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City approves $94,909 grant to establish kinship navigator program; no local match required
Summary
Council amended the FY2026 human services budget to appropriate $94,909 in grant funding to create a kinship navigator position to assist kinship caregivers; council vote was 7-0.
City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the FY2026 human services budget to accept and appropriate $94,909 in grant funding to establish a kinship navigator program.
During the finance committee briefing and at council, Lynchburg Human Services staff explained the award comes through the Virginia Department of Social Services to establish a kinship navigator position and related outreach and resource activities for kinship caregivers — relatives or other family members raising children outside of foster care. "These funds would allow the establishment of a kinship navigator program, which would provide critical support to kinship caregivers in our community," the presenter said. Staff said the award requires no local match and that Lynchburg was one of five agencies selected in the Commonwealth.
Officials said the funding will be used to hire a dedicated staff member and cover marketing, outreach, resource development and referral services. Staff clarified the position is grant-funded and subject to continuing grant availability.
Council members voiced support for the program's goal of keeping children with family when appropriate and approved the appropriation by a 7-0 vote.
Staff will return with implementation and hiring details and will report on program performance as required by grant terms.
