Brian Swoze lives in Wheeling without housing. To meet many of his basic needs, he comes to the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center. “I come here because it’s a safe space,” said Brian. “There’s no judgment – just people here to help.” The Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center provides comprehensive social services, including: food and hygiene pantry...
We celebrate World Refugee Day on June 20th to draw attention to the plight of the millions of refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to various forms of conflict, violence, and persecution. Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) champions a clear message of compassion and solidarity for refugees, and we have the...
Latasha W., Alyson H., Danae S., Amber R., Tabitha M., Melissa F., Sara D., and Jonah C. are the eight most recent graduates of West Virginia Welcome’s Hospitality and Tourism program. This is just one of the certifications offered through Catholic Charities Adult Education program in Huntington. With guidance from their CCWVa adult education instructor,...
Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) announced Mark Phillips has been named president and chief executive officer, effective May 1. Phillips currently serves as CCWVa’s chief operating officer. Phillips replaces Beth Zarate, who is retiring in May. During her tenure, Zarate completed a number of new initiatives and led CCWVa to make great strides in serving...
Education is the pathway to opportunity, especially for someone like Logan. Logan dropped out of high school in 11th grade. “I didn’t like school,” he said. “Then, my mom got sick… so, I quit.” Logan turned to drugs, and things spiraled out of control. When he discovered the Adult Education classes offered by CCWVa’s McDowell...
“Jane” was home with her family as flooding began in her community in March 2021. She and her family did what they could to elevate their belongings; however, they were forced to evacuate as waters continued to rise. Jane, her husband and their three children hiked the mountain behind their home to safety. Three and...
The temporary winter shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Wheeling has opened in the grand ballroom of the Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) administrative building. “This space has been used by our community over the past century honoring many special events,” said Beth Zarate, CCWVa President and Chief Executive Officer. “What a privilege it is...
Several individuals and organizations have spent months collaborating to find a space to provide temporary overnight shelter for adults experiencing homelessness this winter in the city of Wheeling. That shelter has finally been found. Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) will convert the grand ballroom at its administrative office into a temporary shelter. “The city of...
Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2022 Charity in Action Award: Michela Dorsett, Positive Spin and WVU Center for Community Engagement. “We are excited to celebrate our inaugural Charity in Action Awards Luncheon in Morgantown,” said Beth Zarate, President and Chief Executive Officer of CCWVa. “God calls us...
Quenton Northcraft has a passion for service, and he uses his talents and gifts to improve the lives of other people. He is a devoted volunteer at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling. “I’m just an ordinary person doing ordinary things, and everybody could plug in,” said Northcraft. “Everybody could contribute somehow.” But the...