Our Stories

Our name – Voices for Virginia’s Children – represents the lived experiences of children and families across the commonwealth. As an advocacy organization, we have a responsibility to elevate the voices of those who are often left behind and unseen, so their stories are heard loud and clear by those in the halls of power. 

Stories are an incredibly effective way to advocate for change. It’s important to us that we hear from you to help inform our work and empower as many people as possible to be greater advocates for children. Share your story by completing this form.


Motherhood: A Journey in Advocacy

Becoming a mother almost six years ago was a transformative experience that reshaped my worldview in profound ways. As I navigate the complexities of raising my children, I’ve discovered invaluable…

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Young People are Leading. Are We Ready to Follow?

This blog was written by Voices Summer Fellow, Cat Atkinson, MSW, in collaboration with Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) alum, Kayla Bravo. Civic Engagement, or Political Engagement, is defined as…

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Mixed Results: Reflections on 11 Years as a Child Advocate

Over my 11 years at Voices, I’ve written blogs celebrating policy wins, launching new initiatives and reflecting on issues of the day. Today I write my last blog for Voices….

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Healing Centered Engagement in a Trauma-Informed World

Above photo caption: Youth advocates rallied together before a day of legislative meetings to share affirmations and words of encouragement with one another. Imagine a world where we have all…

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Voices Recent Trip to the White House

In Creole’ (Black, Indigenous and French) families, it is common for someone in the family to have an ancestral gift of hearing or even seeing from their ancestors who have…

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Women’s History Month: Advancing Policies that Combat the Motherhood Penalty

Pictured above: Chief Policy Officer Emily Griffey with her child, Andy I’ve been a working mom for most of my career at Voices. Balancing motherhood and work has allowed me…

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Chlo'e as a baby and now as an adult

Becoming Black HerStory: Chlo’e Edwards

I remember distinctly the first time I crossed paths with Allison Gilbreath at Voices for Virginia’s Children. At the ripe age of 22, I was managing a non-profit organization with…

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Championing Systemic Change & Trauma-Informed Communities: Charmaine Carter

The author of this post has taken great lengths to ensure the subject matter is dealt with in a compassionate and respectful manner. The following describes experiences of childhood abuse…

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Apply Now: Foster Care & Kinship Care Youth Virtual Advocacy Day!

Voices for Virginia’s Children is looking for 10-15 young people with lived experiences in Virginia’s foster care system and formal/informal kinship care to participate in “Uplifting Young Voices: Foster and…

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Donor Spotlight Picture of Fletcher and Mary Fran Lowe

Donor Spotlight: Rev. Canon J. Fletcher Lowe

Guest author — Voices intern Megan Gianforte Organizations evolve over time with many pivots, but one thing that has remained constant through the life of Voices for Virginia’s Children is…

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