KVC Health Systems

05/29/2026

Growing up doesn’t come with a manual—but no one should have to figure it out alone. Guidance from adults is especially crucial for teens in foster care. James’ journey into adulthood shows what’s possible when young people aren’t doing it alone.
Fostering teens can offer unexpected rewards, and you could be the adult who changes everything. Learn more about what it's really like to welcome a teen into your care: https://www.kvc.org/blog/what-its-really-like-to-foster-teens-and-why-you-should-do-it/

05/28/2026

KVC leaders met with fellow family-serving professionals at the FFTA Public Policy Institute in D.C. This collaboration and sharing of resources help us build towards a future when all families have what they need to thrive!

05/27/2026

Congratulations Benson! You now have a forever home with Lori and Joe Brinkley. Adoption represents a child being welcomed into a safe, secure and loving home. Learn more about adoption from foster care at https://hubs.ly/Q04j69wr0

05/26/2026

Check out moments from our stunning 2026 Around The World Gala in The Independent: Kansas City's Journal of Note: https://kcindependent.com/kvc-health-systems-around-the-world-gala/
Thank you to everyone who made this a record-breaking year and showed up to support children and families KVC Health Systems serves through Camber Mental Health, KVC’s inpatient and residential mental health treatment network.

KVC Health Systems hosted its Around the World Gala on April 17th at The Abbott, taking guests on an adventure with a fabulous array of food, decorations, and auction items representing the entire globe. The event was a huge success, raising funds to support KVC’s mission of strengthening families...

05/22/2026

This is what real foster parents want you to know about their experience. In our latest blog, three KVC foster parents share their honest stories about daily life and the impact of providing a safe, supportive home to children and teens in crisis. https://hubs.ly/Q04hFdlB0

05/21/2026

To Clarissa, belonging is felt in the small moments. "Knowing that coworkers care enough to send a “check in” text if they notice you were especially quiet during a meeting. Sending funny memes, demonstrating their appreciation for your weird sense of humor. Or even sharing a book recommendation with the knowledge that reading is how you relax. All of these seemingly simple things serve to strengthen my connection to and sense of belonging at KVC." Learn more about what it's like to belong at KVC at https://hubs.ly/Q04hxHYm0

05/20/2026

In this new issue of Thriving magazine, find journal prompts recommended by mental health professionals, get to know KVC foster families, read Heather's real-life story of family reunification and get a look into KVC's work culture that resulted in KVC being named Glassdoor’s #15 Best-Led Company in the U.S. https://hubs.ly/Q04hbL1d0

05/19/2026

At Meramec Adventure Ranch in Steeleville, MO, children and teens move beyond what feels familiar and begin to see themselves in a new way. They build connection, find confidence and realize they’re not alone.

The Ozark Scramble on May 30 helps make these moments possible—and it’s also a chance to step into one yourself. Out on the course, stepping outside your comfort zone is where connection starts.

🌲 Grab your team and join us. Sign up now: https://hubs.ly/Q04h89hx0

05/18/2026

The World Cup connects people across backgrounds, languages and borders. During the games, millions of people may cheer for different teams, but they still share traditions, emotion and excitement. Even in competition, connection can grow. Feeling the energy of people coming together for something bigger than themselves is fantastic for building community, all of which boosts mental wellness. Learn how you can help children and teens get the most out of the World Cup or their favorite fandom community:

Explore the mental health benefits of fandom, from Taylor Swift, Star Wars and the FIFA World Cup 2026™, plus tips for keeping fandom healthy.

05/15/2026

Kenneth has provided foster care for more than 30 years alongside his late wife, caring for more than 60 children, including youth with significant needs. At the start of his foster care journey, Kenneth had some preconceived notions about the parents of children in foster care. “I’m a blue-collar guy, raised with the mindset that you work hard, take care of your own, and don’t make excuses,” says Kenneth.

But upon meeting the biological parents of a child in his care, he saw they were hard-working and cared deeply for their child. He reflects, “That day changed me, it shook the judgment out of me and replaced it with compassion.”

“Some people try as hard as they can, but life still knocks them down. They don’t always have what they need to raise their children—not for lack of love or effort—but because they need help.”

Kenneth calls foster care “sacred work”. When foster parents, social workers and community members walk alongside youth in foster care, they create room for healing, hope and growth- not just for the child or teen, but for their whole family.

"I’m proud to say KVC has been a big part of that growth—mine, and the kids’," shares Kenneth. "They’ve walked with families through brokenness and healing. They’ve done incredible work in West Virginia, and I’m honored to have been a part of it."