Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children

Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children

Three children playing

Doing What Matters for Alabama's Children

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Online or In Person

A hybrid community meeting to address the current and future challenges  of Alabama’s children

Challenge 21, Tuscaloosa’s Promise, and the Tuscaloosa County Children’s Policy Council invite you to the 19th Annual Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children Conference on February 4, 2026, online or in-person at the Bryant Conference Center.

DateFebruary 4, 2026
Time8:30 am – 3:30 pm
LocationBryant Conference Center
240 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Agenda

2026 agenda coming soon! Below reflects last year's agenda.

19th Annual Conference to Improve the Well-Being of Our Children

2026 Agenda
TimeSessionSpeaker(s)
7:45 – 8:30 amRegistration, Breakfast, and Exhibits
8:30 – 8:35 amWelcomeDr. Kevin D. Besnoy, Executive Director, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, A Family Resource Center

Invocation
Invocation
Presentation of ColorsTuscaloosa City School JROTC
8:35 – 8:45 amOpening RemarksMayor Walt Maddox, City of Tuscaloosa
8:45 – 9:00 amAmerica’s PromisesDr. Charles Nash, Chairman, Challenge 21 – Tuscaloosa’s Promise
9:00 – 9:45 amHappiness and MeaningBlake Butcher, Auburn University
9:45 – 10:15 amSafe Screens and Sound MindsJeff Davis, Fowler Davis for Change
10:15 – 10:45 amThe Cost of Child Maltreatment in Alabama Dr. April Kendrick, The University of Alabama

Sallye Longshore, Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
10:45 – 10:55 amExhibits and Networking
11:00 am – 12:00 pmConcurrent Morning Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Lack of Maternal Health Care All Babies Program

Bundles of Hope

West Alabama Maternal Child Care Coalition
Food Insecurity in our Community Hannah Costanzo, Tuscaloosa County High School

Brad Newman, The Unity Foundation of Tuscaloosa County

Alabama Food Bank
Autism Chelsea Taylor, Alabama Department of Mental Health
Wellness and Work-Life BalanceBlake Butcher, Auburn University
Immunizations Dr. Wes Stubblefield, Alabama Department of Public Health
12:00 – 12:45 pmLunch

The Value of Floride in Drinking Water
Dr. Tommy Johnson, Alabama Department of Public Health
12:45 – 1:00 pm
1:00 – 2:00 pmConcurrent Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Choose One) 
Juvenile Justice Monica Roland, Alabama Department of Youth Services
RAISE Act Corinn O'Brien, A+ Education Partnership
Advocating for Children's Rights TBD
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse Misty Renfroe, Pickens County Department of Human Resources
TOPIC TBDDr. Tommy Johnson, Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of Oral Health  
2:10 – 2:40 pmState of Education in Alabama Ryan Hankins, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama
2:40 – 3:20 pmSelf-Care: You Be YouLou Lacey, Emotional Wellness Director, Children’s of Alabama
Lunch

The Value of Fluoride in Drinking Water
Closing RemarksDr. Kevin Besnoy, Executive Director, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, A Family Resource Center

Workshop Location

The conference will be held online and at the Bryant Conference Center located in the heart of Tuscaloosa on The University of Alabama campus.

Directions

Parking Your Vehicle

Attendees can park at the Capstone Parking Deck, which is located across the street from the Bryant Conference Center. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in front of the Conference Center. Approximately one week prior to the conference start date, you will receive a parking permit. The parking permit will only be valid for the Capstone Parking Deck and the handicap spaces in front of the Bryant Conference Center.


Conference Registration

Register by Phone

Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.

A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

Special Accommodation Requests

The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.

Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

Cancellation Policy

A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of the program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee.  Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Buddy  – $250 or less
  • Company’s name listed on the Tuscaloosa’s Promise webpage
  • Recognition as a Sponsor at the “Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children” Conference
Supporter – $500
  • Benefits of Bronze Level
  • Two tickets to the Conference (includes lunch)
  • Link to company website on the Tuscaloosa’s Promise webpage
  • Booth space ($100 value)
Guardian – $1,000
  • Benefits of Silver and Bronze Levels
  • Four tickets to the Conference (includes lunch)
  • Table sponsorship at the “Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children” Conference
Protector – $2,500 and up
  • Benefits of all other levels
  • Reserved table at the conference for up to 10 people (includes lunch)

Exhibitor Opportunities

A limited number of exhibit tables are available on a first-come basis.

The exhibit registration fee is $100 with a discounted rate of $50 for non-profits.

Register by Phone

Our Registration Services Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  To register by phone, please call 205-348-3000.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

This conference has been approved by the following professional associations for a total of 5.5 contact hours.   CEU certificates will be emailed after the program.

CEU certificates include the following professional association approvals:

  • Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners
  • Alabama Board of Nursing
  • National Board for Certified Counselors


Questions about the event?

Contact Amanda Bergeron for more information.