​Every day we work to build healthier, stronger, more self-sufficient families two generations at a time. So that means that the heart of our family-wellbeing work is social justice work. We can only transform systems when we’re conscience of and horrified by the current conditions of our culture as well as the history of violence that has shaped them. We will keep pushing for change and openly challenging systemic racism, blatantly dangerous practices and violence that target our children and families.

Communities across both Virginia and the nation are struggling with infant formula shortages driven by a food-safety recall earlier this year by one of the largest formula manufacturers. Many parents and caregivers are concerned, stressed and even frightened as they try to figure out how they will feed their babies and medically fragile children.

Families Forward Virginia has been awarded a $50,000 Primary Prevention grant by Prevent Child Abuse America with funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, to support the organization’s work to transform child welfare policy and systems, focused on building sustainable, long-term partnerships and pathways between primary and downstream child abuse and neglect prevention efforts. The funders are awarding a total of $500,000 over a two-year grant period to nine Prevent Child Abuse America state chapters selected for funding.