Story By Mary Bailey
Dirt was moved and dreams were coming alive last Thursday as the community came together to watch the ground-breaking ceremony for the “first-stop home” for local non-profit Not Alone.
This home will be a first of its kind as it will serve as the first stop children will go to as they enter the foster care system.
The community and local business owners rallied together behind the dream of Not Alone founders Jonathan and Brittanee Johnson and raised more than $300,000 to begin construction on the home.
Jennifer Amos from the Marshall County Legislative Office gave the following release after the groundbreaking:
“Community members, local leaders, and supporters gathered on March 19 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Marshall County’s first First-Stop Home; a project led by Not Alone that is designed to transform the way children experience their first moments in foster care.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the organization and the community that has rallied behind it. The event opened with a prayer from Chris Johnson, Pastor at Albertville First Baptist, setting a meaningful tone for the afternoon.
Jay Mastin, Marshall County Circuit Judge, spoke about the long-term impact of reducing the trauma children experience on “Removal Day,” emphasizing how a supportive, home-like environment can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Kelly Godwin, Vice President of Ray Kennamer Construction, also addressed attendees, sharing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful project. Ray Kennamer Construction will serve as the general contractor for the First-Stop Home, helping coordinate donated materials and labor from across the community.
Aided by their own staff interior designer, Jamie Parker, the team generously drafted the floor plans and helped cultivate the overall feel of the home.
The newly appointed Director of the Marshall County Department of Human Resources, Amanda Branham, expressed appreciation to the community for its continued support of Marshall County DHR workers and the foster families who care for children across the county, noting that this project will strengthen the resources available during some of the most critical moments in a child’s life.
Not Alone Founder Jonathan Johnson reflected on the organization’s rapid progress, sharing that it has been 595 days since the organization was formed.
“Today we stand breaking ground on this home, and that is a testament to the incredible support God has provided through our community,” Johnson said.
Since launching services on October 1, 2024, Not Alone has already supported more than 180 children navigating foster care and assisted more than 75 foster families throughout Marshall County.
The First-Stop Home is not a foster home, but rather a place designed to provide children with a safe, comforting, and dignified environment on Removal Day. Instead of entering care in an office setting, children will be brought to a home where they can begin processing the transition in a more normal, supportive space.
At the First-Stop Home, children will receive essential items including a new duffle bag, a change of clothes, toiletries, and a comfort item, along with anything else they may need before transitioning to their foster family.
The home will also provide space for supervised visitations, allowing separated family members to spend meaningful time together in a setting that feels natural and supportive, whether that is watching a movie, playing a game, spending time outdoors, or simply talking.
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted what can be accomplished through a strong faith community and shared partnerships committed to caring for the most vulnerable members of Marshall County. Not Alone is committed to reducing the trauma children experience when entering foster care, empowering foster families, and encouraging the social workers who serve them.”
Not Alone was founded in August 2024 setting out to reduce trauma children experience when entering foster care, empowering foster families and encouraging the social workers who serve them.
Since its opening the non-profit has helped almost 200 foster children and 79 foster families.
For more information or ways to donate, visit notalonemc.org
Donations can be mailed to:
Not Alone
Post Office Box 25
Albertville, AL 35950
