Every year, hundreds of young people in Virginia age out of foster care without the support systems many of us take for granted. The transition into adulthood can be overwhelming, especially without stable housing, guidance, or access to essential resources. That’s where My Path Forward, a program of Children’s Home Society of Virginia (CHSVA), steps in.
My Path Forward provides housing for former foster youth along with wraparound services that promote long-term success. Designed for young adults ages 17–25, the program offers safe, affordable housing, life skills coaching, trauma-informed care, education and career support, and more. It’s a personalized, holistic approach that helps participants build independence while staying connected to a caring community.
Keep reading to see how this life-changing program is growing to serve more young people than ever before, plus an inspiring story from a young adult who’s found stability through CHSVA, and a spotlight on one of the dedicated staff members helping make it all happen.
A Growing Lifeline: More Housing, More Hope for Former Foster Youth
My Path Forward is expanding, and so is its impact. We’ve added more apartments to meet growing demand, including our very first three-bedroom unit. Participation in our independent living program for youth ages 17 to 20 has reached an all-time high, and the average length of stay has more than doubled, giving young people the time and support they need to build essential life skills before transitioning to independence.
Home is where hope grows. My Path Forward youth outside one of our newest apartment homes.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we’re able to walk alongside these young adults even longer, extending support through age 25 to help them gain the stability and confidence they deserve. As our program grows, so does our team. We’re excited to welcome Sparkle, our newest case manager, whose passion and experience will help us serve even more youth with care and compassion.
Staff Spotlight: Welcome, Sparkle!
My Path Forward Case Manager
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Sparkle, the newest member of our My Path Forward team at CHSVA!
Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Sparkle moved to Richmond in 2011 and brings with her not only a decade of experience but a deep passion for empowering youth. She began her career in the criminal justice field, working in prisons and juvenile detention centers. But over time, she realized her heart was pulling her in a different direction.
“I didn’t feel like I was making a difference working in corrections, so I decided to shift my focus and work directly with youth — hands-on, as part of their growth and treatment,” Sparkle shared.
That decision led her to spend the next ten years in residential treatment settings, supporting youth with histories of trauma. Through that work, she’s learned one powerful, guiding truth:
“Not all trauma looks the same. It’s crucial to meet each young person where they are and connect in ways they can understand. Most importantly, it’s essential to create a safe space for them.”
So what drives her, even on the hardest days?
“What keeps me motivated in challenging moments is remembering that it’s not about me — it’s about the youth we serve and fulfilling the mission. Making a difference means being a positive role model for youth and being intentional, consistent, and walking alongside them as they progress through the program.”
Sparkle’s wisdom, dedication, and heart make her a perfect fit for My Path Forward, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team.
Program Highlights: Progress, Milestones, and Everyday Wins
The past few months have been full of exciting milestones and meaningful moments for the My Path Forward community.
Two of our youth, PB and JK, celebrated a major achievement: graduating from high school, an incredible accomplishment and a proud moment for all!
Staff members Kristina, Tomeka, Sparkle, Deborah, and Shiela took nine youth on a fun-filled outing to Busch Gardens, offering a chance to relax, bond, and just enjoy being young.
Earlier this spring, staff member Tory led a group session for 10 youth focused on financial planning and navigating the apartment search process. The session sparked great conversation, featured a hands-on activity, and gave youth the opportunity to engage with one another in a positive and supportive environment.
To cap off the spring, several youth attended the annual Project Life Conference in Lynchburg, where they joined peers from across the state for workshops on mental health, post-secondary education, permanency, youth adult partnerships, and more. With the theme “Livin’ It Up – Catch the Vibe to Thrive!” the event focused on helping young people ages 14–21 in foster care explore what it means to thrive in young adulthood.
Connection, growth, and a whole lot of joy—My Path Forward youth at this year’s Project LIFE Conference!
In addition to these exciting events, our youth also participated in Wake the World, a nonprofit organization that offers watersports outings to children in foster care and others in need. Through partnerships with local boat owners and volunteers, Wake the World provides a day of fun, connection, and confidence-building on the water. This special day was arranged by Kristy, CHSVA’s Search and Reunion Social Worker. They had an absolute blast soaking up the sun, trying new activities, and enjoying a day just for them.
Smiles, sunshine, and waves—our My Path Forward youth had a blast at Wake the World!
Youth Spotlight: Will’s Road to the Mound and Beyond
From high school graduations to group outings and water adventures, the past few months have been filled with growth, joy, and connection for our My Path Forward community. But behind each event is a young person on their own unique journey. That’s where our individualized support makes all the difference.
At My Path Forward, we believe every young person in foster care deserves the chance to pursue their passions and shape their own future. Our team creates customized plans that help each youth set goals, build on their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward independence.
For Will, that plan includes a baseball glove and a dream.
Will has always had a passion for the game. A natural on the field, especially on the pitcher’s mound, his talent fuels not just his athletic performance, but also his confidence. But staying committed to a high school sport can be tough for youth in foster care, especially with the frequent disruptions in school and life many experience. That’s where we stepped in.
With support from the My Path Forward team, Will has been able to consistently attend practices, stay on top of his schoolwork, and recently participate in a college recruitment showcase, where he pitched and hit well enough to earn an invitation to another one this fall!
Now entering his final year of high school, Will is thinking seriously about college and exploring a degree in business. While only about 71% of youth in foster care earn a high school diploma or GED by age 21, and even fewer pursue higher education, Will is defying the odds. And we will be right beside him every step of the way.
At My Path Forward, we don’t just support youth, we walk alongside them as they chase their dreams and create lives full of purpose and possibility.
Will, one of our incredible My Path Forward youth, stepping up to the plate!
Help Us Keep the Momentum Going: Support Housing for Former Foster Youth
At My Path Forward, we’ve seen firsthand how stability, guidance, and compassion can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Whether it’s providing safe housing for former foster youth, helping a teen chase their dream of college baseball, or offering consistent support through life’s transitions, CHSVA is committed to walking alongside youth as they build brighter, more independent futures.
But we can’t do it without you.
Every dollar you give makes a tangible difference in the life of a young person aging out of foster care. Your support helps us cover essential needs like housing, groceries, transportation, counseling, and education, everything it takes to help these young adults thrive, not just survive.
Here’s how your gift can help:
- $500:
- One month of counseling support for a young person who has aged out of foster care
- One year of internet access for two youth to enable them to complete school work and apply for jobs
- $1,000:
- One year of basic needs and emergency expenses for a young person transitioning into adulthood
- One year of books and school supplies for a young college student
- One year of support with emergency car repairs for two young people
- $2,000:
- One year of groceries for a young person learning smart shopping and budgeting
- One year of counseling support for a young person becoming an adult
- One year of utilities and internet access for two young people completing their education and learning to become independent adults
- Warm winter coats, hats, and gloves for 10 young people transitioning into adulthood
- One year of vocational training for a young person learning a trade and independence
With your help, we can continue expanding our program, supporting more young adults, and offering more opportunities for hope, healing, and success. Together, we’re not just providing housing, we’re building brighter futures.
Please pass along this inspiring story to help raise awareness for adoption in Virginia. Share this blog with your friends and family today!
