Real Stories
Real experiences. Real change. Real hope.
Stories of Impact
At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, every child and family we serve has a story worth telling. These are a few of the journeys that reflect courage, resilience, and the life-changing support made possible through foster care and our community programs.
Ways to Support Foster Care Without Becoming a Foster Parent
When people hear about foster care, the conversation often leads to one question:
“Have you ever thought about ...
What Healing Looks Like For a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma
When a child enters a new home after experiencing trauma, the adjustment is rarely simple.
Everything is ...
Supporting a Child Who has Experienced Trauma: 7 Practical Strategies for Foster and Adoptive Families
If you have fostered or adopted, you know that when a child enters your home, they ...
New Year, New Beginnings: How Family-Based Care Changes Lives
As a new year begins, many of us reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. January is a season of ...
52nd Annual Apple Harvest a success
God blessed us with perfect October weather for our 52nd Annual October Apple Harvest Festival on the Burlington ...
When did Burlington acquire the Beckley campus?
Let's go back to 1994 to learn when we acquired the Beckley Campus with Gary Wilson as the President/CEO. At that ...
RUN4HOPE 2026
Believe it or not it’s time to start planning our 5th Annual 5K Run/2 Mile Walk scheduled for Saturday, June 6, ...
Apple Harvest – How it all Began- Burlington
The Home has changed drastically since 1913. From the “Star of Hope” farmhouse to the addition of more cottages, ...
Apple Butter Making Pavilion
Against a backdrop of smoke and apple crates and in the midst of cooking and stirring apple butter, the Anita ...
We are Thankful for our Apple Harvest dedicated volunteers!
Today we highlight Jeff “Mr. Apple Butter” Pyle
For most people, the idea of a vacation could be a time to ...
The Hudson Family
Travis and Heather Hudson longed to build a family. After years of infertility challenges, they were inspired by a ...
Erika’s Story
Erika was referred to the Safe At Home (SAH) Program in July 2017 after spending over a year in placement. Facing ...
The Allnutt Family
Foster care has been a long and meaningful journey for our family. Over the past 10 years, we have opened our home ...
Jackie’s Story
My name is Jackie Cullers, and I’m a single mom of nine children. Becoming a foster parent had been on my ...
Back to School, Back to Stability: How Burlington Supports Children Year-Round
As the school year kicks off across West Virginia, many families focus on buying supplies and adjusting to new ...
Who We Are: A Deep Dive into Burlington’s Mission and Impact
For more than a century, Burlington United Methodist Family Services has been a place of refuge, healing, and hope ...
Creating Safe Spaces: How Burlington Supports Children in Crisis
When a child experiences crisis—whether it’s abuse, neglect, loss, or trauma—what they need most is a safe, stable ...
How Our Staff Empowers Change in the Lives of Children and Families
At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, our mission to provide hope and healing begins with the hearts of ...
Ways to Give Back: Volunteering and Donating to Support At-Risk Youth
Every child deserves a safe, loving environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Unfortunately, many at-risk youth face ...
Fostering Change: The Need for More Foster Homes in West Virginia
Every child deserves a safe and loving home, but this remains out of reach for many in West Virginia. The foster ...
Educational Support for Children in Foster Care: Closing the Achievement Gap
Education is a powerful tool for transforming lives, but for children in foster care, accessing a stable and ...
Why Foster Care Matters: A Look at the Long-Term Impact of Family-Based Care
When we think about what children need to grow and thrive, the answer is often simple: a safe, loving home. ...
Recognizing the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder: A Guide to Self-Awareness
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a condition that affects millions of people, yet recognizing the problem can often ...
Helping a Loved One Suffering from Substance Use Disorder: A Compassionate Guide
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a severe challenge that creates a ripple effect, touching not just the individual ...
Making a Lasting Impact: The Power of Foster Care Through Burlington United Methodist Family Services
Foster Care - two words that embody hope, empathy, and a chance for a brighter future for West Virginia's ...
Creating a Supportive Environment: Strategies for Direct Care Workers
Direct care workers are essential in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth in their care. ...
Mia (VanSant) Johnson has been named Chief Executive Officer of Burlington United Methodist Family Services
Mia (VanSant) Johnson has been named Chief Executive Officer of Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. ...
The Life-changing Role of a Treatment Associate at Burlington United Methodist Family Services
At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, we understand the transformative power of hope and healing. Guided ...
Foster Care From a Child’s Eyes
Making the decision to foster a child is one of the most effective ways to ...
Understanding the Differences Between Foster Care and Adoption
Any time you welcome a child into your home and provide them with a safe and nurturing place, you ...
How Can A Recovery House Be Helpful To Me
Recovery is a difficult process and one that is a lifelong journey. At a ...
Family Services Right in Your Community
Since 1913, Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. has dedicated ...
The Best Substance Use Help for Me
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a highly complex condition that can affect ...
Five Ways to Bond With Your Adopted Child
Adopting a child will be one of the most significant changes you will experience ...
Five Things To Consider Before Adoption
Adoption is one of the most precious gifts life has to offer. If you are ...
I Want To Be A Foster Parent, What Do I Do?
Congratulations! You have decided that you want to make a big difference in a ...
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Growing Forward with Purpose
Want to Share Your Story?
Your journey matters. If Burlington has played a meaningful role in your life — as a foster parent, adoptee, client, or supporter — we’d love to hear your story. Contact our team to share your experience and help encourage others on their journey.
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