News
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.
Honeymoons, Hiccups, and Hope: Raising Our Adopted Girls
March 25, 2019
Kathleen and Matthew Palmer adopted sisters Lizzy (pictured left) and Emily through UMFS 12 years ago. This is Kathleen’s second guest blog post for UMFS, and we’re grateful for such a personal firsthand account of adoption.
How the Palmer Family Came to Be
March 11, 2019
Kathleen and Matthew Palmer adopted sisters Lizzy (pictured far left) and Emily (far right) through UMFS 12 years ago when the girls were 6 and 9 years old. They’re now 18 and 21. We’re grateful to Kathleen for reaching out to us and sharing the story below, which she originally published on her blog.
How Trauma Impacts Children: “It’s like some of their pages are torn and ripped out.”
March 7, 2019
Reflecting on a childhood that was punctuated by fighting, fleeing, and fury, foster care alumna Ana Tello-Duran offered this heartbreaking and sobering commentary. “I didn’t think I was going to be anything.”
UMFS Unwavering Champion Mariko Saito
February 28, 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.
UMFS Unwavering Champion Nate Madden
January 29, 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 recognize one of our colleagues as the Unwavering Champion of the Month for going above and beyond in upholding our agency’s mission and values. We’re pleased to announce our Unwavering Champion […]
Honoring David Will: Mitchell Wiggins Donates Scoreboard
January 14, 2019
Basketballs thumping against hardwood, rubber-soled tennis shoes screeching, and wooden bleachers rattling under the shuffling feet of spectators.
A Homecoming by Happenstance
December 5, 2018
Kimberli Collett has devoted her entire career to helping children.
UMFS Unwavering Champion Tara Pappas
December 4, 2018
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 recognize an employee as Unwavering Champion of the Month for going above and beyond in upholding our agency’s mission and values. We’re pleased to announce our Unwavering Champion for November, Tara […]