Families First of Virginia, Inc.

09/22/2025

Loved being a part of the Kinship in Action conference last week! Such an important conversation to have to improve care for our children.

08/29/2025

Long weekends can be full of excitement, family gatherings, and new memories—but they can also bring extra challenges for kids navigating change, transition, or big feelings.

Remember:
💛 Routines can be your best friend.
💛 Quiet moments matter just as much as the big activities.
💛 It’s okay to keep things simple.
💛 You are making a difference just by showing up with love and stability.

However you spend the next few days, we’re grateful for the safe and caring space you provide. Wishing you moments of peace, laughter, and connection this weekend. 💫

(Image of the new Mt Trashmore for an idea to spend a beautiful afternoon outside! Share your plans with us!)

07/29/2025

In the last few weeks we've had 10 sibling groups referred to us in need of homes. Our community needs our support! Contact us to register for a quick virtual info session today!

07/29/2025

Very important thoughts from our CEO, John Murray

07/10/2025

🌟 44 Children. One Month. One Mission. 🌟

In June alone, 44 children in our community were referred to our agency for foster care.
Each one deserves safety, love, and stability.

You can be the difference. Become a foster parent today.
📞 757-389-6818
🌐 www.familiesfirstofva.com

Please share!

05/27/2025

🌟 Become the Difference: Join Our Virtual Foster Parent Info Session! 🌟

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent, but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone — and we’re here to help.

Join us for a Virtual Informational Meeting where you’ll learn:
✅ What foster parenting really looks like
✅ The steps to get started
✅ Support and resources available to you
✅ Real stories from current foster parents

📅 Date: Tuesday June 3rd
🕕 Time: 7 pm EST
💻 Location: Online (link provided upon registration)

Whether you’re ready to take the first step or just want to learn more, this is a judgment-free space to ask questions and explore what fostering could mean for your family — and for a child who needs you.

👉 Register here: Link in the comments below
💬 Tag someone who should come with you!
🎁 Current Foster Parents who bring a friend will receive a gift for spreading awareness 🫶🏻

05/21/2025

Huge thank you to The Friends of Foster Care for such a wonderful event this past weekend! John brought the knowledge and Sherry and Dorinda helped greet everyone and spread awareness about the need for Foster Parents! ❤️

Living our motto out loud! “Helping our community one child at a time” 🙏🏻

05/16/2025

Come out this weekend and say Hi! There will be activities for children, and our very own John Murray is a Featured Speaker!

Our presenting sponsor, Families First of Virginia will be at Foster Care Aware this weekend. Don't miss a chance to come learn about what they do.

04/30/2025

Wellness Wednesday: Why Your Gut Health Matters—Especially for Foster Parents

As a foster parent, you’re doing some of the most important work there is—creating safety, love, and stability for children who need it most. But while you’re busy nurturing others, it’s vital to remember this: you need nurturing too.

One of the most overlooked ways to take care of yourself? Supporting your gut health.

⸻

What Is Gut Health—and Why Should You Care?

Your gut isn’t just where food is digested—it’s a hub of powerful activity that impacts nearly every part of your well-being. Often called the “second brain,” your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help regulate mood, boost immunity, manage energy, and keep inflammation in check.

When your gut is in balance, you’re more likely to feel:
• Energized
• Mentally focused
• Emotionally steady
• Better able to fight off illness

But when it’s out of balance? You may experience fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and even weakened immunity—all of which can make the demanding work of foster parenting even harder.

⸻

Gut Health Tips for Busy Foster Parents

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to support your gut. Even small, daily changes can make a big difference.

Here are a few practical steps to get you started:

1. Feed Your Good Bacteria

Your gut bacteria love fiber! Whole fruits, vegetables, oats, beans, and nuts help them thrive.
Try this: Add a handful of berries to your breakfast, swap chips for carrot sticks, or throw spinach into a smoothie.

2. Incorporate Probiotics

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha introduce healthy bacteria into your digestive system.
Try this: A yogurt parfait with granola and fruit is an easy gut-friendly snack—even on the go.

3. Stay Hydrated

Water helps your digestive system move smoothly and supports nutrient absorption.
Try this: Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day—especially during stressful moments.

4. Reduce Stress (Yes, It Affects Your Gut!)

Stress can disrupt your gut microbiome, increasing inflammation and reducing digestive efficiency.
Try this: Pause for 2–5 minutes of deep breathing, gentle stretching, or stepping outside. Even brief breaks calm your nervous system and support digestion.

5. Limit Processed Foods

Highly processed foods—especially those high in sugar and additives—can damage gut bacteria and contribute to fatigue and brain fog.
Try this: Aim for balance, not perfection. Choose whole, simple foods when you can, and be kind to yourself when you can’t.

⸻

You Deserve to Thrive, Too

As a foster parent, you’re constantly showing up for others—but don’t forget that your body and mind need showing up for, too. When your gut is nourished, you’re stronger, more centered, and better equipped to face the highs and lows of this journey.

So this Wellness Wednesday, make one small, gut-friendly shift. Whether it’s adding a veggie to dinner, drinking more water, or taking a quiet moment for yourself—every step counts.

Because your health is worth it.
Because you are worth it.

03/12/2025

We wholeheartedly support the Governor of Virginia's initiative, Reclaiming Childhood which aims at reducing the impact of social media and screen time on our youth! Check out this great link for ideas how to start the conversation with your kids.

4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits - Learn more and get Common Sense Media's research-backed tips.

03/11/2025

There are many misconceptions about foster care that can discourage potential foster parents or spread misinformation about children in care. This month we are going to discuss common myths about foster care, and debunk them with the facts! Join in the conversation and share our post to your page to help us spread the word about the need for foster parents!

🛑 MYTH: You have to be married to be a foster parent.

✅ FACT: There are no marital requirements to be a foster parent. Foster parents can be Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Cohabitating, etc. Some foster youth match with different home environments, your unique circumstances will likely fulfill a child's unique needs!

💛 Learn how you can provide a nurturing home to a child in need! Message us here on FB, or call 757-689-3818

02/10/2025

Our mission…help one child at a time! 🫶🏻