Helping youth be safe, happy, and healthy.

Together, We Make a Difference

About Us

Who We Are and What We Do

Family Connection is a non-profit organization that has served youth in crisis and families for over 48 years. We are committed to supporting youth who need emergency shelter, have or are considering running away, are unhoused, are experiencing family disruption, or are in need of crisis intervention or counseling. Family Connection’s programs are therapeutic, trauma-informed, and offer immediate, short-term, and long-term supports to address each young person’s individual need. Our comprehensive programs are therapeutic, trauma-informed, and focus on building strong relationships and offering a safe, nurturing environment for young people in need. Our goal is to help youth be safe, happy and healthy in order to empower them to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen families and communities by providing shelter, counseling, and safety for young people in crisis.

Partnering with United Way for a Better Future

Emergency Helpline

Our Emergency Helpline is available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance to youth in crisis. If you or a youth you know is a runaway, facing homelessness, or in the midst of a crisis, our trained professionals are here to offer support, guidance, and access to vital resources. Call us anytime for confidential support and assistance. 

300+

Youth and Families Served

1,500+

Hours of Counseling

1,290

Survival Aid Packets

3000+

Meals

How We Help

Our Programs

Runaway/Homeless Youth Center

Providing shelter and crisis intervention for Alabama’s runaway and homeless youth.

Residential Youth Shelter

Therapeutic care and support for youth in crisis, offering a safe and nurturing environment.

Project HOPE Outreach Center

Supporting Birmingham’s runaway, homeless, and street youth with essential care and resources.

Safe Place

Connecting youth to immediate safety and help through a network of trusted resources.

Therapeutic Outreach Prevention (TOP)

Community and school-based services to prevent youth crises and promote well-being.

Counseling Program

Supporting youth and families with mental health and well-being through counseling.

How You Can Help

Support & Get Involved

We believe in the power of community. You can make a difference by joining our outreach efforts, volunteering with our programs, or taking on an advisory role. Your support helps us provide essential services and create lasting change for at-risk youth. Get involved today and help us make a positive impact together!

Impact Reports

View the latest annual reports.

Our People

Meet Our Team

Jennifer Ellison

Executive Director

Jeremy Raines

Director of Programs

Whitney Palmer

Director of Business & Finance

Roger Chambers

Shelter Manager

Marilyn Jones

Director of Project HOPE

Hailey McGhee

Adolescent Counselor

Sophie Moreno

TOPS Counselor

Youth & young adults experience homelessness each year in the US
Suffer from mental health problems
Will drop out of school

Will become victim to sex and labor trafficking or both
Homeless youth enrolled in Public schools in Alabama
UNACCOMPANIED homeless youth enrolled in public schools in Alabama
Crisis contacts from youth in Alabama in 2023 to the National Runaway Safeline

Strategic Plan

We’re thrilled to introduce our Family Connection 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. This plan, developed with input from our team and community partners, focuses on what matters most—providing safety, shelter, and counseling for youth in crisis. Our goal is to ensure every young person has the support they need to grow and thrive.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF OUR PLAN