January 2025 News
Project LIFE (Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment) helps youth in Virginia succeed when they age out of foster care. We do that by helping youth directly and by supporting the professionals who work with them. Our free services are available to any youth ages 14-23 who has experienced the foster care system, as well as any DSS or private provider in Virginia.
Upcoming Statewide Events
Statewide VDSS – ETV, Great Expectations, & Project LIFE Information Session (For worker)
January 16, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For Professionals via Ring Central
These check-in calls are open to all DSS agencies and private providers for overviews of the Educational Training Voucher (ETV) program, Great Expectations program, and Project LIFE. This will start at 1:30 pm on January 16, 2025. You do not need to register for this information session. You can click here at the scheduled time to attend virtually, or contact George at gmack@umfs.org or at 804.239.1044 to receive the dial-in information to join by phone, or if you have any questions.
Upcoming Regional and Hybrid Events
Eastern Region
January 15, 2025
11:30-1:00PM
Virtual
Contact Melissa Lee at mlee@umfs.org for details.
Northern Region
Date: January 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
For Professionals, via Ring Central
All Northern DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend this ILCC to discuss independent living needs for youth transitioning out of foster care. This meeting will cover topics related to transitioning youth into adulthood and will be joined by Monica Cabell with VDSS to share statewide updates. Contact George through email at gmack@umfs.org or at 804.239.1044 if you plan on attending to get the link for this meeting, or if you need more information.
Central Region
Central Region’s ILCC quarterly meeting will be held on January 14, 2025, from 1:00- 2:00pm.
This ILCC will be conducted in-person on the UMFS campus: Administration Building (#10), Doug Hill Room.
Participants may also attend virtually here: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/640966542.
Youth interested in obtaining certifications in Carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, Forklift Operations, Computer Skills, OSHA, Mentorship and more should join! The YINOC program is totally FREE! Learn more about their OPEN Registration at this Project LIFE & Worthdays’ CEO Workshop!
Piedmont Region
