Who We Are

A stylized heart-shaped outline with a black background and white border.
A group of children engaged in traditional butter-making activities indoors. Children are churning and working together.

With You — Since 1903

HumanKind, formerly Presbyterian Homes & Family Services, has strengthened families and communities in many different capacities since 1903, changing our services to meet the needs of the communities we serve. What began as an orphanage, which served as many as 100 children at a time on our Lynchburg campus, has a rich legacy of caring for children and our community. From the legacy of the Shoeless Wonders to our designation in the National Register of Historic Places  to the rich history of our land (shaped by the Charles Gillette Master Plan, 1923), we honor our place in Virginia history.

With a strong commitment to expanding our impact, our staff and board adopted the HumanKind name in 2012 and officially introduced it in 2014. Honoring our founders and all who paved the way, our name reflects our mission to serve people by meeting them where they are and responding with care to their unique needs.

Our present

Today — as always — our work is rooted in dignity, choice, and lasting change, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them toward their goals. Our programs, which serve geographies across Virginia, reflect the kinds of wraparound services that help individuals and families thrive: childcare, parental support, vehicle loans, workforce development, financial coaching, and treatment foster care.

At HumanKind, our work is predicated on the belief that kindness can be a catalyst for profound social change. We hope to be an oasis of civility in an often-turbulent world.

Our future

We envision a compassionate society where every person is valued, families are healthy and communities prosper.

People in turkey costumes celebrating at a Turkey Trot event, holding medals and smiling.

Our Mission

At HumanKind, our mission is to strengthen individuals, families and communities through care, counseling, and education.

Our Values

Our commitment to our values is intended for every individual we encounter.

  • Minimalist line drawing of two hands holding a heart, with curved lines and orange parentheses on each side.

    Service

    Providing compassionate care and support to everyone.

  • Heart-shaped lock with a keyhole in the center, outlined in white with an orange keyhole, on a black background.

    Integrity

    Consistently demonstrating honest and ethical behavior.

  • Outline drawing of two people high-fiving, with lines indicating celebration or excitement.

    Teamwork

    Working collaboratively with positive attitudes and shared responsibility.

  • Outline drawing of an award ribbon with a heart at the center, black background, white and orange lines.

    Excellence

    Achieving quality through continuous improvement.

  • Simple illustration of a plant sprouting out of the soil with two leaves and a small stem.

    Developing Potential

    Encouraging and cultivating growth in ourselves and those we serve.

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    Diversity

    Respecting, encouraging and celebrating differences.

  • A white outline of a hand holding a heart, with a person icon inside the heart, on a black background.

    Resilience

    Embracing change through innovation and adaptability.