(757) 622-6400
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.
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.
14
cities and counties in Southeastern Virginia receive critical services to help families overcome poverty
Services
Providing programs to bring families long-lasting stability.
Since 1988, ForKids has delivered individualized services designed to achieve stability for children and families.
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
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
Get to Know Us Better
ForKids is among the best and brightest charities in the U.S.
We are committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring every dollar is used to maximize impact in breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Explore our audited financials, annual report, and IRS Form 990 to see our strong track record of responsible stewardship and meaningful change.
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
CHESAPEAKE, VA
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.
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
Take a Virtual Tour
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.
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.
7,200 square feet
1,400-mile area served
24/7 community fridge access
Take a Virtual Tour
Leadership
Thaler McCormick
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Sharhonda Woods
Chief People Officer
Bill Young
Chief Innovation Officer
Angela Graciani
Education Chief
Shirley Brackett
Director of Crisis Response
Danyale Campbell
Director of Finance
Mary Crosby
Director of Development
Duane Jackson
Director of Facilities & Tech
Jessica Milloy
Director of Shelter & Housing Services
Shereka Steele
Director of Youth Development
Board of Directors
The ForKids Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight to advance our mission. Together, Board members guide the organization’s vision and strategy, set policies, approve and monitor the annual budget, and help secure funding to support thousands of families and children each year.
Foundation Board
The ForKids Foundation Board manages the ForKids endowment to ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of ForKids. Its members oversee the Foundation’s investment and distribution policy and advise on planned giving. By providing a reliable, ongoing source of funding, the Foundation helps secure the future of ForKids programs for generations to come.
Tommy Leeman, Chair
Vice President - Investments
Wells Fargo Advisors
Wells Fargo Advisors
Rick Clarke
President
MANCON
MANCON
Howard Gordon, Esquire
Williams Mullen
Thaler McCormick
Chief Executive Officer
ForKids, inc.
ForKids, inc.
Jane Short
Executive Vice President, retired
Waypoint Advisors
Waypoint Advisors
Kelly Sokol
Author
Lloyd Taliaferro
Financial Advisor
Investment Committee
The ForKids Investment Committee supports the Foundation Board by providing oversight of the Endowment’s investments by monitoring performance and ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Lloyd Taliaferro
Terry Blevins
John Clunan
Cheryl Xystros
Thaler McCormick
Alumni Advisory Committee
The ForKids Alumni Board exists to elevate the voices of former program participants. Drawing on the invaluable perspective of lived experience, Alumni Board members provide insight that informs service delivery and advocacy efforts, ensuring programs remain responsive and effective.
Llia Anthony
Ann Biesecker
Ty'rice Cox
Treneika Griffin
April Johnson
Desiree Johnson
Ceyeissha McKim
Rosemarie Aliva