Our History
For more than 140 years, The Up Center has been a source of hope and support for children, families, and individuals across Hampton Roads.
Our History
Our Beginning | Norfolk United Charities was founded to help families facing homelessness and poverty. We ran an orphanage, gave children shoes to attend school, and distributed coal so families could heat their homes.
Expanding Aid | During the Great Depression, our services grew to meet varied needs, offering relief to struggling families and children.
Building Stronger Families | Our work shifted toward prevention and family stability, expanding counseling and support programs.
Regional Partnerships | Multiple local agencies joined forces under shared leadership, laying the groundwork for stronger regional services.
A Landmark Merger | Family Services of Tidewater (Norfolk) and Child & Family Services (Portsmouth) merged to form Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia, uniting resources and expertise.
The Up Center | We adopted our current name—The Up Center—to reflect a renewed vision of uplifting children, families, and individuals across Hampton Roads.
Innovating Services | We expanded into specialized areas such as foster care, housing and financial counseling, and veteran support.
Meeting Emerging Needs | We continue evolving with programs for mental health, substance use, veterans and military families, and service delivery through telehealth.
The Up Center Celebrates 140 years!
In 2023, The Up Center celebrated 140 years of service to Hampton Roads. The milestone highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting families through mental health counseling, foster care, and community programs. Staff members like Rosalyn Hopkins shared how their work strengthens local families, while President and CEO Tina Gill credited the agency’s success to its compassionate, highly skilled team. Despite challenges like the pandemic, The Up Center continues to grow and serve with dedication to the community it calls home.
Be Part of Our Story
Share your time, talents and make a difference in the lives of children, families, and our community.
Your donation helps local children and families find hope, stability, and a brighter future.
Build a rewarding career helping others thrive, with opportunities to grow and serve in meaningful ways.
