When Tim first met George through The Up Center’s sponsored residential program, George had just lost his caregiver and was struggling with the transition.
When Tim first met George through The Up Center’s sponsored residential program, George had just lost his caregiver and was struggling with the transition. Those first weeks weren’t easy—but Tim leaned on The Up Center’s training, support, and guidance to help George feel safe and cared for.
As time went on, George became like family. Tim watched him gain confidence, enjoy community activities like the Special Olympics, and begin to thrive in ways that once seemed impossible. Tim says being a sponsor isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
His advice for others: If you have the heart to help, The Up Center gives you the tools to succeed. “George changed my life as much as I changed his.”
Meet Anthony—a father and hard worker—who came to The Up Center after a DUI required him to complete an assessment.
Meet Anthony—a father and hard worker—who came to The Up Center after a DUI required him to complete an assessment. What started as a mandatory step quickly turned into a life-changing experience.
With counseling, peer support, and therapy for both himself and his son, Anthony learned to face not just his substance use but also the stress and challenges he carried for years. He found people who listened without judgment and gave him real tools to handle life’s ups and downs.
Today, Anthony has rebuilt his relationships, found healthier ways to cope, and says he’s a stronger, more present father because of the help he received.
His advice for others: Don’t wait until life forces you to change. There’s hope, help, and people who care at The Up Center.
The Center of Excellence—an innovative program offering training, supervision, and specialized certifications to the next generation of mental health professionals.
The Up Center’s Center of Excellence: Building the Future of Mental Health Care
Mental health needs in Hampton Roads—and across the country—have grown exponentially, and The Up Center has stepped up in a big way. Since 2020, we’ve increased mental health services by more than 80%, but the demand for compassionate, skilled clinicians keeps growing.
That’s why we launched the Center of Excellence—an innovative program offering training, supervision, and specialized certifications to the next generation of mental health professionals. With support from community partners like the Blocker Foundation, Hampton Roads Community Foundation, and Bank of America, we’re helping clinicians gain the skills and experience they need to change lives.
From trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and TF-CBT to couples counseling and family support, these clinicians are shaping a future where high-quality mental health care is accessible to all. Their growth is already impacting clients—and creating a ripple effect of healing in our community.
Learn more about our mission and how you can support this life-changing work.
Meet Christina and her mom, Bethany. As a physician, Bethany saw too many children in the hospital with no safe place to go.
Meet Christina and her mom, Bethany. As a physician, Bethany saw too many children in the hospital with no safe place to go. That experience led her to foster care—and ultimately to Christina. Christina shares openly that foster care isn’t easy, but she wants other kids to know they’re not alone, that families are out there ready to love and accept them just as they are. For Bethany, the journey began with a simple phone call and the support of The Up Center walking her through every step. Today, their story is one of second chances, unconditional love, and the power of family. Bethany hopes Christina always knows how special she is—and that all her dreams are within reach.
Learn more about fostering through The Up Center.
Meet Betty. For years, she dreamed of having a home to call her own but felt stuck at a crossroads, tired of moving from place to place.
Meet Betty. For years, she dreamed of having a home to call her own but felt stuck at a crossroads, tired of moving from place to place. Then she found The Up Center’s First-Time Homebuyer Class and two incredible housing counselors, Shanette and Tiffany, who walked with her every step of the way.
With their encouragement, Betty learned how to budget, save, and make the tough sacrifices needed to reach her goal. And on August 16, 2023, she held the keys to her very first home—a moment she calls life-changing.
Today, Betty proudly shares her story to inspire others: if she can do it, so can you.
Learn more about The Up Center’s housing programs.
This video takes you inside The Up Center’s mental health and substance use services
This video takes you inside The Up Center’s mental health and substance use services, featuring clinicians who share their passion for helping children, teens, adults, and families find hope and healing.
From the challenges of burnout to the transition to telehealth during the pandemic, you’ll hear how our licensed clinical social workers and therapists support clients through anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and life’s hardest moments—all while emphasizing the importance of self-care and reducing stigma around mental health.
With powerful client testimonials and stories of resilience, this video shows why our team believes in meeting people where they are, offering compassion, and making mental health as much of a priority as physical health.
Learn more or get connected with our counseling services.
Meet Matthew and Kelly—a couple who always knew they wanted to foster and open their hearts to children in need.
Meet Matthew and Kelly—a couple who always knew they wanted to foster and open their hearts to children in need. In this heartfelt story, they share the emotional journey of welcoming twin girls into their home, the challenges and joys of being first-time parents, and how foster care has transformed their lives.
From late-night Walmart runs to building a sensory-friendly playroom, Matthew and Kelly talk about love, attachment, and why every child deserves a safe, supportive place to land during life’s hardest moments.
Their message is clear: fostering is not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with love, patience, and a willingness to be there when it matters most.
Learn more about becoming a foster parent.
Meet Eric Crowley—sergeant with the Suffolk Police Department, pastor at The Dwelling Place Ministries
Meet Eric Crowley—sergeant with the Suffolk Police Department, pastor at The Dwelling Place Ministries, and dedicated mentor with The Up Center’s Team Up Mentoring Program.
In this inspiring story, Eric shares why he decided to get involved with youth mentoring, how quality time and real conversations help shape brighter futures, and why giving back matters. From football games in the park to heart-to-heart talks, Eric proves that being present can change a life.
His message is clear: we can’t complain about young people going down the wrong path if we’re not willing to help guide them toward the right one.
Join Eric and others in making a difference—become a mentor today at www.theupcenter.org.
We asked some of our mentors what message they would like to leave with today’s black youth.
We asked some of our mentors what message they would like to leave with today’s black youth. Thank you so much to our amazing mentors who shared their stories and experiences for this video series:
- Roy Gilbert
- Candice Grimes
- Lisa Johnson
- Alonzo Parker
- Freddie Taylor
- Lisa Weston-Sorrell
;)
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