Whatever
it takes.

Our MISSION

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness and Poverty

We are working toward a future where all families have a place to call home – because when families are secure, communities are stronger.
SEE HOW
Serving more than
0
individuals every year.
session with people
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88% of students enrolled in ForKids Education programs advance to the next grade level

ForKids assists nearly 400 families with over 850 children each day.

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14

cities and counties in Southeastern Virginia receive critical services to help families overcome poverty

Housing Crisis Hotline

Southeastern Virginia's hub for all persons experiencing a housing crisis

The Housing Crisis Hotline receives tens of thousands of calls annually. With one call, families in need are connected to critical resources in the community.

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person receiving calls
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Services

Providing programs to bring families long-lasting stability.

Since 1988, ForKids has delivered individualized services designed to achieve stability for children and families.
Housing Crisis Hotline
Shelter & Outreach
Housing Stability
Economic Mobility
Education
Research & Advocacy

our story

Magic Happens When People Come Together to Create Change

In May 1988, when a few residents of Ocean View noticed an alarming number of homeless families in their neighborhood, they banded together to offer a solution. Haven House was established as an emergency shelter for families and children.

Today, more than 35 years since its inception, ForKids operates the Landmark Center in Chesapeake and the Birdsong Center in Suffolk, with more than 140 staff members and 1,100 volunteers, serving more than 70,000 individuals across Southeastern Virginia annually.

Get Involved
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center

Data Makes Us Happy

Our team loves to crunch the numbers to find out what works and what doesn’t.

At the end of the day, our most valuable feedback comes from our participants. Through surveys, focus groups and our alumni advisory board, our families inform our work.

View Data Insights
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LOCATIONS

Every House Is a Dream House

Every family deserves a safe, inspiring, and hopeful space to call their own. ForKids operates two centers purpose-built to reduce traumatic stress and provide a joyful environment for all who visit.
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center

The Landmark Center

CHESAPEAKE, VA

Landmark Center houses 5 afterschool classrooms, the Housing Crisis Hotline call center, the McCormick Research & Advocacy Center, a commercial kitchen, a rooftop garden, and a family shelter.

64,000 square feet

135-bed family shelter

600+ artworks on display

The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center
The Landmark Center

The Birdsong Center

SUFFOLK, VA

Birdsong serves families in Suffolk, Franklin, and Isle of Wight, and North Hampton Counties with after-school education, a donation center, and trauma-informed meeting spaces.

7,200 square feet

1,400-mile area served

24/7 community fridge access

Leadership

Thaler McCormick
Thaler McCormickChief Executive Officer
Sarah Johnson
Sarah JohnsonChief Operating Officer
Sherhonda Woods
Sharhonda WoodsChief People Officer
Bill Young
Bill YoungChief Innovation Officer
Angela Graciani
Angela GracianiEducation Chief
Shirley Brackett
Shirley BrackettDirector of Crisis Response
Danyale Campbell
Danyale CampbellDirector of Finance
Mary Crosby
Mary CrosbyDirector of Development
Duane Jackson
Duane JacksonDirector of Facilities & Tech
Jessica Malloy
Jessica MilloyDirector of Shelter & Housing Services
Shereka Steele
Shereka SteeleDirector of Youth Development

Board of Directors

Blythe Ann ScottChair
Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Norfolk
Cline ReasorVice Chair
Managing Partner, Gratus Wealth Advisors
Jenn Pfitzner, CPATreasurer
Saunders, Matthews & Pfitzner, PLLC, Certified Public Accountants
Thaler McCormickCEO ForKids, inc.
Torae ArtisSenior Manager
Deloitte Consulting
Susan BatemanCo-Owner
COVA Brewing Co.
Stuart BirkelPrincipal
Waterside Financial Group, LLC
Jenni BivinsDistrict Outreach Director,
Virginia State Senator, Emily Jordan
Dr. LD BrittVice Dean, Clinical Affairs, Surgery EVMS
Jill BroomeCommunity Leader 
Andrew CohenManaging Member
General Investors Realty Associates
Kate CrossPhD Candidate in International Relations
Old Dominion University
Richard CrouchPrincipal
Woods Rogers
Mike CummingsSenior Vice President
CBRE Hotel Advisory
George FaatzDirector of Market & Commercial Strategy
Southern Company Gas
Dr. Monique Farrington, FNP-COwner
Farrington Cares, PLLC
Robert FinchEntrepreneur
Nita JainOwner and Executive Chef
Marigold
Desiree JohnsonBenefit Specialist
City of Virginia Beach
Mike MeloFounder & Chief Visionary Officer
ITA International
Amber MillerTeacher
Virginia Beach Public Schools
Chad OutlawVice President
Allfirst, LLC.
Deborah PoseyAccounting Executive
Kyla ShawyerCEO & Co-founder
Philanthropy & Fundraising North America
Gymama SlaughterExecutive Director
ODU Research Center for Bioelectronics
Reverend William TyreePastor
First Baptist Church, Berkley
Charles “Ed” White, IIIVice President
Starr Motors Inc.

    Foundation Board

    Tommy Leeman, Chair Vice President - Investments
    Wells Fargo Advisors
    Rick ClarkePresident
    MANCON
    Howard Gordon, EsquireWilliams Mullen
    Thaler McCormickChief Executive Officer
    ForKids, inc.
    Jane ShortExecutive Vice President, retired
    Waypoint Advisors
    Kelly SokolAuthor
    Lloyd TaliaferroFinancial Advisor

    Lifting Families. Transforming Communities.

    Help us break the cycle of poverty.

    Make a Donation