When asked about the responsibility we have to the future of our youth, renowned author Lois Lowry wrote, “Kids deserve the right to think they can change the world.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. At Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS), we believe in that same vision. The children, youth, and young adults we serve have limitless potential; though too often, their dreams are hidden beneath the weight of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and uncertainty about their future.
Through our Independent Living (IL) Program, we help youth in Alabama’s foster care ages 14 to 21 develop the skills, confidence, and resources they need to transition successfully into adulthood. IL’s mentorship and encouragement allows them to believe in themselves and their power to take control of their futures, possibly even to change the world.
Empowering Foster Youth to Succeed
Torre Coulter, IL Program Director, explains one of the guiding beliefs that inspired CAS’s Grad Bag campaign:
“Garbage bags are great for household waste, but they should never be used by a young person to carry their belongings to the next phase of life.”
Far too many youth in foster care “age out” of the system without a stable home, financial security, or a strong support network. Without reunification with birth family or finding permanency through adoption, these young adults often face housing insecurity, unemployment, and the overwhelming challenge of navigating adulthood while feeling completely alone. This is a hard reality, and CAS is committed to changing this narrative one Grad Bag at a time.
The Grad Bag Campaign: Replacing Garbage Bags with Hope
Every year, CAS hosts the Grad Bag Campaign to provide youth aging out of foster care with durable luggage and essential supplies for their first apartment, dorm room, or new home. These special bags include such needed items as:
- Bed linens and towels
- Laundry supplies
- Personal hygiene products
- Household essentials
These seemingly small items make a huge impact, helping foster youth step into adulthood with dignity and confidence. Our IL Program hosts an annual Graduation Celebration to recognize the achievements of young people aging out of foster care. This year’s event will be held on May 3rd at the Harbert Center in Birmingham, AL. Our scholars in foster care from every county in Alabama will meet to celebrate their resilience and these special Grad Bags are presented as gifts to assure them that their community believes in their futures. They are champions, overcoming incredible odds and we are committed to walking beside them as they pursue their goals, your gift makes them feel less alone and that makes you our champion too.
Help Us Reach Our Goal: $20,000 for 2025
With over 2,000 youth in Alabama’s foster care system, the need for support is greater than ever. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to fund Grad Bags for high school seniors in foster care. We are seeking donations of $100 per Grad Bag, but any amount makes a difference. Together, we can show these young adults that we all believe in them.
Give today: https://casgradbag.swell.gives/
If you have questions about our Grad Bag Campaign or ideas to share about how we can impact the lives of the young adults we serve, please reach out to me directly using the information below. It truly takes a village—and you are part of ours.
Director of Advancement
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
205.943.5336
