Enhancing the lives
of youth and young adults
in Hampton Roads foster care
Who We Are
Connect With A Wish is a Virginia Beach-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides youth and young adults in Hampton Roads foster care and their caregivers with the resources and support to live well and grow. We began in 2014 by providing Wishes to children in Hampton Roads foster care. Since then, we have grown to over 20 programs and events that address the growing needs of the foster care community in Hampton Roads and are designed to offer hope, nurture a dream, and/or promote future success.
Our vision is to positively transform the lives of those we serve by delivering initiatives and forging collaborations with local organizations so that every foster child in the Hampton Roads community, both present and former, discovers their full potential.
Everything we do relies on the generosity of people just like you.
Ready to help? Connect with us!
Foster Care at a Glance
5,274
# of children in foster care in the Commonwealth of Virginia
1,000
# of children in foster care in all of Hampton Roads
286
# of children in foster care in Virginia Beach alone
2,855
# of times clients accessed CWW's programs or services in 2023
466
# of coats handed out in our Coat Drive in 2024
191
# of families positively impacted by our Essentials Program in 2024
Statistics from Calendar Year 2024
# of children in foster care courtesy of:
Our Mission
To connect the wishes and needs of local youth and young adults in foster care with the generosity of our community. We provide the resources and support needed to give our clients the opportunity to grow into positive and productive members of our community
Our Reputation
We're top-rated on Great NonProfits and platinum rated on Candid Guidestar. We're committed to transparency and integrity in following our mission, so you can support us with confidence. You can also view our annual budget.
Our Commitment to Diversity
Connect With a Wish seeks to reflect our vision of being an organization that has diversity in our staff, and strives for respect and inclusion throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve. We support our employees in building the skills and capacity to work in an inclusive manner with one
another and with the communities we serve. This means we continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate.
With the help of our entire family — our employees, board, foster youth, partners, and community — we can achieve equality and ensure our organization is a place that can be anyone’s place.
CWW News & Upcoming Events
Sponsorships for the 2025 Wish Upon a Star Gala are now on sale now!
Royal Flush (Presenting Sponsor) - $15,000.00
Ace of Hearts - $10,000.00
King of Clubs - $5,000.00
10-Top Table - $1,800.00
Jack of Spades - $1,000.00
Game Table Sponsors - $500.00
Visit https://givebutter.com/CWWGala25 for more information and to purchase yours today!
SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE NOW
3/29/2025 at Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
Ongoing Essentials Needs
Donate Essentials to our Foster Care Community
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Be a Part of the Solution:
Consider Fostering Today!
A huge commitment, with even greater rewards. Can you take in a child in need? If you are considering fostering a child, get in contact with us at media@cwwvb.org or connect with your city's Human Services Department. Connect With a Wish, professionals with your local municipal governments, and many nonprofits are ready, waiting, and available to help with every step of the process from furniture to counseling.
Ready to Learn More?
On The Air
Volunteer of the Quarter
Spring 2024
Linda Robinson is one of the family here at CWW.
She is a steadfast volunteer at all of our events; serving treats, pouring beverages and doing it all with a gracious smile and caring demeanor. Did we mention she is Ali's grandma?! Join us in THANKING her for being a dependable & devoted volunteer.
Linda Robinson
Winter 2023
Elizabeth Antolak came to VB from Texas. Through new connections she heard of CWW and jumped right in!
Thank you, Elizabeth for your wonderful boundless energy and great vision for our "new" Prom Event!
Elizabeth Antolak
Winter 2023
Heather Higgins came to VB from Missouri. She contacted CWW looking for a place to help and make community connections.
Thank you Heather for your incredible organizing abilities and having great vision for our "new" Prom Event!
Heather Higgins
Fall 2023
Join us in thanking Donna Williams our Fall 2023 Volunteer of the Quarter! Donna is an expert in tracking our many, many donations. Sorting our books, and straightening up the clothes closet. No job is too small and Donna always does them ALL with a smile!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
Donna Williams
Tribute and Memorial Gifts
Connect With a Wish is pleased to honor those who have donated in honor of friends, family, and loved ones. If you would like to contribute in celebration of an important event or people in your life, please contact us.
Billy & Pam Stancill in honor of John Reid's birthday.
Virginia Earley, in honor of Zeke Toller
Eldred and Catherine Caveney in honor of Bill's birthday
Marion and Douglas Willey, in loving memory of their cousin Teresa Lopez
Charity UMC Bible Group in honor of Barbara Henley
Cathy Pierce in memory of Daniel Pierce
Joan Christie in memory of Jarrett Zoby
The Frey Family, in memory of Margaret Robrecht and Lolen “Wendy” Daugherty
Marshall Eng in memory of Sandra Payne
Barbara Zoby in memory of Sandra Payne
Steve and Sheila Magula in memory of Sandra Payne
Harold and Deanna Lloyd in memory of Sandra Payne
Warren and Joan Christie in memory of Sandra Payne
Don Dorey in memory of Sandra Payne
Barry and Debby Mandell in memory of Sandra Payne
Kathleen Marie Hatton in memory of Sandra Payne
Marry Warren in memory of Sandra Payne
Pamela Ives in memory of Sandra Payne
Scott Berry in memory of Sandra Payne
J Thorpe and Connie Bowden in memory of Sandra Payne
Nancy Jorgensen, Diane Nikkel and Elaine Vollbrecht in remembrance of Nancy Noer
Ellen and Richard Moeller in remembrance of Daniel Pierce
Nicole Ordway in honor of Mya and Jakob Loringer
Michael Falvey in honor of Renchen Greiner on her birthday
Julie and Paul Morgan in honor of Carlene & Rob Clark, and Jessica Clark Morgan
John Hamilton in honor of Paula H. Owen
Several coworkers in memory of Kerriel Bailey
Pamela and Billy Stancill in honor of John Reid on his birthday
Mosley Family in honor of the Ruppert Family
CHKD Bayshore Circle Sisters in honor of Laura Putney
Mr. and Mrs. Payne in honor of Russell and Michelle Payne
The Rich Family: Phil, Ruth Ann, and Eian; in memory of Lt. Samuel R. Martin
Cheryl and Gerald McIntosh in memory of Daniel Pierce
Suffolk Development Corp. in honor of Harry Davis
Calvin Albers in remembrance of Daniel Pierce
Julie Macaluso in honor of Stephanie Smith's birthday.
Lori Douglas in honor of her mom, Stephanie Smith's, birthday.
