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Championing Through the Storm12020 annual report
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 20202
Championing Through the Storm3Our work depends on relationships with families, learning together, face to face. As Virginia’s leader in early childhood home visiting and child abuse prevention, we train and support our 50 afliated organizations across the Commonwealth as they connect with, educate and support families. These connections develop over time, through experience and trust. CHAMPIONING THROUGH THE STORMHow does that work when face-to-face interactions are completely disrupted? Imagine the parent of a newborn who needs one-on-one guidance from a trained home visitor. Building relationships and trust take time and interaction. We like to say help is at the door, but that’s not possible right now, so we quickly transformed our work so we could continue helping children and families across Virginia.
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 20204We found out how it works in mid-March 2020 when it became painfully clear that, because of a rapidly developing pandemic, we would need to stop all in-person home visits, trainings and family support groups. We transitioned from in-person to completely virtual operations in a matter of days, including:PANDEMIC HITS HOME• Home visiting not in homes. This was no small feat when there were so many immediate hurdles to overcome — from technology to specic program activities to funding requirements. We’ve also helped develop, launch and support weekly national trainings for all home visiting programs that have gone virtual. • Circle of Parents programs based on in-person group interaction. We’ve worked with groups across Virginia that have continued to meet virtually and support parents. • Child Abuse Prevention programs that have intensied efforts during quarantine. We’ve developed info and resources for parents, educators and essential workers to aid them in preventing child abuse during times of isolation and remote connections. Everyone has a role in ensuring children’s safety, no matter the circumstance. • Site visits for afliated programs. These ensure the provision of high-quality services. All of our work shifted to a variety of online platforms and we’re now all video-chat experts!
Championing Through the Storm5All of our work shifted to a variety of online platforms and we’re now all video-chat experts!Most importantly, our parent educators, family support workers and nurses still use the same superpowers: their ability to empathize, build relationships, share knowledge and help parents take steps toward their shared goal – being the best parent for the children they love.
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 20206Let’s take a step back for a moment because we accomplished some amazing things in the rst half of our scal year before things went topsy-turvy. Every public policy we advocate for focuses on ways to promote safe, stable and nurturing relationships for all children to assure that they can reach their full potential. Our advocacy and public policy efforts led the charge to get home visiting included as a Medicaid funded service. With ink on the state budget barely dried, it hit especially hard when the revised pandemic-affected budget left Medicaid supported home visiting unfunded. We are:Remember life before COVID?• Helping Virginia create a new comprehensive Child Abuse Prevention Plan – the last plan expired many years ago. • Expanding our policy and advocacy work at the local, state and federal levels.• Driving child welfare reform that focuses on the needs of children and families.• Supporting implementation planning of the Family First Prevention Services Act — another area that’s had its implementation funding temporarily unfunded.
Championing Through the Storm7For our home visiting programs we provide training, technical assistance, evaluation and coordination for CHIP of Virginia, Healthy Families Virginia and Parents as Teachers afliates, as well as through Early Impact Virginia. This year we added additional program support for all areas. We also launched a new Healthy Families data system and have continually updated its capabilities for our afliates. We have invested in research to expand the evidence-base for CHIP of Virginia. We developed an engaged Early Impact Virginia Leadership Council to continue raising the focus and understanding of home visiting’s positive impact on families across the Commonwealth. We also formalized EIV’s MIECHV co-administration with the Virginia Department of Health. learn more about home visiting
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 20208Every child is lled with tremendous promise, and we have a shared obligation to foster their potential. The biggest protective factors for facing adversity and building resilience are social supports and remaining connected to people, but cognitively recognizing and accepting that fact and emotionally incorporating that reality into everyday life aren’t the same. That means shoring up the ways we support families by providing trainings and resources before interventions are needed. That’s why we:• Expanded the number of Circle of Parents locations from eight to 17, with multiple Circle groups at each.• Are working with the Virginia Department of Corrections to develop, train and support Circle of Parents groups in state institutions to prepare parents to engage with their children proactively and positively both during and after incarceration.• Renewed Parent Leadership engagement across the state because parents must be at the table creating opportunities and resources for positive family development.• Expanded efforts to both encourage and drive collaboration among our child abuse prevention afliates.learn more about CIRCLE OF PARENTS
Championing Through the Storm9When the pandemic hit, we had to transition almost completely to remote work. Because of that, we’ve:• Driven incredible work in developing, launching and supporting ‘Rapid Response’ home visiting training programs that have been used across the country.• Supported our afliated programs to help them continue serving families safely.• Worked with our partners at the Governor’s ofce as well as Virginia’s departments of Health, Social Services and Education to update them on how we adapted in the eld and to develop new ways to serve Virginia’s families.• United our Early Impact Virginia Alliance to develop virtual-visit best practices, share ideas and resources, and align consistent messages for programs across the state. But we’re not just working from home. We’re at home during a world health crisis trying to work, while ghting isolation, taking care of our families and teaching children school subjects we’ve long forgotten. If we’re lucky, we have friends and family that we can call or video chat to commiserate, share advice and have a few laughs.
