child, who had become family, needed a permanent home. In July 2025, the Pittmans finalized Jaylen's adoption, expanding their family, which already included their older biological child.

Supported Every Step of the Way

Throughout this journey, the Pittmans were supported by their church and Kids to Love, which provided guidance, resources, and encouragement whenever needed.

Kids to Love: A Mission Born From Experience

Founded by Lee Marshall, who herself was born into foster care and adopted, Kids to Love understands the needs of children in foster care intimately. Since 2004, they've served hundreds of thousands of children across Alabama, providing clothing, school supplies, and Christmas gifts, while also operating a licensed child placing agency.

More Than Just Placement

Kids to Love also runs Davidson Farms, a foster home for girls, and the Whitaker Cottage Community, which supports young women aging out of foster care. Their KTECH workforce training program offers hands-on education in manufacturing, robotics, and technical skills, empowering young adults to build stable futures. The Madison campus also offers trauma-informed counseling, educational facilities, and community support.

The Urgent Need Continues

As 2026 begins, the need for foster families, adoptive parents, volunteers, and supporters remains urgent. Thousands of Alabama children are still waiting for safe, stable homes and adults who will walk alongside them.

How You Can Help

If you feel that pull to make a difference, Kids to Love offers a way to step in – whether by opening your home, volunteering your time, or supporting their mission. For a child in foster care, one decision can change everything.