Under His Wings - Funding Package

The Problem

There is an urgent need for earlier intervention and support; this starts with fostering trusted relationships with caring adults.

• 50% of teens and young adults experience mental health conditions by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24 (National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)).

• 1 in 6 U.S. Youths between ages 6-17 struggle with a mental health disorder every year (National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)).

• 44,000 young Alabamians ages of 12-17 are burdened by depression- last year, 61.8% did not receive any care last year.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” It found that half of U.S. adults experienced loneliness, especially young people aged 15-24 who had 70% less social interaction with friends compared to two decades ago. The report highlighted that social media reliance leads to lower-quality relationships. Dr. Murthy deemed loneliness a significant public health challenge that requires immediate attention. While our community offers plenty of spaces for athletic pursuits, there is a distinct lack of options for creative individuals, particularly our students. Aside from a few establishments like Waffle House and Sonic, there are limited places for young people to gather, showcase their artistic talents, and cultivate essential life skills.

Cultivating a strong sense of community is not only crucial for mental wellness but also provides a safe haven where young minds can build meaningful relationships with their peers and trusted adults. At The Stir, we aim to be that safe space, ready to embrace and support our youth with open arms.

Our Story

In 2008, founding board member Dr. Lorena Hunt, a Fairhope, Alabama OB/GYN, became aware of the lack of options for families struggling with girls in crisis. In her 30 years working with women of all ages, she consistently realized the physical and emotional scars from unresolved pain experienced as a child or adolescent.

Yet Dr. Hunt found too many gaps between the well-intentioned net of school counseling, church support groups, mental health agencies and court programs. These gaps were allowing precious lives to slip through and spiral out of control. Under His Wings partners with the parents or guardians of these young girls to help these girls on a journey of healing.

Our mission at Under His Wings is to fulfill the great commission. We do this by providing a loving home for girls suffering from trauma connecting them to who they are in the eyes of God, and equipping them with life skills essential to wholeness.

Under His Wings: a name taken from Psalm 91:4

Under His Wings opened its doors in June 2013 as a place for girls to find refuge, renewal and a restored relationship with God.

Scan the QR code to learn more about Under His Wings and watch a short video

Under His Wings- Who We Are

Our Organization

Since 2013, Under His Wings has been known as “The Home of Hope for Girls,” focusing on family restoration. The programs at Under His Wings are designed to restore and equip girls whose past have been so traumatic they are at risk mentally and emotionally. We aim to provide long term qualitative care that goes beyond the completion of our program. In order to do this, we work alongside parents to Under His Wings to foster heart work.

The girls are cared for by loving house parents in a home environment where they are taught the value of honesty, integrity and hard work.

We provide:

• Weekly + one-on-one counseling

• Group therapy

• Family Counseling

• Coaching

• Fitness Training

• Equine Therapy

• Tailored education & tutoring

Our program extends beyond the residential program as we provide counseling and assistance services to families in need, in addition to transitional support to our graduates.

This approach ensures that we continue to be a trusted source of support for families at any stage of their journey, fostering long-lasting relationships and making an eternal impact.

The vision is His - it is only our work to fulfill

The Stir’s Connection to Under His Wings

As witnesses to the significance of mental health, we have a profound belief in the healing potential that resides in the unwavering power of Jesus Christ. We are firm advocates that individuals can attain genuine restoration and experience a revitalized state of being.

At The Stir, we deeply understand and appreciate the significance of every person’s spiritual journey. We hold a deep regard for every individual, irrespective of their faith or lack thereof. At The Stir, we are committed to creating a warm and inclusive space where people from all walks of life can come together to “stir one another on to love and good deeds.”

The Stir Coffee House will function as a community development center that offers a range of services and amenities to enhance the lives of young individuals. These services include counseling, mentorship opportunities, professional development skills training, and employment options. Furthermore, we will provide a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that encourages social interaction through fun activities and events. We aim to create a welcoming environment where individuals can connect with others while enjoying delicious coffee. It is important to note that our counseling services are founded on Biblical teachings and a Christian perspective, as we believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of healing and guidance.

The Under His Wings Podcast, Let's Listen In Love, has been selected as one of the Top 5 Alabama Mental Health Podcasts on the web!