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202010It’s clear that we’re not all experiencing this pandemic in the same way. Through our 50 afliates across Virginia, we’re seeing children and families – who were already struggling – desperately seeking help, dealing with job loss, stressing about how to pay bills such as rent, utilities and food, and facing lost or no health insurance.This pandemic has also exposed weaknesses in the child welfare system such as:Youth aging out of the foster care system without a supportive familyLimited access to technology and technological equipmentYouth in foster care having insufcient time with parents Lack of exibility with federal fundingLimited access to basic needs, including food, housing, employmentLack of modernization in the judicial system
Championing Through the Storm11Policies that strengthen family nancial security can go a long way toward reducing childhood adversity and enhancing the relationships that help children thrive. When families face nancial hardship, it sets the stage for more stress and less tuned-in interaction with children. Boosting family incomes through emergency direct payments, tax credits and paid family leave can relieve pressure, helping to head off childhood adversity before it happens.As a general rule, all parents want what’s best for their children. We also know that children don’t come with instruction manuals, yet parenting is one of the most difcult jobs even in good times. All parents need help learning how to raise and teach their children. It’s especially critical for parents who didn’t have good role models themselves, don’t have help from relatives or can’t access programs such as home visiting where they learn skills and understand what behaviors and skills are appropriate for specic ages. We’ve been concerned that during stay-at-home orders more children may be at greater risk of abuse or neglect because of the lack of supports.The CDC reports that about one in seven children experienced child abuse and neglect in the last year. In Virginia, there were more than 58,000 children reported as possible victims of abuse and neglect in 2019. Almost a quarter of these reports come from the educators who – in normal times – see children day in and day out. They are condants and also notice the bruises or changes in behavior. Calls to the child abuse hotline are down and we are very concerned about the increased risk of abuse and neglect.
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202012We need to focus on keeping families connected and supported. We’re all practicing physical distancing, but we must remain connected. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments protect children best. We must stay socially and emotionally connected, we need to give a little grace, create distractions and hope for a brighter outcome that may not be obvious right now.Families need to know it’s okay to reach out and ask for help. So much can be done informally on a person-to-person basis to prevent child maltreatment and help families meet their needs. We’re working with our local child abuse prevention and home visiting programs to create new ways to engage children and families who need immediate help. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated or stressed, you’re not alone. Take time to practice self-care. Contact a friend or neighbor if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to talk.Parenting is like social distancing – no one is expected to do it alone, and they both have positive societal impact. Children who grow up in supportive families and communities are less likely to have expensive health problems such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and are more likely to grow up to be responsible adults. That, in turn, benets all of us.
