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CHSVA Celebrates 125 Years of Creating Brighter Futures for At-Risk Youth

For 125 years, the Children’s Home Society of Virginia has been a beacon of hope for children and families, tirelessly creating brighter futures through the power of adoption. Since our founding in 1900, we have connected thousands of children with loving families, offering them stability, security, and permanence. This milestone anniversary is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a testament to the enduring commitment to transforming lives and building stronger communities for generations to come.

As we commemorate 125 years of service, we must reflect on our legacy of compassion, innovation, and resilience. From placing at-risk children in safe homes to supporting youth aging out of foster care, our mission has remained steadfast: ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. This blog will explore our impact over the years and how our unwavering dedication inspires hope for the future.

The History and Legacy of The Children’s Home Society of Virginia

An adopted child, teenage boy, with his adoptive parents. They are making heart gestures with their hands.Founded in 1900, the Children’s Home Society of Virginia began its journey with a singular mission: to provide safe and loving homes for children in need. In the early days, we focused on placing orphaned and abandoned children with families who could offer them care, stability, and a fresh start. At a time when formal child welfare systems were still in their infancy, we were pioneers advocating for children’s rights to grow up in nurturing environments.

Over the decades, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of children and families. From facilitating traditional adoptions to supporting youth aging out of foster care, the organization has expanded its programs to ensure no child is left behind. Milestones such as the development of post-adoption services and initiatives aimed at sibling group adoptions highlight our innovative approach to addressing modern challenges in the adoption system. Through it all, our unwavering commitment to creating brighter futures has remained at the heart of our work, touching the lives of countless children and families across Virginia.

Our Impact on Virginia Families

For 125 years, we have been a lifeline for children and families, creating brighter futures through the life-changing power of adoption. Since our founding, we have placed 17,000 children in loving, permanent homes, providing them with the stability and care they deserve. Each placement represents not just a new chapter for a child but also a fresh beginning for adoptive families eager to share their love and support.

The impact of our work goes far beyond numbers. Families often share the profound joy and fulfillment that adoption has brought into their lives while acknowledging the unique challenges of the journey. At the same time, children describe the safety, love, and opportunities they have experienced in their forever homes. Youth who once faced uncertain futures now thrive in school, build lasting relationships, and become confident, independent adults. By supporting children and families every step of the way, we have transformed individual lives and strengthened communities across Virginia.

Countless families have experienced the compassionate and dedicated support CHSVA provides, as shared by one of our hopeful adoptive parents.

“We are currently in the home study process through CHSVA, and I have found them to be extremely knowledgeable, empathetic to our needs, and organized. I always feel heard and know my questions will be answered promptly. Our caseworker has been a godsend, and I’m grateful for the team that supports her.”

The Realities Faced by Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Each year, approximately 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system in the United States without being adopted or reunified with their families. In Virginia alone, about 500 youth age out of foster care each year.

This transition often presents significant challenges, as these individuals are suddenly expected to navigate adulthood without the support systems that many of their peers rely on.

The statistics surrounding youth who age out of foster care are concerning:

  • Homelessness: Approximately 20% of teens who age out of foster care become instantly homeless.
  • Education: Only 58% of youth aging out of care at 18 have graduated high school by age 19, compared with 87% of all 19-year-olds. Nearly one-quarter did not have a high school diploma or GED by age 21.
  • Employment: By age 24, only 50% of former foster youth are employed.
  • Incarceration: One in four youth are involved in the criminal justice system within two years of leaving care.
  • Early Parenthood: 70% of young women who age out of foster care become pregnant by age 21.

These challenges highlight the critical need for comprehensive support systems to assist youth transitioning out of foster care. We recognize these obstacles and are dedicated to providing resources and programs like our My Path Forward program, which aims to improve the outcomes for these young adults and ensure they have the opportunities and support necessary to build successful, independent lives.

Adopt an Older Child or Teenager Today

Adoption is a powerful way to change a child’s life forever—and your own. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a loving, permanent home, but thousands of children across the country, including many in Virginia, still await that opportunity. By opening your heart and home, you can provide a child with the security, support, and love they need to thrive. Families who adopt often share how the experience has brought immense joy, fulfillment, and a more profound sense of purpose to their lives. If you’ve ever considered adoption, now is the time to take that first step and help create a brighter future for a child in need.

Get Started!

Creating Brighter Futures for 125 Years

In recognition of our 125th anniversary, we are excited to announce we will celebrate with the community with a full calendar of events in 2025. Once you’re part of the CHSVA family, you’re always part of the CHSVA family. To foster connections and build relationships, we invite our adoptive families, friends, donors, and volunteers to celebrate with us at the following 2025 events. We hope to see you this year!

  • Adoption Advocacy Day, January 29, 2025, in the General Assembly. Join us in helping educate legislators, other policymakers, and leaders about the importance of supporting foster care and adoption in Virginia.
  • 2025 Annual Let Love Grow Event at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The CHSVA family will gather to support our mission and to celebrate 125 years of creating brighter futures. This event, featuring music, munchies, and mimosas, will feature a silent auction, raffles, and other giving opportunities to help us continue to create brighter futures for another 125 years.
  • CHSVA Family Day at The Diamond. Date TBD. CHSVA staff and the families we serve will attend a game at the Diamond to share in fellowship.
  • CHSVA Family Reunion Picnic. The date and location are TBD this fall. We will round out a year of celebration by bringing together children, youth, and families served both now and over past decades, along with staff both past and present.

As we celebrate 125 years of creating brighter futures, we are reminded of the incredible power of adoption to transform lives. The resiliency of CHSVA has been built on the foundation of unwavering support from families, donors, and partners who have helped make this work possible. With their help, thousands of children have found their forever homes, and countless families have been empowered to provide the love and care these children deserve. Looking ahead, we aspire to serve thousands more families in the years to come, continuing to build stronger, more connected communities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along this journey—none of our work would be possible without your generosity. The power of community and support is immeasurable, and together, we will continue to change lives for generations to come.