Embrace Alabama Kids

02/18/2026

Look what's happening on 280! We're excited to share a bright light in Mountain Brook and bring awareness to the children and families we serve throughout the state of Alabama!

Thank you to the of City of Mountain Brook, Alabama Department of Transportation , Dan Roberts for Alabama and our generous donors for bringing this project to life! We're grateful for the opportunity to beautify this scenic area with Fitz Signs & Murals and share our mission of providing homes, healing and hope.

Follow our journey with Rebecca Morris and Bham Now - Birmingham’s modern media and stay tuned for the big reveal! 💚

🎨 NEW MURAL: Have you seen the artist painting a new mural on the retaining wall near Overton Road on U.S. 280? 👀 #280 nw

02/17/2026

Stay tuned to watch this project come alive on 280 in Mountain Brook! We're excited to spread our mission through art and bring light to the families and children we serve throughout Alabama!

We're grateful for gracious supporters and partners in Patriotic Painting, LLC to help make this artistic dream come true! 💚

02/17/2026

We are grateful for the continued support of the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club! Thanks to the generosity of their donors, we can continue to share our mission and provide homes, healing and hope to vulnerable children and families in Alabama.

02/14/2026

More than 60 years ago, young Emily Gannaway and Andy Keith were high school sweethearts. Upon their graduations, Emily left for Montevallo, and Andy headed to Kentucky and later went to Birmingham for medical school. In time, Emily married Daniel Z. Kitchens, who became a Methodist pastor. The Rev. Kitchens served churches throughout north Alabama, eventually serving as a district superintendent of the Huntsville District. A man who loved serving God by serving kids and families, Rev. Kitchens also served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Children’s Home, the organization that has evolved over the years to become Embrace Alabama Kids. As a pastor’s wife and pianist, Emily served alongside her husband, often playing the piano for her church and teaching piano lessons to the children of the church.

Meanwhile, Andy Keith became Dr. Keith and married his wife Ann in 1967. He served as an Army doctor at Fort Bragg, and he and Ann relocated to Birmingham in 1971, where they became members of the First Methodist Church, and Emily and Andy’s paths crossed once again.“Dan Kitchens was a good friend of mine,” Dr. Keith said. “He and Emily moved around north Alabama, and Ann and I visited them several times. We developed a close friendship.”
After the couples had been friends for many years, both Dan and Ann passed away. Dr. Keith began to reach out to friends. “I called up Emily, and we had lunch,” he said. “The spark came back! I wanted to marry this woman 60 years later.”

Andy and Emily married in 2012. “I was extremely fortunate to have two wonderful wives,” Dr. Keith said. He and Emily were both grateful for the paths their lives had taken. On several occasions, they discussed the disposition of some funds that Emily had set aside in Dan’s memory.“ She died last September. That money wasn’t doing anybody any good. She had an interest in Embrace Alabama, as did Dan. It seemed like a good way to honor both of them,” Andy said. And with that gift, lives will be changed through giving. “I wanted to give the money where it will be used, probably pretty quickly,” Dr. Keith said. “In honor and memory of Emily and of Dan, these funds can now be used to help kids. I think they would both like that.”

Happy Valentine’s Day from our families to yours! Our hearts are grateful to Keiths and the children and families they help us serve every day. 🩷

02/11/2026

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of Ms. Lisa, who faithfully cared for the young men we serve in Headland for more than 16 years.

Lisa was more than a dedicated team member — she was a steady presence, a kind soul and a bright light in The Settlement. Her beautiful smile could light up a room, and her warmth made every visit feel special. She poured love, patience and encouragement into the lives of the boys who called The Settlement home, leaving a lasting impact on each one.

Staff remember her as someone who was always kind, always smiling and always deeply committed to the young men in her care. Her light and compassion will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please join us in praying for Lisa’s family, friends and our Headland team as we grieve this tremendous loss and give thanks for a life so faithfully lived in service to others.

02/03/2026

After 30 years of faithful service, laughter, and love, we celebrate the retirement of Lyndi Collier, South Alabama Foster Care Program Manager, and a true cornerstone of Embrace Alabama Kids.

For three decades, Lyndi has cared deeply for our children and families, leading with her heart and using her experience to ensure they receive the very best care and unwavering support. Her passion and dedication to Embrace Alabama Kids—and to those we serve—are truly unmatched. Through her creativity, problem-solving skills, encouragement, and infectious enthusiasm, Lyndi has made a lasting difference in countless lives.

Lyndi’s journey is filled with unforgettable stories—from interviewing in a little house in Andalusia, to managing therapeutic foster children with grace, humor, and heart. At her recent retirement celebration, she reminded us that one of God’s greatest gifts is a sense of humor—and that is a gift Lyndi has shared generously with all of us. From “Lyndi-isms” to treasured memories (and yes, the legendary llama cake), her impact runs deep.

We are profoundly thankful for the way Lyndi has walked alongside her Embrace family through both joyful and challenging seasons, serving as a beacon of hope on some of our most rewarding—and most difficult—days.

Thank you, Lyndi, for 30 incredible years of commitment, compassion, and friendship. You will always be part of the Embrace family—and we’re absolutely holding you to that llama invitation. 🦙💚✨ With gratitude, love, and a little bit of sadness, we wish you the happiest retirement.

01/29/2026

There's no place like Magnolia Lane...It’s the place of dreams, legends and champions. For tournament lovers, it’s heaven on earth. And we're hosting our very own version here in Montgomery on April 7!

Sponsorships are now available for our 4th Annual A Walk Down Magnolia Lane, an unforgettable evening benefitting children, youth and families across Alabama as we celebrate the world’s greatest golf tournament! Learn more at walkdownmagnolialane.org/ ⛳️✨

01/29/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention / Children's Trust Fund for their continued investment in the children and families we serve through Embrace Alabama Kids. 💙

We were recently honored with fellow grantees at the Alabama State House for the Children’s Trust Fund check presentation, recognizing support for programs across Congressional Districts 1 and 2. While this year’s presentation reflected a collective district award, these funds directly strengthen prevention services that support families in communities we serve across south Alabama.

We are especially thankful for the leadership and partnership of Vicki Fussell, program specialist with the Children’s Trust Fund, and State Representative Marcus Paramore (House District 89)—a consistent champion for our programs and a strong advocate for child abuse and neglect prevention.

Because of partners like the Children’s Trust Fund, we are able to continue providing homes, healing and hope to children and families across Alabama. Thank you for standing with us! 💚

01/19/2026

01/08/2026

Join us in celebrating Janet Rawls, Sr. VP of Programs, on her recent 25th anniversary with Embrace Alabama / Florida Kids! We're grateful and blessed to have Janet as part of our ministry and for her commitment to serving vulnerable children and families across Alabama and Florida.

Cheers to 25 years, Janet! We couldn't imagine life at Embrace without you and we will always commend your dedication to finding new ways to protect, serve, honor and celebrate our families, youth and staff. THANK YOU! 💚

01/03/2026

This holiday season we have been so blessed by so many that support our mission and the children and families we serve!

Thank you to the Alabama Council of Association Executives for granting us the opportunity to continue to provide homes, healing and hope! We’re grateful for your support and to be the recipient of your annual silent auction.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from our families to yours! We wish you a blessed and happy holiday season! 🎄✨