Championing Through the Storm13Read some stories from the field about response and resilience in the wake of the pandemicSee some of the resources we developed in response to the pandemic
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202014Beyond immediate needs during this pandemic, we’ve worked to build healthier, stronger, more self-sufcient families by disrupting the cycles of child abuse, neglect and poverty two generations at a time. That’s because for far too many generations, families have been held down and held back through inequity and institutional racism.Social Justice is the Heart of Our WorkChildren need safe, stable environments and relationships to thrive, but decades of housing discrimination – including unfair lending practices that work against Black and Brown families today – mean that they are less likely to live in neighborhoods with access to good jobs. Long commutes and low wages place enormous pressure on parents. Chronic stress can lead to a toxic stress response – ooding the body with dangerous levels of stress hormones – and making anger, hostility and depression more likely. This set of cascading consequences helps explain the link between race and child abuse or neglect. we know it’s not race, it’s racism.We can only transform systems when we are conscious of and horried by the current conditions of our culture as well as the history that has shaped them. We will keep learning, asking questions, raising our voices and openly challenging systemic racism that has targeted our families.
Championing Through the Storm15Every day, we see the tremendous strengths and resiliency of the families with whom we partner. We’re also in awe of our local colleagues who are on the front lines of helping children and families while themselves hurting beyond belief. We value this resiliency; we support it and we nurture it. It is this strength and resiliency that many families and front-line workers must call upon in their struggle against racism. But let’s be clear: we’re not going to hope their resiliency will do the job. We will work so that individual resilience is no longer the first line of defense against racism. Together, we continue our work and recognize that while we deal with our own feelings of privilege and experiences, and as we grapple to wrap our heads around these national atrocities, we must also help children, families and communities navigate theirs. We will continue to support families in the best way we can – by standing up for them and by standing with them.
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202016TOGETHER, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCEParenting Help 24/715 PT6 PTCMYK Orange: 40M 100YDarkBlue: 100C M84 Y11 K4Lime Green: 46C 100YRGBOrange: 250R 166G 26BDarkBlue: 25R 69G 140BLime Green: 151R 201G 61BPANTONE - PMSOrange: PMS 1375DarkBlue: PMS 7686Lime Green: PMS 375WEB COLORSOrange: FF9933DarkBlue: OO3399Lime Green: 99FF33Stronger Virginia Families. Two Generations at a Time.Elementary School Outreachis a part of
Championing Through the Storm17Families have the right to live in a world free from fear, violence and discrimination, and have unique experiences and needs that are important and valuable. Children should live the whimsy of childhood and learn about unfettered opportunities instead of learning to always get a receipt, why they shouldn’t wear a hoodie, or why they should be wary of how they play in their own front yards. Systems aren’t set in stone, though it may feel like that. People created systems, and people can change them. Sure, some will resist the change, which is why we must stand together, continuing to gain allies and speaking truth to those in power in the unending ght for equity, justice and equal opportunity in America.We believe: We KNOW:
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202018With your help, we’ll continue advocating for expanding home visiting services, including restoration of the previously approved investment in making home visiting reimbursable by Medicaid. MOVINg FORWARDThis means we need you to (virtually) meet with your state and local policy makers and highlight the successes that families experience through effective services as well as the dramatically different experiences many at-risk families are having during the pandemic. When legislators hear rst-hand the importance of early childhood home visiting and child abuse prevention, they put family-friendly policies and funding rst.Take a few minutes to learn more by scanning the QR codes in our report. You can learn about family success stories through home visiting, our advocacy resources, how you can get involved in parent leadership, read and share resources for child abuse prevention, and learn about the research-based work our Early Impact Virginia team is doing to drive more and better opportunities for home visiting in communities across Virginia.
