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CWW Tent

Enhancing the lives
of children, 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 children and youth in foster care in Hampton Roads with resources and support to live well and grow. 

 

Since 2014, we have worked with our volunteers and partners to enhance the lives of children and young adults in foster care in Virginia Beach and surrounding cities.

We strive to achieve our mission through a growing list of programs and special events. Everything we do relies on the generosity of people just like you.

Ready to help? Connect with us!

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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

​186

# of children in foster care in Virginia Beach alone

2,902

# of times clients accessed CWW's programs or services in 2023

406

# of coats handed out in our Coat Drive in 2023

191

# of families positively impacted by our Essentials Program 

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Our Mission

To connect the wishes and needs of local youth in foster care with the generosity of our community. We provide the resources and support needed to give these children 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

Join the CWW Family and Sign Up for Email Updates Today!

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?

 

AOI_Podcast_-_Connect_with_a_Wish_-_FINAL9d0dbAging Out Institute interviews Joy Rios
00:00 / 54:32
Ep. 5 - What it TakesCandid Conversations in Child Welfare
00:00 / 37:11

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

A thousand thanks to all our dedicated volunteers!

Thanks to Our Partners

We at Connect With a Wish are very grateful for the support from all of our partners for their influential support. See what businesses are supporting Connect With a Wish in your neighborhood, below!

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.

Planting a Tree

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.

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