In a world full of problems…be a solution. It sounds so simple that sometimes we just forget to do it! Across the Commonwealth we have all been dealing with winter weather challenges this last few weeks and the forecast tells us more is on the way. Imagine for a minute being a kid in foster care right now. Missing school …

Hi, I’m Stef. I’m an adoptive mom to a sibling group of three. I’m also a foster mom, godmother, or just ”Momma Stef” to many kids who have come to live in our home. Over the course of our foster care journey, we have learned that a strong support system is invaluable.

November is National Adoption Month — a time to celebrate and more importantly to raise awareness for the children and youth in Virginia’s foster care system that are waiting to connect with an adoptive family. Did you know that over 1,500 kids in Virginia have the goal of adoption out of foster care? The sad truth is that 1 in …

Welcoming teens in foster care into your home is not easy. Many people hesitate to foster teenagers because they believe it will be too hard. Teens in foster care are looking for what every child needs – a place to belong. They need the strength available through a safe, healthy foster or adoptive family to heal and thrive. Here are …

Hi, my name is Payton. I’m a Richmond City resident and Master’s in Social Work student at VCU. I’ve been connected to the foster care and adoption space through my internship with Virginia’s Kids Belong, my work as a residential specialist at a group home, and my hopes of one day becoming a foster parent. In the group home, I …

For years VKB has encouraged our faith community partners to host Foster Parent Night Out events. The concept is two-fold: provide a brief respite for foster parents and give the children and youth a safe, fun event to meet others, feel valued, welcomed, and increase positive trauma-informed experiences. The results have been remarkable. Foster parents have felt seen and refreshed. …

Our most recent I Belong Day was held at the Richmond Metro Zoo with 18 kids and 44 volunteers. One of our biggest events to date. These young people were so brave and courageously shared their stories and dreams all with the hope of connecting with an adoptive family before they age out of foster care. The I Belong Project unites volunteers, local businesses, creatives, …

Samantha* (name changed) attended the I Belong Day in April hosted by one of our faith community partners. In October, they reached out to VKB with an idea. They wanted to ensure each of the youth that came to them in April would know they were loved during the holidays. They asked VKB’s I Belong Project Manager, Ashley to help. …