Champions
Generation to Generation: A Legacy Born at the Orphanage
September 18, 2020
Annie Mae Abernathy lived a life of generosity. She was committed to serving others and had an inherent desire to open her heart and home to children.
The Jones Family: Caring for Kids and Kin
November 4, 2019
When Sherrika Jones learned in 2015 that she had a young cousin in foster care, she and her husband immediately contacted social services and expressed their desire to adopt.
Luan Laying the Groundwork for His Future
September 9, 2019
Ask Luan about landscaping, and he’ll tell you he digs it. It hasn’t always been that way, though. “I didn’t think it was any fun,” Luan said of his first few days as an apprentice.
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.
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.
Embracing the Chance to Dance
October 19, 2018
Twelve-year-old Kenyon stands shoeless atop the sprawling padded mat that blankets the dance studio floor. He takes a breath, leans forward, places his hands on his knees and bends an ear toward his dance instructor, Justin Holloway. Kenyon’s eyes are fixed on Justin. Justin’s eyes are fixed on the floor-to-ceiling mirrors
Big Hearts. Big Motivation. Big Results.
August 16, 2018
Parents. Advocates. Teachers. Mentors. Thinkers. Doers. Unwavering. Champions.
A Step in the Right Direction
May 14, 2018
Nick doesn’t have much to say about orange jumpsuits, handcuffs, or the cell in which he stayed for more than three years. In fact, he’s decided he’d rather just put the whole juvenile corrections facility experience behind him.
Bringing Travis Home: Teen Found Light at End of Long and Treacherous Trail
March 27, 2018
Hysterical. “Completely in crisis.” In desperate need of care. “One of the least favorite calls an officer wants to get.” Just 9 years old. “Travis is still to this day the youngest person I’ve had to take to the hospital for a mental evaluation.”
Finding Their Forever Family
November 27, 2017
“Mr. Britt is unique,” reflected UMFS Family Support Specialist Melissa Lee. Michael Britt is a single father who created a loving home for his son Corjah, 14. In 2014, he got a call that would change his life, and dramatically expand his family.