I had the pleasure of being a foster parent and a member of the Lutheran FosterCare and Adoption program family for almost 5 years. I can truly say that if it were not for my caseworker at LFS, I would have felt like completing giving up on some days. No matter how frustrated I was or ready to give up, my caseworker always listened to my concerns patiently and without judgement. She helped me understand a new perspective and how to communicate with my child in a way that helped rather than harmed my child. My caseworker consistently offered me logical and practical strategies, she encouraged and supported me through some very tough times and in the face of extremely challenging behaviors and traumatic emotional issues present with my foster child and empowered me to parent from a place of love and forgiveness rather than from anger and control. All of the TFC staff were immediately responsive to my child's needs and always displayed a willingness and desire to not only talk through problems occurring in our home but to brainstorm, problem solve and identify solutions that worked for my child and family. They always guided and empowered me to be the parent without taking the parental authority away from me which is one of the best tools and greatest gifts a caseworker can offer a foster parent. I was very impressed with my caseworker's strong and effective advocacy efforts on the behalf of the needs of the children/teens and how my caseworker always remained focused on my child's well being, stability, family relationship, and quality of life. If you ever need a champion on your side, my LFS caseworker is the person you need because I believe she can argue for the needs of a child with the best of them! For me, LFS is truly the best foster care program provider in the Greater Richmond area and I feel so thankful and grateful for everything that my caseworkers did/have done for and with me over the few years. LFS staff encouraged me when I felt powerless and frustrated, they walked alongside of me with great empathy and support without giving up or giving in during one of my child's very stressful, chaotic and traumatic time of his life. Thank you so much for all you have done for me over the years!!
Lutheran Family Services in Richmond has been a great help to my foster son and I, but in navigating the system and in suppoorting me with his challenging behaviors. All of the staff gives their all and is 100% committed to serving the kids and helping the families they serve.
Review from Guidestar
Lutheran family Services helped us adopt our daughter. It was an interstate state adoption which is always more complicated. They did an awesome job on our home study and completed all the paperwork in a timely manner. I would recommend this non profit to anyone who is looking to adopt out of foster care. Laura Williams was a great adoption worker and guided us through the entire process.
LFSVA enabled us to adopt our daughter. They gave us great information about adoption, and when we decided to adopt, gave us great training that really prepared us for the biggest challenge of our lives. They helped us through the mind-numbing homestudy process, and produced a great package that sailed through the court system. After our daughter moved in they've provided great support. Can't say enough wonderful things about them.