Child Protection United States Project #69170

Finding Families for Foster Youth in Virginia

Project Report | Jul 9, 2026
Halfway Through the Year, Lasting Connections Are Taking Root

By Development Team | Kidsave Staff

As we reach the halfway point of the year, we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible connections being built through Kidsave's Weekend Miracles Virginia program. Thanks to your generosity, older youth in foster care are continuing to meet caring adults who are showing up, building trust, and becoming consistent sources of support in their lives.

Each month, Weekend Miracles brings youth and volunteers together through fun, engaging activities where relationships can develop naturally. Whether spending time outdoors, participating in community events, or simply sharing conversations and laughter, these moments are creating something much bigger than a day of fun, they're creating lasting connections.

Over the past several months, we've watched relationships grow stronger with every event. Youth who may have been hesitant at first are becoming more comfortable opening up, while mentors and host families are getting to know the unique personalities, talents, and dreams of the young people they spend time with. It's these consistent interactions that build trust and remind youth they have someone in their corner.

Many of these connections begin with a simple introduction but have the potential to become lifelong relationships. Some evolve into mentorships, others into hosting opportunities, and for some youth, they can ultimately lead to adoption. Every meaningful connection starts with someone willing to show up.

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we're excited to continue welcoming new volunteers while strengthening the relationships already taking shape. None of this would be possible without supporters like you.

Thank you for believing in the power of connection. Your generosity makes it possible for older youth in foster care to experience belonging, hope, and the opportunity to build relationships that can change the course of their lives.

Together, we're creating brighter futures, one connection at a time.

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Mar 12, 2026
Striking Up Connections: Weekend Miracles Virginia Kicks Off the Year with Bowling

By Development Team | Kidsave Staff

Nov 12, 2025
Building Connections Through Fun and Friendship: Virginia Weekend Miracles

By Development Team | Kidsave Staff

As of our recent event at the National Zoo, the Virginia Weekend Miracles program has served 31 kids this year—and we’re thrilled to see so many new connections blooming! The day was filled with excitement and laughter as kids and families explored the zoo together, meeting the zoo animals while sharing stories and smiles along the way. What made the day so special wasn’t just the incredible animals—it was watching kids and adults connect, talk, and laugh together as if they’d known each other for years.

For many of these kids, simple moments like holding a mentor’s hand while looking at the giraffes or sitting together during lunch mean everything. These shared experiences lay the groundwork for trust, friendship, and belonging—things every young person needs but that many older kids in foster care have had too few chances to find.

Weekend Miracles gives kids and potential mentors or adoptive parents the opportunity to meet in a relaxed, natural environment. Unlike traditional placement systems, these events focus on connection first—allowing relationships to grow organically through shared activities, open conversations, and genuine care.

This fall, our Virginia Weekend Miracles families came together for a heartwarming event filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. The kids and mentors spent the day apple picking and pumpkin decorating, embracing the simple joys of the season while strengthening the bonds that make our program so special.

It was a day full of smiles and teamwork—kids and families searched for the perfect pumpkins, filled baskets with crisp apples, and shared stories about school, hobbies, and their hopes for the future. These small, joyful moments help lay the foundation for deeper, lasting relationships between youth and caring adults in their community.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, staff, and supporters, we continue to see incredible progress in Virginia. Every new match, every smile, and every shared experience moves us closer to building a stronger community of love and support for kids in foster care.

Make a Difference

You can help make these moments possible. Whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support helps kids in foster care find the stable, caring connections they deserve. Learn more about Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program and how you can be part of changing a child’s story—one weekend at a time.

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