As the year winds down, many of us look back and sort out what truly mattered. For CHS, that reflection brings one thing into focus: your generosity has changed lives. Every gift, every shared story, and every moment of Virginia adoption support made a real difference for children, youth, and families across the state.
And the impact speaks for itself.
A Year of Impact – Thanks to You
Because of your compassion, this past year moved countless lives forward:
- 45 children were adopted into loving families
- 578 adoptive parents received post-adoption support and services
- 217 adult adoptees were served
- Nearly 30 young adults in the My Path Forward program found stable housing and wraparound support
These are more than numbers. These are new beginnings, second chances, and futures rewritten because people like you showed up.
But while we celebrate how far we’ve come, the need remains urgent.
Why Adoption Matters – and Why Virginia Adoption Support is Needed More Than Ever
Across Virginia, more than 1,600 children are currently in foster care waiting for a family. Many are older youth. Some are part of sibling groups. All are hoping for the same thing: a loving, permanent family.
Adoption matters because it doesn’t just give a child a home; it gives them stability, connection, and the chance to thrive. Even one permanent, supportive relationship can completely change life outcomes for a young person in foster care.
This is why CHS exists. This is why year-end giving is so important. And this is where Virginia adoption support becomes life-changing.
Understanding Virginia’s Adoption Landscape
A few things everyone should know:
- Youth who age out of foster care without a permanent family face steep challenges: higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, teen pregnancy, and interrupted education.
- Sibling groups often wait the longest for adoptive families.
- Teens are adopted less often, despite wanting families just as much as younger children.
Your donations help CHS connect youth in foster care with loving families, guiding them through the adoption process and providing ongoing support to ensure long-term success.
Read About Our Wonderful Children Waiting
This part of the story is tough, but it’s honest. Many children in Virginia are still waiting. Waiting for stability. Waiting for their chance at a forever family.
Please read about the courageous, bright, and wonderful children waiting for a family here.
Where Your Donation Goes | Every Dollar Has a Job
If you’re wondering whether your year-end gift actually changes anything, here’s exactly what it does:
- $50 — Funds an activity for a foster child to meet a prospective adoptive family for the first time – like a casual dinner or bowling
- $100 — Funds a Post Adoption Club activity where kids can bond with peers who share similar experiences
- $250 — Provides trauma-informed parenting skills training for adoptive and prospective parents
- $500 — Gives a youth in the My Path Forward program internet access for their education
- $1,000 — Furnishes an apartment for a young adult taking their first steps into independence
- $1,500 — Covers a full year of parent coaching to support the long-term success of an adoptive family
- $5,000 — Pays for an entire year of rent for a young adult in My Path Forward
This isn’t just financial giving. It’s life-changing giving.
A New Look for a New Chapter: CHS’s Rebrand
As CHS looked at its 125-year legacy, one truth became clearer, the brand no longer reflected the breadth of what we do today. The old logo suggested a focus only on infants and young children, but much of our work now centers on youth, adoptive families, and young adults preparing for independence.
Through in-depth stakeholder interviews and a careful re-examination of our mission, the need for change became obvious. CHS supports families long after finalization and plays a crucial role in helping young adults transition safely and confidently into adulthood. The new look had to reflect that growth.
The result?
A logo that feels mature, steady, and mission-driven. A symbol of strength, resilience, and forward movement.
With that comes a refreshed message that says exactly what CHS stands for: “Building Families. Supporting Futures.”
Krystal Thompson, CHS CEO/President, shared it best:
“Our focus has evolved over the years; we believe that our logo and look should reflect that change. Our new look reflects a commitment to creating safe spaces where children and youth can reach their full potential while also conveying a more mature and confident feel.”
Marketing Specialist Ali Fogarty added:
“For me, the rebrand has been an opportunity to give a fresh look to many things — our flyers, social media, conference materials, promotional pieces, and website. Each piece now reflects not only a new design, but a renewed message about who we are and what we stand for. Our team may be small, but we have big hearts, and we are deeply committed to doing what’s best for the children, youth, and families we serve.”
The goal is simple: help the community understand the full scope of our services so more children can be connected with families, and more families can thrive.
Because that thriving reshapes futures. It turns uncertainty into possibility.
How You Can Make a Difference Today Through Virginia Adoption Support
Here are three powerful ways you can help right now:
- Adopt a child or teen waiting in Virginia’s foster care system
- Donate to help more families open their homes and hearts
- Spread the word! Someone you tell today might be the family a child has been waiting for.
Together, we can build families and support futures. The work isn’t done, but with your help, it can be.
