ForKids

September was a busy month at ForKids! Students returned to our after-school programs, volunteers rolled up their sleeves for Day of Caring, and our community came together for the 7th Annual Field Day. Here's a look back at some of the moments that made September extra special:

• Welcomed students back to our after-school programs
• Volunteers joined us for Day of Caring
• Learned more about breaking housing barriers with Dr. Johnny Finn
• Experienced a healing sound bath with Marrigold Wellness
• Wore teal and purple in recognition of Su***de Prevention Month
• Hosted a Side Hustle Workshop to help participants explore new income opportunities
• Gathered for the 7th Annual Field Day

One person's dedication can help spark a lifelong love of reading 📖 Through her commitment to the ForKids Reading Readiness Program, Susan is helping put books into the hands of young readers while opening the door to new opportunities for learning and growth.

We're grateful for supporters like Susan who are helping children build confidence one book at a time.

Read more about Susan's story and the impact she's making: https://forkids.org/books-in-hands-building-young-readers-two-books-at-a-time/

The most meaningful opportunities don't always require a big time commitment. As a ForKids mentor, you'll have the chance to build a relationship that can make a lasting difference in a student's life.

No previous mentoring experience is required. Training is provided, and our team will support you along the way. Mentors must be at least 21 years old, have access to a vehicle, and be willing to make a one-year commitment.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to get involved in your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Sign up today: https://forkids.org/mentorinterestform

If you’re 🛫 or 🛬 from Norfolk International Airport this month, be sure to check out the gallery of ForKids art!

Still basking in the glow of how our community showed up for ForKids Seventh Annual Field Day. Thank you to our friends at Minton & Roberson, Inc. for sharing the love!

A huge thank you to our M&R volunteers for stepping away from your desk and into the action at ForKids Field Day! Your kindness and community spirit help create opportunities for local children and families.
You're making a difference and proving that teamwork isn't just for the workplace. Learn more how you can support at https://forkids.org/

Thank you for partnering with us to help ensure good food reaches the families who need it most. We're excited to be part of this effort and grateful to work alongside the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and Sheetz to make a difference in our community 💙

We had a great time celebrating the grand opening of the first Sheetz in Hampton Roads, down in Suffolk! 🎉

We're excited to share that this new location will be part of our Retail Rescue program, which keeps good food out of landfills and gets it onto the tables of neighbors who need it. We're also proud to be teaming up with ForKids, who will help collect the rescued food and deliver it to the Foodbank. 🚚

A huge thank you to Sheetz for their generous $2,500 gift to support our mission of fighting food insecurity across our community. Welcome to the neighborhood, Sheetz, and thank you for showing up for our neighbors! ❤️

We're pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to our Board of Directors: Vaibhav Dani, Natalie Feldman, MD, Mary Hensley, Katie Petrillo and Bob Roth.

Together, these community leaders bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to strengthening our community. Their knowledge, perspective and passion for helping children and families will help guide ForKids as we continue our mission to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

We're excited to welcome them to the ForKids team and look forward to the leadership they will bring to our organization.

Read more and learn about our newest board members today: https://forkids.org/forkids-welcomes-five-new-members-to-board-of-directors/

Rising costs continue to put a strain on families across our region, making it harder to keep food on the table while managing other essential expenses.

At ForKids, we see firsthand how financial challenges can impact every aspect of a family's life. That's why access to resources, community support, and opportunities for long-term stability remains so important.

Thank you to 13News Now - WVEC for highlighting this important issue affecting families throughout Hampton Roads.

Rising costs leave more Virginia families struggling with food insecurity Higher housing, childcare, and insurance costs are squeezing Virginia families, while local groups see more people seeking help with food and rent.

Six ForKids families recently attended their very first therapy session, taking a meaningful step toward prioritizing their mental health and overall well-being.

For families navigating housing instability, making time for self-care isn't always easy. Between the demands of everyday life and the challenges they may be facing, choosing to seek support takes courage, which is why moments like these are worth celebrating.

As we recognize Su***de Prevention Month, we're reminded that mental health matters and that every step toward wellness deserves recognition.

As Jasmonet Fletcher, Mental Health Coordinator shared: "Every step toward wellness is an achievement worth celebrating." 💙