Championing Through the Storm19We will continue to build another network of people committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through Stewards for Children, an educational program for adults that teaches them how they can prevent child sexual abuse and consistently take action to protect children. By training new trainers, we will increase the number of people who, through this proven approach, will enable changes at individual, community, and societal levels to improve children’s health and overall well-being. Virginia’s Child Abuse Prevention Plan will be nalized and focus on those things that prevent child abuse from happening in the rst place. This work will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of state investment in services for children and youth and including data from 152 funding streams from 17 agencies. There will be a special focus on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention funding and this data can further strengthen the work of the Children’s Cabinet to create alignment between state agencies and programs. We’re also experiencing a change in leadership. After almost 15 years of working to help children and families create more vibrant, positive lives – two generations at a time, Lisa Specter-Dunaway left to reect on and explore what’s next on her career journey. Stay tuned to hear more about our new CEO, Jamia Crockett, and her vision for our next chapter.REGISTER TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202020We’re preventing child abuse and neglect before it happens. We do that by promoting programs and resources informed by science that enable kids, families and entire communities to thrive — today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Championing Through the Storm21ExpendituresTOTAL: $6,286,087REVENUETOTAL: $6,431,171$2,719,266 Grants to Sites$3,101,594Program Services $465,226 Supporting Services $1,433,401Contracts, Fees and Training Revenue$427,613Grants and Foundations$64,022Other private donations$832,946Virginia General Funds$3,673,189TANFFINANCIALS
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202022Individual DonorsAnonymousDavid AdelmanBacak-Hogan Charitable FundKarl BrackMaria Brown Elizabeth Whalley BuonoSteve and Deana BuckLinda BurkPatricia CampbellAngie Collins Tim and Betty Wade CoyleJamia MT CrockettJeffrey CrookSusanne and Beverley CrumpAlex DerHovhannessianRudy and Catherine GarciaMartin L. and Patricia H. Giles Fund of the Community Foundation for a Greater RichmondJoseph GalanoChristopher GernerGregory and Cora GirardRobert and Nina GravesCheryl and Chris GuedriStephen and Pamela HanerJeanine HarperChavis HarrisSharon HartStanley Jones IBM EmployeesPhilip and Phyllis JacobyHope KestleRebecca KieferSusan LanbergMichael and Judy LeaveyTrina LeeNancy LevinCathryn LoweMr. and Mrs. Edward McAdamCarolyn McDanielSarah and Grey McLeanCarol McMurrayCarol Hurst and Jon NafzigerLaura O’BrienJace and Alisa PaddenLesley PulleyAlexis and Brent RawlingsAngie RussAmy SchwartzmanJames and Anastasia SeeversJohn P. ThomasPeter and Courtney Van WinkleCorporate and Foundation DonorsAdiuvans FoundationMagellan Cares FoundationNewport News ShipbuildingNiSource FoundationRite Aid Foundation KidCents Wells Fargo FoundationCivic DonorsGreater Fairfax Women’s ClubsKiwanis Club MidlothianNetwork for GoodSmartbox of RichmondEvery effort was made to present an accurate listing of donors who contributed between July 2019 and June 2020. If we have overlooked you or made an error in your name, please accept our apologies and contact us at (804) 359-6166.THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Championing Through the Storm23BOARD OF DIRECTORS2019-2020John Thomas, ChairKarl Brack, Vice ChairJamia Crockett, TreasurerLisa Specter-Dunaway, CEO, Secretary Elizabeth Whalley BuonoAngie Collins Alex DerHovhannessianRudy GarciaSteve HanerJeanine HarperChavis HarrisStanley JonesSarah McLeanCynthia MorrowJon NafzigerJace PaddenBrent RawlingsAngie RussJim Seevers
Families Forward Virginia Annual Report 202024Learn more about Virginia’s Plan for Home Visiting in the recently released EIV Annual Report 2020, found at earlyimpactva.org. Donate to Families Forward Virginia as well as to agencies that support families in your community.Visit our website, read about our policy priorities, and learn more about home visiting and child abuse prevention programs and resources.HOW you can helpAdvocate for expanded home visiting services. Meet with your state and local policy makers and highlight the successes that families experience with effective services. When legislators see rst-hand the importance of early childhood home visiting and child abuse prevention, they put family-friendly policies and funding rst.8100 Three Chopt Rd., Suite 212Richmond, VA 23229804.359.6166hholloway@familiesforwardva.orgfamiliesforwardva.org