Skip to content
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Facilities
    • Our Leadership
    • Meet Our Team
  • Our Programs
    • Early Head Start
    • Economic Resource Center
    • Foster Care
    • Healthy Families Central VA
    • Sponsored Homes
  • Events
    • HumanKind Golf Challenge
    • Homecoming
    • Lynchburg Turkey Trot
  • Our Impact
    • Stories
    • Newsletters
    • Annual Reports
    • Our Donors
    • Foundation & Grant Partners
  • Get Involved
    • Careers
    • Sponsors & Corporate Partnerships
    • Ways to Give
    • Volunteer
      • as an Individual
      • as a Group/Club
      • as a Corporate Partner
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • DONATE

HumanKind

Donate
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Facilities
    • Our Leadership
    • Meet Our Team
  • Our Programs
    • Early Head Start
    • Economic Resource Center
    • Foster Care
    • Healthy Families Central VA
    • Sponsored Homes
  • Events
    • HumanKind Golf Challenge
    • Homecoming
    • Lynchburg Turkey Trot
  • Our Impact
    • Stories
    • Newsletters
    • Annual Reports
    • Our Donors
    • Foundation & Grant Partners
  • Get Involved
    • Careers
    • Sponsors & Corporate Partnerships
    • Ways to Give
    • Volunteer
      • as an Individual
      • as a Group/Club
      • as a Corporate Partner
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • DONATE

Connection is Everything

Your gift provided a place for refuge and healing

Andrew and Thomas have been in the foster care system longer than most children at their young age – for more than three years. It has been a long, drawn out process. An unfortunate consequence of the pandemic. This slower pace also may have been a blessing as they had time to find new ways to manage their emotions and a greater ability to connect with others. And now with the adoption process underway, their time in foster care is finally nearing the end. Because of you they had the support and help they needed along the way.

Having suffered a traumatic start in life, they often struggled with impulse control and regulating their emotions that resulted in outbursts and frantic behavior. HumanKind’s Foster Care team connected the boys to a therapist at Blackwater Counseling. In the beginning the thought of not meeting in person felt pointless for the foster family. But then the therapist asked if they could meet outdoors on the historic campus and make use of the grounds for their sessions together.

Because of you Andrew and Thomas had care workers and a therapist ready to meet their unique needs and prepare them for life.

Andrew and Thomas were a little more interested at the idea of meeting outside rather than sit in another office. In one of the first sessions, the therapist and the boys started exploring the grounds – first heading down to the community gardens. “What is growing here? Who eats this food? Can I pick something?” they asked eagerly. A gentlemen working in the garden stopped to greet them and answer as many of their questions as possible. And then he shared something they had not even imagined – he had been a foster child too, and grown up right there on that land. His words of encouragement about how good his life had become moved mountains for the boys that day.

Your generosity has made outdoor sessions possible each week – heading to the pond with a fishing pole, finding the perfect tree to climb, bouncing balls on the basketball court, and building a fort in the forest – all creating meaningful connections. With a more natural setting out for a walk, looking in a garden and exploring something outside gave them a unique opportunity to connect. “We know that being in nature boost growth and healing – and for kids especially it helps them think more clearly, be more comfortable in their bodies and connect more easily,” their therapist shared.

You provided the wrap around support for Andrew and Thomas helping them build resiliency. What a gift that will not only help them now, but stay with them the rest of their lives.


You transformed Andrew and Thomas’ life. Without you, they would have had a very different journey. Every day there are children, who much like Andrew and Thomas, need someone to help them understand their emotions. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for children in need.

DONATE NOW

SEE ALL IMPACT STORIES

Learn more about HumanKind Foster Care at HumanKind by visiting here. 

Recent Stories

Breaking the Cycle | Emily's Story From Crisis to Stability | Gloria's Story Sheltering Hearts | The Ward's Story

Categories

Alumni Community Support Services Coronavirus Impact Counseling Early Head Start Economic Resource Center Education Facilitation Services Financial Opportunity Center Foster Care Health and Wellness Healthy Families Little Wings Maternal Health Sponsored Homes Vehicles for Change Volunteers Ways to Work

Contact Us

[javascript protected email address]
(434) 384-3131

HumanKind is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are deductible as charitable contributions. Tax ID 54-0346118.

Connect

  • Careers
  • Locations
  • Stories
  • Request for Proposals

Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Discrimination Policies
  • Terms of Use

Newsletter Signup

Connect with us and sign up for HumanKind News and Updates

Copyright © 2025 HumanKind, All rights reserved.
Site by 434 Marketing