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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — When the teenager in Berlin Brun's care was approaching her 15th birthday, Brun didn't settle for cake and candles. She researched, consulted with the child's family and pulled together a Quinceañera that honored the traditions of the teen's native country — a milestone the young woman wasn't sure she would ever have.
That moment, and the years of care behind it, helped earn Brun recognition as Alexandria's 2026 Foster Parent of the Year.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments named Brun one of 10 honorees from across the region, recognized May 2 at an awards ceremony hosted by COG's Foster Care Advisory Committee during National Foster Care Month.
A home built on care and connection
Brun has provided what COG described as exceptional care, nurturance and grace during her time as a foster parent. While already in the process of adopting two young children who had experienced significant trauma and required ongoing services for their emotional and developmental needs, she took in the teenager following an emergency removal. The two formed a close bond, and Brun agreed to adopt her. She also works to keep the teen connected to her biological family.
"The dedication, compassion, and care that foster parents provide to children in need is remarkable," said Reuben Collins II, COG board chair and Charles County commissioner president. "The region benefits from their willingness to step forward and fill a critical need in our child welfare system. These parents offered their homes not because they believed it would be without challenges but because they asked, 'Why not me?'"
Alexandria needs more local foster families
Brun's recognition arrives as Alexandria works to grow the ranks of local foster families. The city's Department of Community and Human Services said Alexandria has a monthly average of 90 children and teens in foster care, and more than half are placed in families outside the city — away from their natural supports and familiar environments — because there are not enough foster families who live in Alexandria.
The city says on its website that it especially needs families willing to take in teenagers, families with the capacity to keep sibling groups together and families who can provide cultural and racial matches for children of color, who are over-represented in child-serving systems.
Children in Alexandria's care range in age from birth to 21, and nearly half are teenagers. Many have siblings also in foster care, and most have experienced abuse or neglect. The goal of foster care, the city emphasizes, is reunification — providing safe, temporary homes while families work to improve their situations.
How to get involved
To become a foster parent in Alexandria, applicants must be at least 25, demonstrate financial stability, and live in the city or the surrounding Virginia area. They may be married, single, divorced, or LGBTQIA+, with or without biological children, and employed inside or outside the home. All must complete orientation, pre-service training, and ongoing training.
The city's next virtual information session is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. Residents can RSVP by emailing Tikia.Henderson@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-5858 to learn more.
Honorees across the region
Other 2026 honorees recognized by COG include Sara Kirwin and Joseph Calizo of Arlington County; Kimyada Hooks and Trenease Moore of Charles County; Michelle Jones of the District of Columbia; Melanie Vracas and Adrienne Randall of Fairfax County; Lauren and Paul Kitsoulis of Frederick County; Johnette Hughes and Darrell Gavin of Loudoun County; Kathy Richardson-Booker and Glenn Booker of Montgomery County; James and Bobbie Jo Hanes of Prince William County; and Michael and Chantel McDaniels of Prince George's County.
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Publisher: Ryan Belmore, an Alexandria resident and journalist.
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