HopeUnited

10/06/2026

I am retiring. Today is my last day here at HopeUNITED, United Way of East Central Alabama. HopeUNITED is retiring with me. I want to thank each and every one of you who has been active in this fight against exploitation and trafficking. The best protection comes from understanding exactly what exploitation and trafficking are, and so many of you in this community made the choice to become educated. I am grateful. By becoming educated, you know who to contact with any concerns and are protectors of both youth and adults in our area who may be exploited/trafficked.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Shannon Jenkins, President and CEO of United Way of East Central Alabama, for "listening" when I approached him in 2022 about the need for this program he later named "HopeUNITED." Shannon is a man with vision. He has such a heart for those in need in our community. I explained to him that I had just come from speaking to a group of teenage girls, and it was evident one of them was being groomed and did not recognize what was happening. There was a great need for prevention education and intervention services in our community. Shannon and the Board of Directors took a chance then. This is a specialized area that has to be handled with integrity and a willingness to understand that not everyone is excited about programs like HopeUNITED. Yet, we all jumped in together. Thank you, Shannon, and the rest of my United Way family!

To those of you trapped in exploitation/trafficking, please know that we care! We do not know who you are or where you are, but we know you exist and need help. Maybe you have reached out before and have not been believed. Maybe abuse-of-power is a real concern for you. Maybe you think today will be different. Maybe you are so terrified you do not know what to do. Whatever has kept you from calling, just know that there are people who care. Fear of the unknown may keep you from getting help, but you deserve help. You matter! These organizations have caring and compassionate people who are called to this work and who are ready to help.
*Trafficking Hope, Birmingham/many other areas, 205-547-0892
*Hope-Filled Rooms, Birmingham area, 205-462-7946
*Worthy Squared, Auburn and Opelika areas, 334-352-8290
*Dare to Hope, Dothan area, 334-791-8025

It has been a privilege!
Pam Stack
Program Coordinator
HopeUNITED

09/24/2026

The term “Child Pornography” negates the word “ABUSE” and doesn’t accurately reflect what is depicted – the s*xual abuse and exploitation of children

CALL IT WHAT IT IS: CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material)

Report suspected CSAM to NCMEC’s CyberTipline: report.cybertip.org

09/22/2026

We are honored to be Community Education Partners with NCMEC. Their dedicated commitment to keeping children safe is unsurpassed.

Kyle Sealy's next court date is Oct. 7, according to jail records.

09/18/2026

Attention Opelika/Auburn area friends (or those willing to drive)
This fun event will provide ongoing support for survivors. We hope you can join our friends at Worthy Squared!

Check out this article from The Observer about our upcoming UN-Gala Event- Boots, Buckles & Breaking Chains!

https://opelikaobserver.com/2026/09/08/worthy2-plans-inaugural-ungala-to-support-survivors-expand-services/

09/18/2026

Thank you Child Trafficking Solutions Project for the trainings you offer throughout our communities. HopeUNITED is grateful to partner with you.

09/15/2026

HopeUNITED collaborates with Child Trafficking Solutions Project to conduct training. We will be offering training on Thursday, September 17, for DHR Staff and Child Serving Professionals, Calhoun County, AL. The training is free, but registration is required. More details are available on the attached flyer. We hope to see you there.

09/15/2026

We have two extra "Nobody's Girl" books left. They are $15 each. If you would like a copy, please let me know. They can be picked up at United Way at 1505 Wilmer Ave, Anniston.

09/09/2026

🎃🏃‍♀️ Run for fun. Run for hope. Run to make an impact! 💙(or Walk)

Join us for Miles of Hope: Spooky Edition on Saturday, October 31!

Whether you're ready to tackle the Half Marathon, lace up for the 5K, or bring the whole family for the 1-Mile Fun Run, there is a race for everyone!

📍 McClellan Medical Mall
📅 October 31, 2026
🏃‍♀️ 5K & Half Marathon | 8:00 AM
🏃 1-Mile Fun Run | 8:30AM

👕 All participants will receive a Miles of Hope T-shirt and participation medal!

And the best part? Every mile makes a difference.

Miles of Hope supports United Way of East Central Alabama's eight in-house initiatives, creating Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, and Community Resiliency across East Central Alabama.

🎃 Costumes are encouraged, hope is guaranteed, and every step helps make an impact!

⏰ Early registration ends October 9!

👉 Register today!
https://bit.ly/uwecamilesofhope

09/08/2026

HopeUNITED is proud to collaborate with Women With A Purpose to serve women, young and older. The Light Summit is always a special time together. Please bring any young women ages 10 and older with you. The theme "Transitioning from Pushing to Moving" promises to be filled with takeaways to empower. encourage. and elevate you. (Please register at the website listed in the flyer.)

08/26/2026

What a wonderful day of celebrating community.