In Fairfax County's high school class of 2026, there are 14 students in foster care who are graduating from high school without a permanent family. Project Belong, along with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, is helping to host a graduation party for them over the summer.
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MAY 2026 · PARTNERSHIP WITH PROJECT BELONG
MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
May is National Foster Care Month! As part of New Hope's mission, we believe in bringing the love of Jesus to our neighbors. We are partnering with Project Belong, a faith-based foster care advocacy program, and their initiative called Don't Go Alone, which supports youth who are aging out of foster care and have not been adopted.
We want to create a care package for each graduate, filled with gifts and supplies to help them as they get started in adult life. Many of these teens will be transitioning to independent housing and need basics to set up an apartment.
We can help them get settled in their own place and feel like they are not forgotten. You can donate a share of the package or gather with a group of friends to sponsor a full package together. We accept donations in any amount, and every dollar goes towards the students!
FIND YOUR SOMETHING…
Four ways to walk alongside foster families and youth aging out of care this month.
GIVE
We are raising money to provide graduation gifts for students aging out of foster care right here in Fairfax County. Every donation makes a difference. Visit nhc.click/care and help build a stronger support system for their future.
PRAY
Pray for foster and adoptive families as they travel the long and difficult road to creating a family or helping a child reunify with their birth family. Pray for children in foster care to get the help they need by working in our hearts to provide care and community. Pray for parents who have been separated from their children.
VOLUNTEER
Join us this summer to help celebrate the graduates! We need help with party set up, hosting, and clean up. No experience is needed. Email karenna.rowenhorst@newhope.org if you want to help or find out more.
MENTOR
Connect with Don't Go Alone, the mentoring program at Project Belong for teens who aged out of foster care and need a supportive, committed adult to be a friend and guide. Contact Margaret Hoffer at dontgoalone@projectbelongva.org to learn more. Training is provided!