The Stir

This Capital Campaign is dedicated to allocating the funds necessary to build and operate the Stir Coffee House.

Our Mission

The Stir is a social enterprise operated by Under His Wings, Inc. Our vision is to develop young leaders by cultivating community, equipping professionally, and growing spiritually. Our mission is to establish a central location where young people can connect with trusted mentors for coaching and training in essential job skills. This includes employment opportunities, mentorship programs, and training in customer service, marketing, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. While the youth keep their earnings, coffee sales will support the mission of Under His Wings Residential Home.

The Stir’s True Purpose

Cultivating Community

The Stir is a vibrant community where young people forge connections, share creativity, and create lasting memories. Beyond coffee and crepes, we host open mic nights, icebreaker events, and swing dances. Our goal is to be a place where genuine connections and a sense of belonging are cultivated.

Equipping Professionally

The Stir is committed to contributing to the workforce development in Baldwin County. Our mission is to create a vibrant hub for the younger generation to thrive and connect with opportunities. Through partnerships, we will place students in internships aligned with their passions. We also offer free classes on various topics, empowering young people with essential life skills. To support mental and emotional well-being, we provide private spaces for performance coaches and counselors. Additionally, we celebrate creativity and entrepreneurship by displaying the art of talented students and offering practical guidance. Join us in shaping the future of Baldwin County.

Growing Spiritually

The Stir Coffee House is a community that values and respects the unique spiritual journeys of individuals. We offer discipleship classes to deepen understanding of faith in Jesus Christ and host Bible studies, Tuesday Testimony nights, and Fireside Chat Fridays with local pastors.

The Stir’s True Purpose

Mentor / Coaching

At The Stir, we are dedicated to creating safe spaces where natural mentoring relationships can flourish. We understand that these relationships require time, consistency, patience, and trust. That’s why we have developed a mentorship program that connects our students with experienced mentors who can provide valuable feedback, encouragement, and support. Our vetted coaches are available to students who are interested in signing up for our care coaching program. With their guidance, our students can grow both professionally and personally, unlocking their full potential.

Bible Studies

At The Stir Coffee House, we firmly believe that true fulfillment comes from knowing the One True God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. We understand that the path to this knowledge is a deeply personal one, and that’s why we are dedicated to providing a range of Bible Studies tailored to meet the unique needs and levels of understanding of every individual.

Activities at The Stir

Not only will The Stir be a hub for our youth, but it will also be a vibrant center for community events and activities. We welcome non-profits to connect with the teen community, fostering a sense of unity and support. Local businesses will have the chance to advertise internships, opening doors to valuable opportunities for our young customers.

Karaoke + Fun Nights

We will organize themed Karaoke and Fun Nights that incorporate activities such as music bingo, trivia, and team building games. Our objective is to provide a space for students to showcase their talents and abilities, forging enduring memories and connections.

Open Mic + Poetry Nights

Tuesdays at The Stir Coffee House will be a sacred time, where students come together to share the incredible stories of how they have witnessed the hand of God in their hearts and lives. These testimonies have the power to ignite a fire within each of us, inspiring us to pursue love and goodness in everything we do, and offering a tangible, everlasting hope that resonates deep within our souls.

In addition to the profound testimonies, we will also host captivating Poetry and Spoken Word nights, providing a platform for those with a gift for writing to express their thoughts and emotions in the most captivating and mesmerizing ways. It will be an evening of artistic brilliance, delivering messages that touch the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance.

Special Events

The Stir will be an exceptional hub for young individuals to cultivate their skills and ignite their entrepreneurial spirit. Get ready for a monthly Swing Dance class that offers far more than just aerobic fitness, agility, and flexibility. It’s a delightful experience that will leave you laughing and having a blast. In addition to that, we will be hosting a Workforce Development Day, where

businesses can come together and share valuable internships and exciting opportunities. It’s the perfect platform to connect talented individuals with the right enterprises. And that’s not all! Brace yourself for our captivating quarterly Entrepreneurship Day. This is where the youth can unleash their creative prowess and showcase their unique arts and crafts to the public. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to sell their creations and gain valuable exposure. At The Stir, we believe in creating an atmosphere that fosters growth, creativity, and endless possibilities. Get ready to be a part of something extraordinary.

