Extended Family Programs: Supporting Youth, Strengthening Futures

Press Release by Daphne Rogers, Assistant Director at Extended Family | The Weekly Ledger News | Community News | April 1, 2026

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — Extended Family offers two programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade: Extended Family for Kids (EFK) and Extended Family Leadership Academy (EFLA).

EFK is a 9-lesson, evidence-based curriculum that helps students cope with the challenges of having an incarcerated loved one, develop healthy decision-making skills, and plan for a positive future. When a parent or primary caregiver is incarcerated, a child’s risk of negative outcomes increases significantly. EFK helps interrupt this cycle by offering a different path, emphasizing the message, “It’s not your fault,” and helping children overcome stigma and understand, “You don’t have to do their time.”

EFLA is an 18-week program for older students focused on helping students get from where they are today to where they want to be in the future, with lessons on job readiness, communication, health, and financial independence. EFLA encourages students to “Lead Yourself,” making decisions that promote a successful future.

Both programs encourage students to dream, set goals, and believe in their ability to succeed despite their present circumstances. EFK and EFLA share the goals of breaking the cycle of incarceration and preventing youth involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Extended Family programs give children the opportunity to thrive and ensure every child hears and believes the message, “You matter.” We are grateful to the communities that help bring these programs to life and make a difference - one child at a time. For more information, visit www.extendedfamilyhelp.org and follow extendedfamilyhelp on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Extended Family and has not been independently verified by The Weekly Ledger News.

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