About Us

Vision | Mission | History | Board | Staff

About Us

Vision | Mission | History | Board | Staff

Our Vision

A united foster community where every child and parent is supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

Our Mission

Connecting foster, adoptive, and kinship families with an aligned support network of nonprofits, churches, government, and community volunteers.

Our Vision

A united foster community where every child and parent is supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

Our Mission

Connecting foster, adoptive, and kinship families with an aligned support network of nonprofits, churches, government, and community volunteers.

Foster Coalition Story

After listening to the voices of foster care leaders and advocates across Alabama, Foster Coalition was formed to bring unity, compassion, and action to a system that deeply impacts vulnerable children and families. Behind every child in foster care is a story shaped by loss and instability—and outcomes are profoundly influenced by the presence or absence of consistent, caring support and hope. When guardians step in with commitment, coordination, and faith-filled advocacy, lives are restored, families are strengthened, and futures are rewritten. This is a call to the community to move beyond awareness and into action—supporting foster families, strengthening systems, and standing in the gap for children who deserve a place to belong.

For those who desire a deeper, well‑researched understanding of the issues surrounding foster care, Christian Alliance for Orphans is a trusted place to learn more. 

Foster Coalition Story

After listening to the voices of foster care leaders and advocates across Alabama, Foster Coalition was formed to bring unity, compassion, and action to a system that deeply impacts vulnerable children and families. Behind every child in foster care is a story shaped by loss and instability—and outcomes are profoundly influenced by the presence or absence of consistent, caring support and hope. When guardians step in with commitment, coordination, and faith-filled advocacy, lives are restored, families are strengthened, and futures are rewritten. This is a call to the community to move beyond awareness and into action—supporting foster families, strengthening systems, and standing in the gap for children who deserve a place to belong.

For those who desire a deeper, well‑researched understanding of the issues surrounding foster care, Christian Alliance for Orphans is a trusted place to learn more. 

Our Board of Directors

David Sumner (Board Chair)

Manufacturer’s Representative at Georgia Pacific. Recent graduate of the Highlands College Leadership Institute.

Jeff Cofield

Manager in Human Resources and Disability Mangaement at Alabama Power/Southern Company.

Zach Sharp

Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Serves as Vice President of Construction for DSLD Land Management Company (family business). Grew up with foster and adopted siblings since age nine. Zach has a heart for children in foster care and has seen firsthand the ups and downs of the system.

Amanda Manzanilla

Children’s Policy Council Coordinator for Shelby County, founder of The Hangar clothing closet. Amanda has fostered and adopted children from the foster system and supports aged-out youth.

Sheila Thomas

Sheila has a BSBA degree in accounting from Auburn University at Montgomery. She has worked in various accounting positions prior to retirement.

Sarah Dale Harmon

Marketing Consultant for financial institutions and FI vendors. Sarah Dale and her husband have adopted two sets of siblings from the foster system.

Our Board of Directors

David Sumner (Board Chair)

Manufacturer’s Representative at Georgia Pacific. Recent graduate of the Highlands College Leadership Institute.

Jeff Cofield

Manager in Human Resources and Disability Mangaement at Alabama Power/Southern Company.

Zach Sharp

Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Serves as Vice President of Construction for DSLD Land Management Company (family business). Grew up with foster and adopted siblings since age nine. Zach has a heart for children in foster care and has seen firsthand the ups and downs of the system.

Amanda Manzanilla

Children’s Policy Council Coordinator for Shelby County, founder of The Hangar clothing closet. Amanda has fostered and adopted children from the foster system and supports aged-out youth.

Sheila Thomas

Sheila has a BSBA degree in accounting from Auburn University at Montgomery. She has worked in various accounting positions prior to retirement.

Sarah Dale Harmon

Marketing Consultant for financial institutions and FI vendors. Sarah Dale and her husband have adopted two sets of siblings from the foster system.

Our Staff

Derek Tan - Executive Director

Kelly Alligood - Operations & Education

Taylor Hanson - Marketing & Communications

Baylor Padgett - Development & Grants

Nancy Coker - Administrative Assistant

Our Staff

Derek Tan - Executive Director

Kelly Alligood - Operations & Education

Taylor Hanson - Marketing & Communications

Baylor Padgett - Development & Grants

Nancy Coker - Administrative Assistant

Thank you for joining us to fulfill this incredible mission and vision. Stay connected for updates, tips, and more!

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3201 Mountain Ridge Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242

1-205-490-1545

© Foster Coalition. 2026. All Rights Reserved.