Making A Difference in Central Virginia

Thank you for meeting with us this morning. I am ready to try these techniques that you mentioned because I want the best for O. Can't wait for next week. Be blessed.
3/12/21
Brenda C.

Thanks a million. May God bless you. I am just thankful for your help.
3/21
Pamela W.

We are so grateful. Having these classes has helped us think about H's needs today and in the future. It's been hard thinking about his trauma, especially since we may never know, but at least now we feel prepared.
4/21
Sarrah S.

We were overwhelmed, in a good way! It was just like Christmas for H and us too. (when CP need was met)
4/27/21
Sarrah S.

Thank you so much! I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT.
4/29/21
Tonya W.

Thanks for being there for me!
5/12/21
Rachel S.

Thank you so much for everything you've done.
It's made such a difference, thank you!
5/17/21
Tonya W.

I cannot tell you how much I just think about all the people out there who just don't know that your support services are out there. I want to let people know how wonderful you are!
5/20/21
Ginger W.

Your voice has been so calm and helpful throughout this whole unexpected mess. The process seems simpler when you talk us through it.
6/2/21
Ginger W.

You have been a breath of fresh air through this. You have no idea how much your help has meant to me. Thank you so very much!
7/7/21
Tonya W.

Nicholette thank you for your passion, dedication, and willingness to be our Kinship Navigator.
7/13/21
Drew Coleman
DSS Amherst

You've done, done, done a lot. You've done the majority and gotten me through this. You've helped me tremendously so that I know I don't have to worry.
7/15/21
Tonya W.

I wanted to reach out and thank you from the bottom
of my heart for all the help you have provided us with.
It looks like things are looking up and we will be okay.
7/27/21
Rebecca A.

You're my go-to person. I know when I need help,
I can turn to you and you'll help me.
8/2/21
Rachel S.

That is so awesome. I am overjoyed.
You made my week!
8/23/21
F. B.

I don't think you have any idea about what you guys have given us since we met you. Just to have hope, when so many doors kept being closed in our faces. I'm just so, so thankful!
9/1/21
F.B.

Thank you so much, Nicholette! You are awesome! Definitely your God given purpose for this life. Helping others is always Christlike but what you do is give hope and compassion. A gift so many people do not have.
9/27/21
Michelle B.

I just feel like I can exhale right now.
Thank you so much!
12/10/21
Sonia L.

Thank you so much Kameron!!!! I will try to swing by there this evening!!!!!! I’m so happy & grateful for all your help ma’am!!!
12/16/21
Sonia L.

You are awesome!! I can’t thank you enough, Kameron! I’m ready to reach out and ask for help because I feel like I’m losing my mind. Ugh! So THANK YOU! You are a blessing from above!
3/25/22
Michelle B.

You just made my day! I can't thank you enough Suga!
3/17/22
Dawn K.

"Thank you so much for everything,
you have been such blessing"
5/18/22
LeJuan T.

"You all make it so much better, so much better.
It's exactly what I need. You guys are amazing!"
7/15/22
Sara S.

Thank you for all you are doing!
2/9/21
Kelli M.
Serving: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Lynchburg, Nelson, and Roanoke

Individualized service with a family advocate – our goal is to assist kinship caregivers in learning about, finding, and using programs and services to meet the needs of the children they are raising, in addition to their own needs as caregivers. This can include:
- family evaluations to identify strengths and needs
- referral to community resources
- support groups for local kinship caregivers
- assistance applying for financial/food/heating
- assistance assistance applying for medical insurance
- parent and youth education opportunities, including but not limited to:
-trauma-informed care
-trust-based relational intervention
-teaching family model of care
-families first phase model to prevent out-of-home placements
-circle of security & circle of support
The Kinship Navigator program works to support and empower kinship families in the central region of Virginia. Including all kinship families, formal and informal, the program offers services that are individualized and specific to the needs of each family. Each family is offered opportunities to grow their financial, educational, and relational skills so that they can ultimately thrive. In addition, in partnership with DSS, the program also provides a pathway for interested kinship caregivers to become certified as foster parents. This occurs through Kinship Resource Family Training – offered regionally three times yearly through a multi-week course based on established evidence-based curriculums (Pride, Traditions of Caring, and Foster Parent College) but with a focus on the unique needs and concerns of kinship families. The training is open to kin who intend to foster, relative custodians, as well as diversionary families.