For Tavis Foushee, his time at UMFS wasn’t just a job – it was a journey, a mission, and ultimately, a legacy. Over the course of 25 years, he dedicated himself to transforming the lives of young people, growing alongside the organization he called home. As we celebrate 125 years of impact at UMFS, Tavis’ story is a testament to the deep relationships, unwavering support, and transformational change that define our organization.
A Passion for Helping Youth
Tavis began his career at UMFS as an overnight youth counselor, an entry-level position that would set the foundation for decades of meaningful work. He quickly realized that his passion lay in helping children, particularly those navigating challenging circumstances.
His dedication and ability to connect with youth led him to progress through various roles, including youth counselor, senior youth counselor, and cottage manager, before ultimately serving as the Student Support Manager at Charterhouse School.
“I’ve always worked in human services, but my passion had always been working with kids,” Tavis recalled. “UMFS gave me the opportunity to do that again when I moved to Richmond in 1999. It wasn’t hard for me to buy into the mission of helping children and families.”
The Power of Relationships
For Tavis, the most rewarding aspect of his work was building lasting relationships with the youth in his care. He recalled one particular young man who came to UMFS with a difficult past and little trust in adults. Over months of consistent support, patience, and resilience, Tavis was able to break through the walls the young man had built around himself.
“He gave me fits and problems every day,” Tavis said with a laugh. “But every day, I told him, ‘You can’t run me away. I’ll be here tomorrow.’”
That persistence paid off. The young man eventually completed the program successfully, and years later, he returned to UMFS as an adult—married, with a child of his own – to express his gratitude. “Those are the moments we live for in this field,” Tavis shared. “We don’t always get to hear how our kids turn out, but when we do, it means everything.”
A Lasting Impact
When asked to describe the culture at UMFS, Tavis didn’t hesitate. “It’s family. It’s support. It’s love,” he said. “The same energy UMFS pours into children and families, they pour into their employees.”
He attributes much of his own personal and professional growth to the opportunities UMFS provided him. The organization didn’t just invest in the youth they served – it invested in the people doing the work. Over his 25 years, UMFS helped shape him into a leader, an expert in his field, and an advocate for youth.
When the time came for him to leave Richmond and return to his hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the decision wasn’t easy. But he knew that the lessons, skills, and values he gained at UMFS could make a difference in his own community. Now, as an educator and coach, he continues to apply those same principles, helping guide the next generation.
“I owe my whole career to UMFS,” Tavis said. “When I got the message that they wanted to feature me in the 125th-anniversary celebration, it validated everything for me. It let me know that my impact was real—not just at an entry level, but across the entire organization.”
Full Circle
Even after moving on from UMFS, Tavis remains deeply connected to the mission. His story is a powerful reminder that the impact of an organization like UMFS extends far beyond the time spent within its walls. The investment in people—both staff and youth—creates ripples that carry forward into new communities, new careers, and new lives.
“As a kid, you wonder what kind of legacy you’ll leave behind,” Tavis reflected. “For me, being part of UMFS for 25 years and seeing how much it meant to the people there—that’s the legacy I’m proud of.”