Taking quality care of kids in foster care requires much more than an empty bed and an open heart. Join us for a conversation with Sabrina Carr from The UpCenter and LaCora Harris from Spotsylvania Department of Human Services to learn how organizations work to take care of the child physically, mentally, and emotionally.

For more than 25 years, The Barry Robinson Center’s Foster Care Program has provided quality foster care and foster parent training in Hampton Roads. Join us for this eye-opening conversation with BRC’s CEO, Rob McCartney to learn more about the Barry Robinson Center and the incredible work they’re doing to end childhood poverty in our community.

Entering Foster Care is a traumatic experience for children which can affect how the brain functions. In this episode, John Murray of Families First of Virginia joins us to share insight into what actually happens to the brain during traumatic events and how foster families can actually help the brain heal.

When a child enters Foster Care, more often than not, they’re behind in school due to the pressures of their home life. Tidewater Friends of Foster Care created their tutoring program to meet kids where they are and provide them with the support they need to make academic progress. In this episode, meet two of TFFC’s tutors, Angelina and Becky, and learn about the importance of tutoring and its incredible effects in and out of the classroom.

The opportunity to go to summer camp is about more than just childcare. It’s about forming connections with other people and the earth, forming bonds, and enjoying the time and space to be yourself and not just “do work.” In this episode, you’ll hear about Tidewater Friends of Foster Care’s Summer Camp partnerships and how their volunteers make a huge difference. Monique Turner joins us to share about the incredible new camp The Barry Robinson Center is launching this summer.

First Star partners with universities and child welfare agencies throughout the country to make a long-term investment in foster youth and change the course of their lives, from abuse and neglect to academic achievement and self-sufficiency. In this segment, meet Lyndsey Wilson the CEO of First Star for an incredible conversation about First Star Academy and amazing news for Hampton Roads!

If you’ve ever wondered about adopting through Foster Care, this segment is for you! Join us and Cassandra Calender-Ray of Virginia One Church One Child as we discuss the different things to think about when considering foster to adopt and what next steps you can take if that’s the path you’d like to take.

Meet former foster youth, Key, who shares the moving story of her time in foster care and her perspective on the impact good foster parents can make. Key’s perspective is incredibly moving- you don’t want to miss this.