The Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) is an interdisciplinary center focusing on the development of the mind-brain through our unique mission of service, education, and research.  The CIRC was established in 1989 on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with the support of Civitan International - a volunteer service organization.

The mission of the Civitan International Research Center is to improve the well-being and the quality of life of individuals and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

The Tanner Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 for people with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS. The foundation was started in 2003 by Dr. Emily Riser to provide educational opportunities to persons with multiple sclerosis, family members and health care professionals. The Foundation is named after Anthony Tanner, a former executive of a health care institution, who has MS. Tony Tanner continues to be a great advocate, philanthropist, and champion for individuals with MS.   In 2015 the Foundation’s Board identified a need within our community to broaden the Foundation’s mission to include all neurological diseases. A primary goal of the Foundation’s work is to provide support to help reduce the financial and psychological burdens experienced by people living with neurological diseases, particularly ALS, MS and Parkinson’s Disease.