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…

Fall 2023 Statewide Youth Conference Dates: November 10 – 12, 2023 | Location: Fredericksburg, VA for Youth and Professionals, HybridWe’re pleased to announce the details of the 2023 Fall Hybrid Conference. Learn ways to navigate the read world and get beyond this moment! We have returned to our pre-pandemic sized conferences, also involving our hybrid approach, where…

Program Updates Youth Welfare Approach Webpage Project LIFE is proud to unveil a new page on our website dedicated to the Youth Welfare Approach. Because of the unique needs of youth, the Virginia Department of Social Services is embarking on a different framework to engage youth, entitled the Youth Welfare Approach (YWA). This approach more…

Program Updates Project LIFE Welcomes New Staff Member The Project LIFE team is excited to introduce the new Independent Living Consultant for the Western Region of VA: Amber Steffey! Amber joined the team in June and is already planning for summer events in her region.While new to UMFS, Amber has worked with independent living youth…

Program Updates 2023 Spring Conference Recap The 2023 Spring hybrid conference was a HUGE success. On May 5 – 7, 2023, Project LIFE provided a Statewide Youth Conference in the Eastern region with in-person and virtual participants. This conference was located in Virginia Beach, VA. 60 youth participated in-person and additional youth participated through Zoom,…

Program Updates National Foster Care Month In May for National Foster Care Month, Project LIFE is showcasing a partner: Voices for Virginia’s Children. Here is what they say about this special month: “May is National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members…

Program Updates Project LIFE Welcomes Two New Staff Same places; new faces! The Project LIFE team wants to welcome two new IL consultants to our team. Cierra Emory-Clegg fills the vacant role in the Piedmont region, and T Murphy is taking over the Central region. We are thrilled to have two more passionate and strong…

Program Updates Staff Transition The Project LIFE team has some staffing news to share.  Olivia Snoke has submitted her resignation of the Central Region IL Consultant position with Project LIFE. Her last day was Friday, February 24, 2023.  Olivia began her career at UMFS a year ago at the beginning of 2022. Olivia’s passion and commitment…