Community Resources Hub

Youth Development & Prevention

1 Step Closer Youth Core (Internal Resource)

o What it is: Our flagship on-site program designed specifically for teenagers and youth impacted by family trauma or parental incarceration.

o How it helps: We host weekly cohorts focusing on three distinct lifeskills modules:

o Financial Literacy: Learning the rules of banking, avoiding predatory debt, and budgeting.

o Conflict Resolution: De-escalation training and healthy communication tools.

o Leadership Development: Peer mentorship opportunities and public speaking.

o How to Join: Click the [ Enroll a Youth ] button on our main page to view the upcoming semester schedule.

Need an Emergency Referral?

If a child has arrived as your home within the last 48 hours and you have no diapers, formula, school uniforms, or bedding, do not wait for an application to process. Contact The Anchor Locker Directly at our main office for immediate emergency material distribution. 

Navigating a sudden family transition or trying to find the right support system can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of vetted local and state resources to help you secure legal stability, financial assistance, and personal development.

If you need help filling out applications or connecting with any of these programs, please contact a 1 Step Closer Family Navigator for one-on-one assistance. 

Legal & Bureaucratic Resources

Alabama Kinship Navigator

o What it is: A centralized state website designed as a "one-stop shop" for grandparents, relatives, and other non-parent caregivers who are currently raising children.

o How it helps: It offers clear guidance on the difference between informal caregiving and formal foster care, providing step-by-step instructions on navigating custody pathways in Alabama.

Legal Services Alabama (LSA)

o What it is: A statewide non-profit organization providing free, high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Alabamians.

o How it helps: LSA helps kinship caregivers navigate the Jefferson County Probate Court to secure formal custody or guardianship, protecting families from sudden disruption.

Financial & Material Assistance

Alabama DHR Family Assistance (TANF "Child-Only" Grants)

o What it is: A cash assistance program administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) using federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.

o How it helps: Relative caregivers can apply for a "Child-Only" grant, which evaluates only the child's income (not the guardian's fixed income or retirement). This provides a monthly stipend to help cover groceries, clothes, and basic utility bills.

The Kids and Kin Program

o What it is: A free statewide support and training program specifically for statewide relative caregivers who provide child care for family members.

o How it helps: They provide monthly training, free educational toys, specialized safety equipment, and resource books to help elderly caregivers manage the day-to-day needs of growing youth.

Alabama CARES Program

o What it is: A program managed by the Alabama Department of Senior Services aimed at helping older caregivers.

o How it helps: If you are a grandparent or an elderly relative aged 55 or older raising a child under 18, Alabama CARES provides financial aid for respite care, specialized training, and emergency material aid.

Communication & Connection Tools

 Securus Technologies & Inmate Canteen Portals

o What it is: The official privatized telecom and media vendors used by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) and regional jails.

o How it helps: These platforms are required to schedule video visitations, exchange digital messages, and pick up phone calls from incarcerated loved ones.

Note: If the cost of these services is straining your budget, please contact 1 Step Closer to apply for our Communication Subsidy Fund.