UMFS changes name to Shineforth to mark 125th anniversary
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A longtime Richmond-based nonprofit that has served children and families throughout the region for more than a century is stepping into a new era — with a new name.
United Methodist Family Services, better known as UMFS, has officially reintroduced itself as Shineforth Child & Family Services, unveiling a new name and logo to mark its 125th anniversary.
Founded in 1900 by the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church, the organization has operated from the same West Broad Street location in Richmond (just east of the Henrico County line) since its beginning. It has evolved through several name changes over the decades — first known as the Methodist Children’s Home in the 1950s, then United Methodist Family Services in the 1980s, and later abbreviated to UMFS in the early 2000s. The transition to Shineforth became official Sept. 29.
Despite the new look, Shineforth leaders emphasizde that the organization’s core mission remains unchanged.
“We’ve had a change of name, not a change of heart,” said Nancy Toscano, president and CEO of Shineforth. “Our organization has been evolving for more than 12 decades to meet the changing needs of families, and our goal has always been and always will be to help children and teens build bright futures.”
Shineforth operates in eight locations across Virginia — Richmond, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Farmville, Edinburg, Lynchburg, South Hill, and Virginia Beach — and offers a wide range of programs supporting children, teens, and families. Services include therapeutic foster care, adoption, residential treatment for youth, two specialized day schools for students in grades K-12, and academic coaching and support for young adults.
The new name, Toscano said, reflects both continuity and growth.
“Thanks to the United Methodist Church, our organization has a fantastic legacy. And with the continued support of the UMC, and the generosity of other faith-based groups, donors, volunteers, and community partners, we’ll continue to illuminate paths forward for vulnerable children throughout Virginia.”