At the Neighborhood Center, a simple idea turned into something meaningful for everyone involved. During a recent Positive Affirmation Day, Franciscan interns Katie S. and Anna N. invited neighbors to take time to reflect on their own worth and the value they see in others. At first, some participants were unsure about joining in. It...
Category: Blog

A Family Kept Warm
This past winter, a family in Mineral County faced the very real possibility of losing heat in their home. For a multi-generational household already managing serious health challenges, the loss of gas service would have made daily life unsafe. The grandfather had recently lost his job and spent more than a month in the hospital,...
Comfort Restored
On a hot August day, an elderly neighbor walked into the Catholic Charities West Virginia office in Parkersburg looking for help. His electric service was set to be disconnected that very day, and the amount he owed felt impossible to manage on his own. Program Assistant, Keith Eddy, got to work right away. He reached...
A Mother’s Determination
When Sarah’s health began to decline, it quickly affected every part of her life. She had to leave her job due to ongoing illness and found work as a housekeeper so she could continue supporting her family. As a single mother of two, she balanced caring for her children with managing a serious medical condition...
Life, Dignity & Loving Our Neighbors
By: Micah Underwood, Grant Manager at CCWVa This post is part of a series that explores how the work of Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) aligns with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. For a brief summary of the principles, click here: www.ccwva.org/2026/02/12/the-foundation-of-our-mission-catholic-social-teaching-in-action. There’s something about walking into a room where people know you. They...
Holding On to Home
For Mr. B., home is more than a place to live. Tucked into the hills of Wyoming County, it is a reflection of his family’s history, sacrifice, and love. Originally built in 1975 by his uncle as a small store, the structure was later transformed into a home through the hard work and dedication of...
A Place to Begin Again
They had just been watching the weather reports that night, like everyone else. Storm advisories were scrolling across the screen. The wind was picking up, but they never imagined how quickly it would turn. At home were a grandmother and grandfather raising their two young grandchildren, ages 4 and 6. The youngest was staying with...
Warmth, Light, and a Way Forward
When the Johnson family’s work hours were cut back without warning, their income dropped almost overnight. They did what so many families do. They adjusted, stretched what they had, and hoped it would be enough. But as the weeks passed, the bills kept coming. Then they opened the mail and found a shutoff notice for...
Nourishing Families in Difficult Times
When Brittany’s husband became seriously ill and could no longer work, their family’s routine changed overnight. The steady rhythm of work and home life was replaced with doctor visits, new responsibilities, and difficult decisions. With six children depending on them, the pressure was immediate and real. Brittany picked up a second job, doing everything she...
Catholic Social Teaching
By: CCWVa staff members, Bill Hagy and Micah Underwood In this post, we shared why we’re called Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa). Now, we invite you to learn more about what that means in practice. How does our Catholic identity inform how we serve our community, connect with our neighbors, and build relationships with people...