Professional Development Training Classes

The Stir is dedicated to empowering young individuals with the essential life skills they need to thrive in adulthood. Through our independent living program, we offer an array of comprehensive classes designed to facilitate a seamless transition into the next chapter of their lives. These classes encompass a wide range of topics, including personal finance, time management, effective communication, and problem-solving. By equipping our participants with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to ensure that they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities that await them in the real world. At The Stir, we believe in the transformative power of education, and we are committed to empowering young people to become self-reliant, confident, and successful individuals.

Some of these classes include:

• Leadership Training by John Maxwell’ iLead Program

• Career Exploration led by a certified career counselor

• Development of Interpersonal Skills

• Conflict Management Skills (Relational Wisdom 360)

• Financial Planning

• Time management skills

• Entrepreneurial classes

The Atmosphere at the stir

The Stir Coffee House will offer a variety of spaces to cater to different needs:

Coffee shop (with a stage): This area will host events such as Tuesday testimonies, open mic nights, and jam sessions. It will be adorned with local youth’s artwork and craftsmanship that will be available for sale.

Conference Rooms: These spaces are designed for trainings and classes, providing an ideal environment for educational purposes.

Coaching/Counseling Rooms: This separate space from the coffee house will be available for rental to qualified counselors and coaches, allowing them to provide their services in a professional setting.

Showcasing local non-profits:

We will have a dedicated wall to highlight the work of local nonprofit organizations. This space will allow youth to engage in community service while honing their skills.

Large Space:

This spacious area will be suitable for hosting various events, ranging from parties to activities like swing dance or even pickleball.

Large outdoor space:

The Stir Coffee House will have a sizable outdoor area that can be utilized for events such as the Quarterly Youth Entrepreneurs Fair and networking activities.

Coffee Bar + Baristas

At The Stir, quality is our top priority. We’re dedicated to serving only the finest beans and beverages. However, it doesn’t stop there. Our staff undergoes comprehensive training to master the art of espresso making. They understand that crafting a perfect espresso requires more than just quality beans and highend machines. We ensure our customers recognize and appreciate the true artistry behind each cup of coffee they enjoy at The Stir.

More than a coffee house

The Stir Coffee House offers more than just a cup of coffee. It is a haven for the community, a place where young people can gather and connect with others who share their interests. Our cozy, Christian-focused atmosphere provides a welcoming environment for relaxation and socialization.

But The Stir goes beyond just providing a space to hang out. We are dedicated to empowering our young customers by teaching them valuable life skills and encouraging them to become budding entrepreneurs. They will have the opportunity to showcase their creative designs and sell their products right here in our cafe.

Furthermore, we are driven by a strong sense of social responsibility. The proceeds from The Stir will be used to support Under His Wings, a local non-profit organization that assists girls who have experienced trauma. By providing jobs to these young women and equipping them with valuable life skills, The Stir aims to make a tangible difference in their lives.

An Open + community centered space

The Stir stands out as the only spiritually centered coffee shop in Baldwin County. We go beyond simply serving quality coffee and espresso-based beverages. We provide an immersive experience with inspirational music, books, and a welcoming environment. What truly sets us apart is our community-based focus and free life skills programs. We empower young people to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and even showcase their artistic talents. With sessions of Art and Music Therapy, we create a safe space for personal growth and expression. While other coffee houses close early, we’re committed to being a vibrant hub, hosting events for our students throughout the year.

Floor Plan

Site Plan

Stewardship Through Partnership

Under His Wings is working with Third Lens Ministries, a nonprofit organization which manages the design-build process in order to ensure a successful building project for ministries. Partners Faith Family Fellowship, Holy Grounds Coffee & Candle Co., Small Business Development Center in Alabama, Kind Café, Muletown Coffee, Elite Real Estate, and Harris Vacations have provided essential services and support for this capital campaign. The Stir is a direct partner with Under His Wings.

To make an eternal impact on our community, we need to raise $2.1M Join

“He will cover you with His feathers, and Under His Wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

-Psalm 91:4