Articles
Graduates Take a Well-Deserved Walk
June 14, 2019
We’re pleased to announce the 2019 UMFS Charterhouse School Mustangs graduating class.
Volunteer Ms. Melissa is Helping Make a House a Home
June 10, 2019
Authenticity and contagious enthusiasm are just two of the many reasons it’s an absolute pleasure to be in the company of Melissa Mackey. Pay her a compliment, and she’ll reciprocate tenfold. Invite her out for coffee, and she’ll try to pick up the tab. Simply put: To meet Melissa is to find good fortune.
From Foster Care to College Campus
June 3, 2019
Melvin was walking briskly along one of the many shaded and brick-lined paths on Old Dominion University’s campus in downtown Norfolk when it dawned on him. “Wait, what’s today’s date,” he asked as he came to an abrupt halt in his linen-white sneakers.
UMFS Unwavering Champion Kerry Gee
May 30, 2019
At UMFS, we are unwavering champions for high-risk children and families, collaborating with communities to help them reach their full potential. Each month, we name an employee as Unwavering Champion of the Month for going above and beyond in upholding our agency’s mission and values.
The Leedom Family: Encouraging Others Through Education
May 28, 2019
Helen’s husband left, and suddenly she found herself alone raising four young boys in a rough neighborhood in pre-Depression era South Philadelphia. “Can you imagine,” Bill Leedom said of his late grandmother’s resiliency, “raising four boys by yourself in the 1920s?” Yes, it was a tough situation, but Helen was decidedly tougher.
Turning Corners, Turning Tassels: Four Graduate with Help of Courage to Succeed Program
May 21, 2019
With classic black graduation gowns draped over their shoulders and tassels dangling from their matching quad-corner caps, four UMFS Courage to Succeed (C2S) students wait patiently for their much-anticipated opportunity to walk across the stage. Graduation is a monumental achievement for anyone, and for Jacob, Jack, Reed, and Zach, the accomplishment is especially sweet.
Celebrating Our Talented UMFS Team
May 14, 2019
Passionate! Great! Strong! UMFS employees are many things, but above all they are unwavering champions for children and families. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate our talented UMFS team at our annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon.
UMFS Recreation Therapy: Engaging Through Activity
May 7, 2019
Rock climbing, running marathons, and yoga: These are just a few of the ways UMFS Recreation Therapist Liz Creasman is engaging with young people at UMFS. The Recreation Therapy program is bringing activity and excitement to residents at the UMFS Child & Family Healing Center. Many thanks to Liz for joining us as a guest blogger […]
Retiring UMFS Chief Administrative Officer Jay Ziehl has “Forged Incredible Relationships”
April 30, 2019
Jay Ziehl’s elation was still palpable nearly 36 hours after the University of Virginia men’s basketball team etched its name in history with its first NCAA national championship. “Here, take a look,” Jay said excitedly as he shared iPad video footage from the energetic watch party he attended at UVA’s John Paul Jones Arena.
Rallying Around Roger: Teen Triumphed Over Trouble
April 2, 2019
Roger took a seat at the head of the large wooden table that occupies a private conference space in a South Chesterfield library. Sitting opposite Roger was his mother, Linda. To Roger’s left was his stepfather, Mike, and younger brother, Mikey. The family gathers here sometimes for meetings.