“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” 

– Helen Keller

The Importance of Art Therapy

Art is one of the most powerful therapeutic modalities we offer our clients.


For almost 100 years, our therapists have utilized tactile tools - such as art materials - to help children feel more comfortable during their treatment. As far back as 1926, in partnership with volunteers from the Junior League of Richmond, ChildSavers introduced art and woodworking classes to the children we served. What was at the time a groundbreaking approach continues today. 


Our clinicians still operate under the now widely accepted principle that art and play therapy are integral to healing children, as it can provide non-verbal communication for expressing emotions. 


Read more about how we incorporate art therapy in our Mental Health Program on our blog.

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Donor Spotlight: Doswell Orthodontics

Dr. Katie Doswell of Doswell Orthodontics, and her husband, Andrew, have been supporters of ChildSavers since finding out about the services we provide from Katie's sister. Since learning about ChildSavers, Katie and Andrew have generously given their resources as a sponsor for our annual spring fundraiser, Supper at Sunset, and even donated their time to spruce up our therapy garden! From Katie:


"When we opened Doswell Orthodontics, we knew we wanted to give back to our patients and our community in a meaningful way. My favorite parts about being an orthodontist are getting to know my patients, having a positive impact on them and their smile, and experiencing the positive impacts they can likewise have on me.


In orthodontics, you have the ability to be part of a family's life during critical years of change and development, and the onset of COVID brought additional challenges. During COVID, I saw first hand how challenging it could be for an individual to get the support needed at certain critical times in life, so I wanted to find an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents through mental health services and provides the nourishment, support, and resources to those in need.


My sister, who works for Communities in Schools, introduced me to ChildSavers and immediately, my husband and I fell in love with their mission and wanted to extend our reach beyond just orthodontics to financially support another organization who wants to make a positive impact in our Richmond community."


Thank you Doswell Orthodontics for partnering with us to further our vision that all children can be safe, happy, healthy, and ready to learn.

New blooms this year in our therapy garden curtesy of Dr. Katie and Andrew Doswell

A Message from our CEO, L. Robert Bolling

In response to the tragic Huguenot High School graduation shooting earlier this month our CEO, L. Robert Bolling, published an op-ed in the Virginia Mercury:


We must act together to end gun violence in our community. We will never eliminate firearms in America. There are just too many, especially when the number of guns outnumber the population of our country. Yet, we must stem the tide of firearms flowing into our country and into our hands, and our children’s. 


Read the full response on the Virginia Mercury website below:

Read Now

Events Coming Up

Exhibition Postcard. Artwork details shown by (L to R): Asia Anderson, Marisa Stratton, Brian Kreydatus

ArtSpace FAMILY Exhibition (June 23-July 22)​

We were thrilled when the ArtSpace team reached out to us earlier this year to collaborate with us on this exhibition, exploring the theme of “family” and what that can look like to different people.  


The show is FREE with donations welcome, and 25% of artwork proceeds will be donated to ChildSavers.​


FAMILY, runs from June 23 - July 22, 2023 at Artspace Gallery, 2833A Hathaway Rd, Richmond, VA 23225 in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center. 

The Veil's Forever Summer Festival (July 22 12-6pm)​

Forever Summer Fest is back and taking place (indoors) at Main Street Station on Saturday, July 22! Purchase your tickets here.


Breweries from all over the country will participate in this exciting festival. Join us for exceptional beer, food, live music, and a silent auction. Proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction will go directly to ChildSavers.​

Thank you for a wonderful Supper at Sunset!

Photograph by Christian Hommel.

On May 18th, we invited guests to join us on our Overlook for an evening of exceptional food provided by Chef Noori of The Mantu at our annual Supper at Sunset fundraiser.


Please view the image gallery we posted on Facebook, taken by the talented Christian Hommel.

Become a Childhood Friend!

Did you know we offer monthly contributions to ChildSavers?


Childhood Friends is a special group of donors who make a continuing commitment to our community’s children. Each Childhood Friend makes a monthly contribution that ensures we can count on a reliable stream of support all year.


Our Childhood Friends generously give back for many reasons, and the stories behind each gift reveal the resilience and hope that defines us as a community.

Join Now

Need to make a stop at Kroger?

Kroger has a program that benefits local organizations like ChildSavers

just by shopping!


When you link your Kroger's Plus Shopper's Card to the ChildSavers Kroger Community Rewards account online, we receive a small percentage of everything you spend at Kroger each quarter. Your spending information is 100% confidential and Kroger does not share this information with any organization which it funds.


Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com.


  • Log into your Kroger account, and in "My Account," scroll down to Community Rewards on the bottom left.
  • Under "Find an Organization," type ChildSavers from list and click enroll.

Resource Round-up

  • Read:Top 5 Things to Look for in Daycare and Child Care (three minute read)


  • Watch: Anchoring Communities: The Power of Presence (three minute video)


  • We have multiple free and fee-based Child Development Services Training opportunities coming up. Register here!


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