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Gratitude and Optimism
2025 TFFC Annual Report Overview
From the CEO
As I reflect on 2025 and The Friends of Foster Care’s approaching ten-year anniversary, I am filled with deep gratitude for all that we have accomplished together and tremendous optimism for what lies ahead.
When we began this work in 2016, our vision was simple but ambitious: to ensure that every child and young adult touched by foster care has the same opportunities for stability, success, and belonging as any other child. Nearly a decade later, that vision has grown into a statewide movement powered by foster families, educators, social workers, donors, volunteers, and community partners who believe that brighter futures are possible.
This year, we surpassed many important milestones: we served our 5,000th child, delivered our 75,000th hour of individualized tutoring, granted our 14,000th gift wishlist, and opened doors to more than 5,400 enrichment and extracurricular opportunities. These numbers tell a story of impact, but the true measure of our work is found in the young people who are discovering their strengths, reclaiming their confidence, and charting a path toward adulthood with encouragement at every step.
2025 was also a year of meaningful expansion. With the launch of new partnerships across Central Virginia, including Richmond and Henrico, and the continued growth of our Pathways programming for youth ages 14 to 18, as well as our transitioning youth program for 18 to 26 year-olds, we strengthened our commitment to supporting young people not just while they are in foster care, but as they transition into independence. From our Tutoring Program to YMCA memberships, from life-skills development to college tours and employment pathways, these programs represent the comprehensive support our young people deserve.
None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity, your advocacy, and your belief in our mission have fueled our ability to grow, innovate, and respond to the evolving needs of the children and youth we serve. Every tutoring session, every enrichment experience, every moment of joy or confidence a child experiences is a direct reflection of your support.
The State of Foster Care
Virginia’s foster care system is at a pivotal moment. As of December, 2025, 4,851 children and youth ages 0 to 17 were in foster care across the Commonwealth, with 1,069 living with family members and the remaining 3,788 placed in non-relative foster homes or congregate care settings. An additional 895 young adults ages 18 to 21 are supported through Virginia’s extended foster care program, Fostering Futures. These numbers represent more than a statistic—they reflect the ongoing need for safe, stable, and nurturing families, and the critical importance of supports that extend beyond childhood.
The average length of stay in foster care in Virginia is approximately 20 months, meaning most children remain in care for nearly two years before reaching permanency (reunification with parents or adoption). This extended time in care underscores the importance of consistent academic, emotional, and enrichment supports to promote well-being during a critical phase of their development.
Virginia also faces a profound challenge: foster parent inquiries have dropped by about 40% since 2020, mirroring national trends and leaving fewer families available just as needs remain high. To address this, Virginia has made notable progress in kinship care, placing children with relatives or close family friends whenever safely possible. As of 2025, roughly one in five Virginia children in foster care are placed with family members, a significant improvement from 2016, when only about 5% of children were in kinship foster placements. Even so, Virginia still trails the national average of roughly 30%, underscoring the need to continue strengthening kinship supports. Research consistently shows that kinship arrangements reduce the impact of trauma, support permanency, and are associated with better emotional and behavioral outcomes for children.
OUR MISSION
To create opportunities and environments for vulnerable youth and their families to thrive.
OUR VISION
To be the most innovative, valuable and inclusive partner in creating community-based support for youth and families interfacing with the foster care system.
Tutoring Updates
During the 2024–25 school year, 385 students received at least one session of tutoring, while 351 students completed four or more sessions, the level after which we see the most significant academic gains. Of these active students, 91% persisted in tutoring throughout the year, demonstrating their commitment to growth and learning. Their achievements speak volumes: 93% were promoted to the next grade level, 88% passed all of their tutored classes, 86% passed every class they took, and every senior in tutoring graduated on time or early. These outcomes illustrate not only academic improvement, but also the development of self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
As the need for academic support among foster youth grows, TFFC remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every child, no matter their history, placement, or circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed in school and build a brighter future. Our tutoring program continues to be a cornerstone of that promise.
How did our students do in the 2024-25 Academic Year?
Foster Care Aware
On May 17, 2025, The Friends of Foster Care hosted Foster Care Aware at Old Dominion University’s Constant Hall, bringing together a vibrant community of caregivers, advocates, professionals, teens, and families to celebrate National Foster Care Month and deepen understanding of the foster care experience.
Foster Care Aware was designed as a Family Fun Day & Community Summit that blended education, connection, and celebration in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The event opened with a lively outdoor carnival featuring bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon twisting, and games, giving children the space to play and families the chance to relax and connect.
