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 HISTORY A strong group of citizens from across Virginia had recognized the need for coordinated advocacy on behalf of Virginia's children for a number of years before the organization then called Action Alliance for Virginia's Children and Youth was established in 1994. Major investments by the Freddie Mac Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the latter establishing the organization's strong work in data and research, were key to the organization's early success.
Since then Voices has made substantial strides in building and educating a network of groups and individuals who understand the challenges facing Virginia's children, in part as the leader of active and diverse coalitions which address specific critical issues relating to children. In addition to its issue priorities, Voices has developed exceptional expertise in data and research analysis and dissemination. Previous grants from the Ford Foundation as well as continued funding from the Freddie Mac Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation have allowed Voices staff to learn from the top experts in the nation in applying these functions to child advocacy. In 2006, with support from Freddie Mac, Voices opened an office in Northern Virginia, specifically to harness the political and economic power of that region on behalf of children. Voices can be credited with marked improvements in services for Virginia's children, most notably in early care and education, children's health, mental health, and foster care. Freddie Mac's continued strong support of Voices has been central to its development.
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