kids • life
TUSCALOOSA’ S FAMILY MAGAZINE
PUBLISHED BY Kids Life Magazine, LLC P. O. Box 2372, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
email: info @ kidslifemagazine. com www. KidsLifeMagazine. com Facebook. com / kidslifemagazine Twitter: @ kidslifemag Instagram: kidslifemag
PUBLISHER Kitty Collins
EDITORIAL COPY EDITOR Diana Barrett
DISTRIBUTION Mary Jane Turner
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Rachel Cruze Larry Deavers Erica DeSpain Linda Holloway
ADVERTISING Kitty Collins
SUBSCRIPTIONS Kids Life Magazine is available free throughout the Tuscaloosa area. Subscriptions are available for your convenience. Please send $ 12 for one year to the above address.
NEXT DEADLINE Ad deadline for the March / April Summer Camps and Programs issue is February 11th.
Kids Life Magazine is published every other month. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for incorrect information. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing which is not in keeping with the publications standards.
Happy New Year from the Collins Family! Autumn, Ryan, John, Grant, Drew and Kitty
On Our Cover...
On Our Cover: Freedom Farm, located in Coker, Alabama, is a sanctuary for foster children, offering them a nurturing environment with loving parents to guide their emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth. To learn more, visit: freedomfarmal. org. Pictured on cover: Children of Keith( Director of Farm and Facilities) and Alison Boutwell. Photo Credit: Keith Boutwell.
Would you like to see your business featured on the front cover of Kids Life Magazine? Contact us to learn about sponsoring this premium space which includes a two page center spread. info @ kidslifemagazine. com
Features...
kids • life
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026
TUSCALOOSA’ S FAMILY MAGAZINE
FREEDOM FARM:
Where Hope Finds A Home
The CHOOSE Act Opens to More Families in 2026
ESCAPE FOR A DATE: RENAISSANCE BIRMINGHAM ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT AND SPA
Escape For A Date: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa............................. 8 The CHOOSE ACT............................... 11 Private School Spotlights......................... 12 Freedom Farm.................................. 16 2025-2026 After-School Activities( Spring Semester)... 20 The Power of Your Word........................... 24 How to Avoid a Financial Holiday Hangover........... 26
Dear Readers …
The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection, fresh perspective, and renewed intention— and our January / February issue is thoughtfully designed to support families as they step into 2026. This issue is especially meaningful as Kids Life Magazine celebrates 27 years of serving Tuscaloosa families and the release of our 136th issue— a milestone made possible by the continued support of our community.
At the heart of this issue is our featured organization, Freedom Farm, a new community being built to support foster families and children who have endured some of life’ s hardest challenges— abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Through compassion, stability, and intentional care, Freedom Farm is creating a place where from a foundation built faith, healing can begin and hope can grow. We are honored to help share their mission and the impact they are working to make in our community.
Inside, you’ ll also find our annual Private School Spotlight, highlighting several outstanding area private schools, alongside important information on Alabama’ s CHOOSE Act, which expands tax deduction opportunities for families choosing private education. As parents plan for the years ahead, we hope this resource provides clarity and encouragement.
We’ re also pleased to reprise our popular 2025 – 2026 After-School Activities Guide, offering families a helpful snapshot of extracurricular options available in our community for the spring semester— because finding the right fit beyond the classroom can be just as impactful as what happens inside it.
This issue also includes two thoughtful articles for parents:“ The Power of Your Word: Why Keeping Promises Builds Confident, Resilient Children,” by Larry Deavers, which explores how everyday integrity shapes character, and“ Finding Gratitude in Chaos: You Don’ t Need a Perfect Holiday to Have a Grateful Heart,” by Rachel Cruze, a reminder that gratitude can thrive even in life’ s busiest seasons.
And just for parents, our travel feature“ Escape for a Date” highlights the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa as an ideal nearby retreat for couples looking to reconnect and recharge— because caring for your family starts with caring for each other.
As always, thank you for welcoming Kids Life Magazine into your homes and hearts. We’ re honored to continue serving this community we love.