Have you ever wondered how the federal government decides to divide funds among the states for institutions and crucial programs that help children live healthy, happy lives? To allocate funds to programs like Head Start, public schools, health insurance coverage,…
On Thursday, June 7 – several months later than scheduled – Governor Ralph Northam signed the budget bills that dictate how state dollars will be spent in Virginia for the next two years. The delay was caused by the prolonged…
Often, families who become passionate advocates for a particular cause find their way to action through hardship and suffering. That is definitely the case for Henrico mom Cindy Maynard and her son, Jake. Jake, a 19-year-old freshman at the University…
Many of you are grandparents – and some of you are raising grandchildren at a time you thought your child-rearing duties would be over. Or, perhaps you are an aunt or uncle who has stepped in during a family crisis…
I used to read to my daughter a great children‘s book called A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino. In it, we learned that the famous Library Lions, the marble sculptures that have stood guard at the New York…
As we start a new year, many of us make resolutions about negative habits we want to break or positive habits we want to establish. What if we all resolved to break the habit of sitting on the sidelines of…
Virginians have elected a new governor, Ralph Northam, who will take office January 13, 2018. What will his priorities be? One early action he could take to ensure children’s issues are a top priority during his administration is to form…
On November 7, Virginians will head to the polls to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all one hundred members of the Virginia House of Delegates. In the last full month before the election, Family Advocate examines…
When we hear the news about a teenager who has been shot or young children witnessing shootings in their neighborhoods, we may wonder what the long-term impact will be on these children. Research tells us experiencing violence can have…
On November 7, Virginians will head to the polls to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all one hundred members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Between now and then, Family Advocate will examine a number of…
