Extended Family is proud to launch the 2025-26 season of Extended Family for Kids (EFK) and Extended Family Leadership Academy (EFLA) in schools and juvenile diversion programs throughout Calhoun, Cherokee, DeKalb, and Etowah counties. This fall, we will serve children in 40 groups, reaching hundreds of students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Each group is guided by a series of lessons designed to strengthen the physical, mental, emotional, and moral character development of participating youth. These impactful lessons are made possible through the collaborative efforts of school administrators, counselors, and Extended Family staff, as well as vital support from school secretaries, office personnel, and resource officers. We are deeply grateful to these education partners for their dedication to identifying students and ensuring program logistics run smoothly, often during packed academic calendars.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a committed team of Program Leaders, representing a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, facilitating our groups. They possess a shared passion for children and a commitment to their success. Every member of our team works toward the common goal that each child leaves group meetings knowing, “You matter.”
The EFLA program continues to thrive, thanks in large part to the generosity and time of our guest presenters. This year’s speaker lineup includes professionals from law enforcement, emergency services, mental health, the military, small business, higher education, elected office, artists, and more. These diverse speakers not only inspire our students but also help them explore future career paths and build the confidence to pursue their dreams.
In addition to the groups led by our staff, EFK Leaders trained across Alabama and beyond are bringing Extended Family’s mission to life in their own communities. If you are currently leading a group, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Please share your story by emailing Tiffany@extendedfamilyhelp.org.
If you are not yet trained but are interested in starting a group or learning more about our programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.extendedfamilyhelp.org.
Together, we are changing lives, one child at a time.