For Joyce and Glenn Carter, foster care isn’t just something they do. It’s what they believe to be their calling in life.
Joyce’s journey into caregiving began early, long before she ever heard the term foster care. At just seven years old, she helped care for her great-grandmother after she lost her legs to amputation.
Even then, nurturing others came naturally.
“I just loved taking care of her and helping out,” Joyce recalls.
Years later, that same compassion followed Joyce into her career with Fairfax County Public Schools.
At 19, she was already making a difference in the lives of children when someone took notice.
“They said, ‘Mrs. Carter, you do such a great job working with kids. Why don’t you do respite?’” Joyce said.
She didn’t know what respite care was at the time. Once it was explained, she signed up and everything changed.
Children began coming to their home in steady rotation. So many, in fact, that Joyce had to create a color-coded schedule with magic markers just to keep track of who was arriving and leaving.
“One thing just led to another,” she said. “It went from respite, to foster, to adopt.”
Over the span of more than 40 years, the Carters have opened their home to over 200 children—and possibly more, according to Joyce.
“We really didn’t keep count,” she said. “Every time we turn around, it’s another child who needs a home.”
Married for 45 years, Joyce and Glenn have shared this calling side by side. They don’t turn children away.
“We truly love what we do,” Joyce said. “This is our passion. This is our calling in life.”
While many children come through the Carters’ home temporarily, four became permanent members of their family through adoption. Not every child was the right fit, and Joyce is honest about that because what matters most is doing what’s best for the child.
“The ones that did fit our family, we adopted,” she explained. “They don’t look at us as adopted parents. They look at us as their real parents.”
One of their children, now 15, put it in words Joyce will never forget, saying he’d give up his blood just so he could truly share theirs.
For Joyce, the best part of foster care is knowing that a child feels cared for, safe and loved — sometimes for the first time.
“When you touch a child’s life and their heart, and they know somebody cares enough to take them in, it’s such a blessing,” she said. “It’s emotional. It’s really touching.”
That legacy of love has already reached the next generation. One of the Carters’ daughters now works with Prince William County Special Education and hopes to become a foster parent herself.
“That lets us know we touched her heart,” Joyce said proudly. “Every time we get a new child, she’s got to come see them.”
For Glenn Carter, the joy is in the everyday moments: meeting children’s needs, seeing their smiles, offering hugs and reassurance.
“We love taking care of the kids,” he said. “Giving them love. It comes natural now.”
Even when challenges arise, stress isn’t how the Carters see it. Instead, they focus on patience and communication, especially for children who have experienced trauma.
“If they’ve had a bad day, you sit down and talk to them,” Glenn said. “You let them know it will be all right.”
Joyce agrees.
“When you let them know you care, they get happier,” she said. “They don’t have to worry anymore.”
As for the future, the Carters aren’t slowing down.
“Yes, we are getting more kids,” Joyce said. “They’ve seen the love. They loved being here. They didn’t really want to leave.”
Joyce and Glenn Carter remind us that foster care isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about opening your home, your heart and your table to a child who needs to know they matter.
Sometimes, that love lasts a lifetime.
JFS Richmond Resettlement Case Manger to Present Research on Global Stage
At JFS Richmond, Valeriy Ryabukha helps Ukrainian refugees navigate new beginnings.
Beyond the office, he’s spent 12 years presenting research at one of the world’s leading prevention science conferences.
This May, Ryabukha will travel once again to the annual conference of the Society for Prevention Research (SPR), marking his 12th time presenting on the international stage.
“In my view, this conference serves as the leading global forum for prevention scientists,” he said. “While it is called a national conference, it attracts specialists from around the world and operates on a competitive basis.”
Getting there is no small feat. Each year, researchers submit their work for blind peer review, with only a portion selected for presentation — a process Ryabukha has successfully navigated twelve times.
The 2026 theme is “New Horizons in Preventive Science” and explores multilevel interventions, health equity and how to scale effective programs.
“This conference serves as a professional compass for my work in science-based prevention,” he said. “It also provides me with energy and inspiration to continue my work in this field.”
That inspiration doesn’t stay at the conference. It shows up in Richmond, especially in his monthly “Welcome to America” meetings at JFS, where Ryabukha works directly with newly arrived refugees navigating life in the United States.
“I truly believe this experience strengthens my daily work at JFS,” he said. “In particular, I apply the knowledge and skills gained through prevention science when organizing and facilitating Welcome to America meetings on a monthly basis.”
Despite the global recognition, Ryabukha doesn’t frame his work in terms of personal achievement.
“I am not seeking personal recognition,” he said, “I appreciate attention being paid to the work itself, which gives my life meaning and purpose.”
But there is one message he wants people to carry with them, one that reaches far beyond research and resettlement.
“At its core, the message is that Ukraine continues to fight for its life and freedom,” he said. “We are sincerely grateful for the goodwill of the American people, and particularly for the strong and meaningful support from the Jewish community.”
Changing Lives, One Child at a Time: Honoring National Foster Care Month
Every May, communities across the country recognize National Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role foster families, social workers and advocates play in the lives of children in need.
At its heart, foster care is about more than temporary placement. It’s about stability, compassion and the chance for a better future. For those who work in the field every day, the impact is deeply personal.
“I enjoy working in foster care because it’s life changing,” said JFS Case Worker Ron Rathers. “It’s very fulfilling — helping people, change people’s lives, also change children’s lives.”
That sense of purpose is echoed by colleagues who see firsthand how meaningful the work can be.
“The best part of working in foster care is that I’m giving to my community a service that is needed,” said JFS Program Manager Denise Wise-David. “It’s just a wonderful feeling when you can help others.”
Across agencies like JFS Richmond, professionals work tirelessly to support children and families navigating difficult transitions. From providing safe and nurturing homes to connecting families with essential resources, their work creates lasting change far beyond a single moment.
“It takes a lot of compassion and dedication, as you’re supporting both children and families through emotional and life-changing transitions,” said Case Worker Raven Williams. “What makes the work so special is being able to witness those connections form and knowing you played a role in giving a child stability, belonging and a fresh start.
National Foster Care Month also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for foster parents, volunteers and community support. Every child deserves a safe place to call home and every act of care, no matter how small, helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.
As May unfolds, stories like these highlight the profound difference social workers and foster care advocates make each day. Changing lives, one child at a time.
For more on JFS, see below.
