Kidsave International is set to launch a Weekend Miracles program in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the fall of 2024. Partnering with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Kidsave will first introduce its proven Family Visit Model in the Northern and Central Virginia regions of the state to help older kids in foster care be seen, find family, and thrive.
Our program will launch in late 2024 in Northern and Central Virginia.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Virginia Department of Social Services,” said Randi Thompson, Kidsave Co-Founder and CEO. “Older kids have a lower chance of being adopted each year they get older, and we know that if the adults in their community have an opportunity to meet and get to know them, these kids are more likely to find forever families.”
There are nearly 4,800 kids in foster care in Virginia, approximately 800 of whom are waiting to be adopted. Over 51% of the kids in foster care in Virginia waiting to be adopted are aged 9 and older, and 56% have been waiting in care for two or more years (source).
To facilitate this program, Kidsave has hired a program manager, Tammy Yarborough. Yarborough is a knowledgeable child welfare professional with over 20 years of experience supporting at-risk youth in the Virginia community. She holds a Master of Science in Children’s Law and Policy and a Master of Arts in Human Services. With more than 15 years in social work, foster care, and in-home/family services, Yarborough specializes in case management, program management, community building, and industry connections.
“I am thrilled to join Kidsave’s expansion to Virginia,” said Yarborough. “It is an honor for me to lift up the needs of youth in foster care seeking connections and forever families.”
Kidsave’s programs have shown that families are more likely to engage with and step up for a child they know and care about. That’s why Weekend Miracles brings kids in foster care and adults interested in mentoring or adopting together for events in fun and safe environments. These opportunities allow them to develop bonds naturally over time. Then, when both the child and the family are ready, they can move forward to hosting—a mentor-like relationship where the adult commits to spending dedicated time with the child twice a month for at least one year. For the youth who are open to adoption, hosts can help them find a forever family; sometimes the host might be that family.
The first Virginia Weekend Miracles event will be held this fall, location to be determined. Adult attendees must complete a program orientation before attending an in-person event. To learn more and RSVP, email weekendmiraclesva@kidsave.org today.