Throughout the day, tailored tracks engaged participants at every stage of the foster care journey. Current and prospective foster parents, adoptive families, and families of origin attended workshops on topics such as trauma-informed care, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, navigating the court process, and best practices for supporting youth with complex needs. Expert speakers—including family law professionals, pediatricians, trauma specialists, and foster care leaders—shared actionable insights and facilitated meaningful dialogue.
Foster Care Aware 2025 was more than an event, it was a movement to elevate lived experience, strengthen community ties, and inspire action. By combining joyful celebration with deep learning, the event honored the resilience of foster youth and underscored the power of a community united in support, advocacy, and care.
Check out all of our available guides and read up on how you can help.
OUR GOALS
1. To ensure every child has a loving family placement capable of meeting their emotional, physical and psychological needs—through targeted outreach and training initiatives for foster parents.
2. To eliminate placement disruption and systemic recidivism within the foster care system—through comprehensive, on-going support of youth and families across all realms of the child welfare system.
3. To improve long-term outcomes of youth interfacing with the foster care system—through steadfast and strategic investment in enrichment programs that bridge gaps between publicly available resources and those elements essential to a healthy, happy and rewarding childhood.
Dorm Days 2025!
Dorm Days Camp – The College Experience was one of The Friends of Foster Care’s most impactful youth empowerment initiatives during the year. This immersive, two-week residential summer program for high-schoolers was designed to prepare foster youth and foster care alumni for life after high school by offering an authentic introduction to college life while building essential academic, life, and career skills.
Above all, Dorm Days Camp fostered confidence, connection, and possibility. From late-night dorm conversations to college campus explorations, participants left the experience better equipped, more self-assured, and empowered to pursue their next chapter with resilience and hope.
Youth Enrichment Programs
Throughout the year, The Friends of Foster Care invested in enrichment experiences that supported the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children and youth in foster care. Recognizing that learning and growth extend beyond the classroom, TFFC ensured that young people had access to extracurricular activities, summer camps, and community-based programs that fostered confidence, connection, and belonging.
Summer camp played a particularly powerful role in creating transformative experiences. From day camps to overnight and specialty camps, youth were given the chance to try new activities, build independence, and experience the joy of being a kid—often for the first time. Camp experiences strengthened social skills, boosted confidence, and created lasting memories in safe and supportive environments.
In addition, TFFC provided YMCA memberships to children and families, expanding access to year-round physical activity, swim lessons, youth programming, and mentorship. These memberships promoted healthy routines, emotional regulation, and consistent community engagement beyond structured programs.
Together, these enrichment opportunities supported whole-child development by removing financial barriers and ensuring foster youth had access to experiences that nurture confidence, resilience, and joy – the key ingredients for long-term success.
Gifting Projects
Celebrating Children, Restoring Joy
Total Number of Wishlists in 2025
Number of Birthday Gifts in 2024
Total Moments of Joy in 2025
Developement & Investment
The Friends of Foster Care remains deeply committed to improving outcomes for children and youth in foster care through education, enrichment, outreach, and community engagement. In 2025, TFFC navigated a complex fundraising environment shaped by economic uncertainty, federal funding cuts, and heightened competition for charitable foundation dollars. Even so, our commitment to fiscal stewardship and mission impact remained unwavering. For every dollar donated, at least 90% was invested directly into programs benefiting foster youth, upholding a promise we have consistently honored. To date, TFFC has invested more than $8.5 million in direct services that strengthen youth outcomes and the broader foster care ecosystem.
Onward into 2026
As The Friends of Foster Care enters its next decade of service, we are focused not only on reaching more children, but on deepening services, strengthen pathways, and ensure foster youth, especially teens, have the support they need to thrive. With our expansion into Central Virginia, including Henrico, Richmond, and Petersburg, we are building a strong and sustainable presence that brings proven programs to communities where the need is great and demand for impactful programming is growing.
The Expansion of the First Star Pathways Academy
As we extend this Pathways program, a comprehensive college- and career-readiness program designed specifically for teen foster youth, we will increase access to academic support, life-skills training, mentoring, and post-secondary planning to help young people build confidence, clarify goals, and envision a future beyond foster care.
Our Commitment to Community Partnership
In Henrico, Richmond, and Petersburg, we are collaborating with child welfare agencies, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations to ensure Pathways and other services are locally informed, accessible, and sustainable. By embedding programs within the fabric of each community, we aim to strengthen outcomes and expand opportunity for foster youth across the region.
We will continue ensuring youth have access to the support they need:
Academic Assistance and Mentoring
Social Programing and Emergency Assistance
Youth Advocacy and Leadership Programs
Transitional Services in Preparation for Adulthood
