Mended futures for every family.
If you are caring for the child of a family member, then YOU are a kinship caregiver.
The Kinship Navigator program works to support and empower kinship families in the central region of Virginia. The program offers services that are individualized and specific to the needs of each family. The family is offered opportunities to grow their financial, educational, and relational skills so that they can thrive.
In partnership with DSS, the program 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.
Vision30 is a 10-year initiative started in 2021, by FIVE18 Family Services (formerly Patrick Henry Family Services) that by the end of 2030, every child in Lynchburg and the four surrounding counties will be safe in their own family or in another setting with caregivers who are supported by a local faith community. Learn More
As Christians, we are called to care for orphans, widows, and those in need. And although many in the community desire to serve, they aren’t sure where or how to connect. That’s where The Connect Team comes in. The Connect Team functions as the gateway for those helping us assist children and families, whether it’s an individual who wants to work at camp, a small group committed to supporting a teen mom, or a business able to provide much-needed services. Through CarePortal and our various FIVE18 ministries, we are able to match passionate volunteers with ministry opportunities, and equip them with the necessary training and support to serve confidently.
Have you been a Dad today? Dare2Dad is a 12-week program based on the 24/7 Dad Curriculum designed to help cultivate confidence in our fathers, and their ability to care and provide for their families. Our outreach covers topics from defining the role of a dad to effective ways to communicate.
What kind of Father am I? Being a dad is one of the greatest things you will ever experience. When you come to the realization that kids don’t need perfection, they just need you, you can approach facing your own imperfections as a courageous first step toward becoming the dad God has made you to be. Our outreach helps you learn to make one-on-one connections, define the role of a dad, and discuss what is important to you, helping you take the steps to being present in your child’s life.
What are some of the Obstacles of Fatherhood?
We’re here to help you overcome those obstacles and help you become the best dad you can be!
Care Portal is an innovative online platform that connects child-serving agencies with local churches and community members who are eager to help vulnerable children and families. As a partner, FIVE18 plays a pivotal role in the Lynchburg area, facilitating these vital connections. Through Care Portal, FIVE18 helps meet immediate needs, such as providing essential items and services, while fostering lasting relationships that can lead to meaningful support and intervention. This collaboration empowers communities to make a direct impact, ensuring that families receive the care and resources they need to thrive.
This core component provides short-term respite and safe care for children while caregivers address a complex struggle. We ensure that families receive safe, temporary care for their children AND holistic support from a network of trained professionals and compassionate volunteers.
The grace-filled compassion of Christ is the heartbeat of our motivation to serve vulnerable children and distressed families. It is the “why” behind our “what.”
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 as well as their own needs as caregivers.
This can include:
Family evaluations to ID strengths and needs,
Referral to community resources,
Support groups for local kinship caregivers,
Assistance applying for financial/food/heating,
Assistance applying to medical insurance, and
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 percent out-of-home placements, and circle of security and circle of support.
Care for a child,
Bring a meal,
Be a weekend reprieve for a caregiver,
Donate formula, clothes, or bedding, or
Give a ride or mentor a child.
Thank you for your willingness to advance the ministry of FIVE18 Family Services through your financial gift.
We can't do this without you. Please fill out the short form below, and one of our friendly staff members will reach out!