October 2024

Since 1888, enCircle has helped children who need safe homes and loving caregivers. We started as an orphanage in Salem, Virginia and have evolved into a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides services to hundreds of children, adults, and families every day. We are proud of all the ways we support people in their journeys to well-being, including our support of children who arrive at the U.S. border by themselves to join family already in this country.   

People fleeing persecution, including these children who are fleeing violence and hardship, have a legal right to present themselves at the U.S. border and seek asylum. Most unaccompanied children have experienced trauma in their country of origin and in harrowing journeys to reach the U.S. 

We help unaccompanied children in many ways through our immigration programs: providing safe and loving foster families while they wait to be reunified with their families, ensuring the safety of their new homes and helping prepare their families to receive them, and providing support once they are reunified. This is vital work that helps us carry out our mission of making the world a more loving place.  

Our Guiding Principle of Social Justice, one of six principles that shape how we do our work, affirms our belief in the value of all people – all races, religions, abilities, and identities. We are grateful for the dedicated staff members and foster families who welcome children who are immigrating to the U.S. and provide services and support to ensure their safety and well-being. 

With the upcoming 2024 presidential election, immigration has been frequently in the news and part of the public discourse. Unfortunately, that public discourse has also included false and dehumanizing statements about people who come to this country seeking safety and a better life. EnCircle takes this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our work with children who are immigrating to the U.S. and their families, as well as to reaffirm our belief in the dignity and value of all people. Regardless of the outcome of this or any election, we seek to make our vision our reality: all people in our communities will receive the support they need to live abundant lives.