PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — John and Christina Hayes were recognized among this year’s outstanding foster parents on Wednesday.
Foster parents from 10 jurisdictions in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia were honored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors as the region’s 2019 Foster Parents of the Year.
John and Christina Hayes originally requested to care for young children and infants, but when they were asked to take care of a 15-year-old, special needs child, they immediately agreed. They made sure that all of his medical and educational needs were met in addition to participating in activities like basketball, baseball, and golf.
They have worked with both of his biological parents to make sure they continue to be involved in his life. He is now 18 years old and they want him to remain with them as part of their family. In addition, the Hayes family welcomed a three-week-old baby girl, who was placed with them last October.
COG partners with local and state child welfare agencies around the region to recognize these outstanding parents on an annual basis. Child welfare workers strive to keep families together, but when that it is not possible, foster families can provide the necessary support. In the region, the number of children in foster care has declined by 47 percent since 2008, according to data compiled by COG.
“These outstanding foster parents have gone above and beyond to provide children a safe and nurturing home until they can be reunified with their birth family or achieve permanency through adoption or guardianship,” said COG Community Planning and Services Director Paul DesJardin. “We appreciate their service to the region and making a difference in these children’s lives.”
Recent Stories
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg Nationals are hopping into local history tonight as they officially take the field as the Fredericksburg Frogs for the very first time.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Taco lovers along Caroline Street are disappointed as word spreads that Juan More Taco is closing its doors in Fredericksburg.
Drivers traveling on Interstate 95 and local roads through Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region this week should plan for overnight lane closures, ramp work, and rest area closures, according…
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night to honor its top educators and staff members at the 2025 Gold Star Gala. The annual event recognizes employees across a wide range of roles who help students succeed every day.
POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.
According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.
The Montgomery County Women’s Chorus will present a concert to benefit the Betty Ann Krahnke shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 100% of ticket sales (less any online processing fees) will go to the shelter.
The concert will take place at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 18th at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, located at 15120 Turkey Foot Rd in Gaithersburg. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at https://www.mocosings.org/events-1/nocturnes-and-lullabies-benefit-concert.
The program, Nocturnes and Lullabies, spans numerous centuries and genres, and includes beloved favorites from Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, and Billy Joel, among many others. We’ll be joined by three of the DMV’s premiere professional instrumentalists – Cara Dailey, flute, Matthew Maffett, viola, and Rachel Flicker, piano.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
