Shineforth

22/12/2025

There are over 5,000 foster children in Virginia, with over 1,000 of those kids living in the Hampton Roads community.

Mary Davies, LCSW, Program Director for the Shineforth Tidewater Regional Office, joined Coast Live to discuss the need for foster families in Virginia, and how the community can help foster kids who need support.

22/12/2025

Want to know what an unwavering champion for children looks like? Look no further than Melissa Linn, Resource Parent Trainer at Shineforth’s Lynchburg office. Melissa connected with ABC 13 - WSET's Living in the Heart of Virginia to amplify an urgent message: More foster parents are needed in Virginia.

Local audiences can catch Melissa’s full interview on WSET Channel 13 on Monday, December 29, at 12:30 p.m. The interview will also be available online at wset.com

17/12/2025

Shineforth was grateful to welcome Becky Stickley, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Community Foundation, to Charterhouse School in Edinburg this week for a visit and tour of campus. Opportunities like these allow us to strengthen community partnerships while highlighting the meaningful work our Shineforth staff do every day to support children and families across the state.

Interested in learning more about our programs and facilities? Inquire about a tour and connect with us today!

16/12/2025

Last week, our staff came together for our “Winter Glow” holiday party. There’s always a feeling in the room when our staff gathers under one roof, and it’s a reflection of the culture that makes this such a warm and special place to be a part of.

Bingo, raffles, photo booths, great food, and even better company made it a great way to celebrate the year and the holiday season.

11/12/2025

“This place helped me rediscover my light.” At Shineforth's Child & Family Healing Center in Richmond, children and teens are learning how to navigate trauma and other adverse experiences. Read the story at UMFS.org/blog.

10/12/2025

Even in snowy conditions, our community showed up in a big way this week! Partners and volunteers braved the weather to make sure our young people felt supported and cared for this holiday season.

A huge thank you to New Song Church , who delivered Christmas gifts for our Caminos families and VA Project LIFE youth. Their generosity over the past four years continues to make the holiday season brighter for our kiddos.

We’re also grateful for our friends at Northwestern Mutual - Virginia who arrived with Angel Tree gifts for Caminos families, Treatment Foster Care youth, and raffle items for our Project Life holiday event. Their ongoing support makes a real difference.

And a special thank you to the Ruxton family, who sponsored a Caminos family and made their delivery despite the weather. Their kindness helps bring joy to families who need it most.

We’re so thankful for every partner helping make this holiday season brighter for the youth and families we serve.

09/12/2025

From all of us at Shineforth, thank you for helping us provide what every child and family deserves: a bright holiday season. Because of your generosity, we raised over $15,000 to stuff stockings, buy presents, provide warm holiday meals, and deck the halls.

Thank you for showing up and being unwavering champions for Virginia's children and families this holiday season.

04/12/2025

This week, St. Catherine's School students joined us for the third year in a row to bring holiday cheer to our Child & Family Healing Center lobby! Their creativity and kindness helped “deck our halls” and make the space feel welcoming and festive for the season.

02/12/2025

Have you considered opening your heart and home as a foster or adoptive parent?

Watch this interview with Shineforth's Mary Davies and Melani Ferrer to learn about the urgent need for safe and loving families. Many thanks to WTKR News 3 Coast Live for helping us share this important message.

Coast recently spoke with a Shineforth representative and a parent who is also employed at the agency to gain their insights into the adoption process.

02/12/2025

TODAY IS THE DAY: This Giving Tuesday, every dollar you give will help make spirits bright for the children and families at Shineforth. Donate today to help us meet our matching goal of $5,000 to double your impact and spread even more holiday cheer!

- Your gift of $25 will stuff a stocking for a child in foster care.
- Your gift of $50 will provide Christmas dinner for a Shineforth family to gather around.
- Your gift of $100 will cover one day of “12 Days of Christmas” for our Child & Family Healing Center (CFHC) residents, who will be spending the holiday season with us.
- Your gift of $150 will sponsor a child’s Christmas gifts this year.

Visit https://www.umfs.org/giving-tuesday/ or text SHINEYOURLIGHT to 51555 for more information.

27/11/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from our Shineforth family to yours. We hope you all enjoy time with family and loved ones!

As a reminder our offices will be closed today and tomorrow.