To Educate, Equip and Empower

The Jackson-Feild Homes for Girls is a special place for girls 13-21 who are at-risk for mental health problems, delinquent behaviors and/or failure to complete their education.

Started in 1855 as an orphan asylum, it now operates two campuses in Virginia to help young women succeed in life.

They offer multiple programs promote emotional, physical, behavioral and spiritual well- being. Most girls start in the residential facility and then move onto an independent living program that teaches them how to maintain a home, budget and manage work and home life.

Twenty year-old Ashely is a great example of a JFH success story. She spent three years on the main campus before moving the apartment living site. She finished her high school studies and now maintains a 12-credit hour schedule a local community college while working part-time. Her goal is to someday buy her own home and car.

If you can help volunteer, donate or supply goods or services, please let them know. You never know whose life you might impact. One day you might be a patient of someone like Crystal, who graduated from a nursing program after her time at JFH.

While you're at it today, take a moment to be grateful to the folks who raised you to be a contributing member of society. Whether it is your parents or other family members, a teacher, mentor or community program, call or write someone to say thanks.

Comments

[Robin Smith]

I have spoken to the girls at Jackson Field before. It was a fascinating experience. I walked in and about half the group wouldn't look at me, a quarter of the group eyed me warily and the other quarter immediately started in with a million questions. As someone who has done quite a bit of public speaking, I can say that this particular speaking engagement was probably one of the most challenging...and of course, most rewarding. The girls have so many dreams and just need to see that it is possible for them to come true. They haven't had great role models in their life and they have no idea how powerful they are. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and hopefully help some of them see the potential in themselves.