Virginia Natural Gas commits $250,000 to ForKids to assist in financial literacy programs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – May 23, 2023 – Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has committed $250,000 to assist a local nonprofit organization help low-to-moderate income families in securing financial stability. The energy company recently presented the grant to ForKids in support of ongoing initiatives to help program participants with financial fitness workshops and coaching.

ForKids will use the grant to open two Financial Opportunity Centers (FOC) in Chesapeake and Suffolk that will help low-income families build effective money habits and achieve their career, financial and personal goals. ForKids will hire four coaches for these FOCs and assist 100 participants a year.

“Virginia Natural Gas is thankful of our long-standing relationship with ForKids and grateful for the work that they are doing to improve lives in our community,” said Robert Duvall, president of Virginia Natural Gas. “ForKids’ financial mobility approach to improving people’s lives through supportive coaching is critical for participant’s long-term success. Our hope is that these Financial Opportunity Centers will help Hampton Roads residents achieve their career, financial and personal goals.”

According to Thaler McCormick, ForKids CEO, the centers are a collaboration between LISC Hampton Roads, who also provided a $300,000 grant, and Virginia Natural Gas, to help break the cycle of poverty and help to create opportunity for families to achieve greater economic self-sufficiency.

“ForKids’ mission is breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. For too long all our resources have gone to addressing homelessness. The opening of the Financial Opportunity Centers in Chesapeake and Suffolk gives meaningful tools to lift families out of poverty," said McCormick. "We are grateful to LISC Hampton Roads and Virginia Natural Gas for believing in our work and investing in this community."  

ForKids is one of the largest providers of services to families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Virginia. The ForKids Housing Crisis Hotline, which serves 14 cities and counties in Hampton Roads, is the central point of contact for all persons experiencing a housing crisis throughout Southeastern Virginia. On any given day, ForKids in-depth programs assist approximately 290 families including 870 children and provides critical services to more than 70,000 individuals each year.

To learn more about Virginia Natural Gas’ commitment to our community, visit virginianaturalgas.com/community.