On a seemingly ordinary day, Will’s life was turned upside down when a tornado touched down, sending a massive oak tree crashing down on his house. “If I would have been home in bed, along with my nieces and nephews, we all would’ve been killed instantly,” Will reflects, still shaken by the thought. Instead, a...
Not long ago, a local resident we’ll call “PJ” visited our Elkins pantry, bringing with her a story of remarkable transformation. When PJ first arrived late last year, she was in a state of distress. Having recently relocated from another part of West Virginia, she faced an unstable living situation and a potentially dangerous environment....
In May 2024, the Princeton location of Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) launched the Grab n’ Go Lunch program, thanks to the insight and dedication of Southern Regional Director Matt Atwood and Program Assistant Wendy Wilkerson. Recognizing a critical gap in the community’s access to food, Matt and Wendy stepped up to fill the void...
In Northern West Virginia, a delightful program unfolded, bringing smiles and laughter to families through the magic of storytelling and play. WV Birth to Three RAU One recently held two enchanting Storywalk events as part of their Brown Bear Storywalk program, engaging children and parents in Wheeling and Morgantown. In Wheeling, the event was a...
While summer often means relaxation or vacations for many, some families face a different reality. “Many parents in our Relatives as Parents Program cannot afford family trips,” said Diana Bell, Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) Assistant Chief Program Officer. “For some, even going out to dinner is not possible. Each year, we strive to host...
On March 21, 2024, life changed drastically for Ms. P., a dedicated grandmother raising two grandchildren in her cherished home of 23 years in Hardy County. That afternoon, wildfires erupted in the woods behind her house. “I called 911 twice,” Ms. P. recalls, “They said if we needed to evacuate, they would let us know....
Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) received a donation in the amount of $89,080 from donor, Edward Klash, which will be used for CCWVa’s Hospitality House in Wheeling. Edward Klash, a long-time resident of Weirton and dedicated electrician at Weirton Steel Company, has left a remarkable legacy of generosity following his passing. Mr. Klash, an alumnus...
In the heart of Parkersburg, a resilient soul named John Landon, at the age of 64, faced homelessness for seven long years. Battling fatigue and the overwhelming stress of life on the streets, John decided it was time to seek a path to change. He turned to Catholic Charities in Parkersburg, and was able to...
Individuals like Mary “Froncy” Pratz stand out as beacons of hope, embodying the true essence of volunteerism. For three decades, Froncy has been the driving force behind the East meal route, dedicating her time, energy, and unwavering commitment to serving others through Catholic Charities. “I enjoy helping people and it’s fun,” stated Froncy. For Froncy,...
Situated in the heart of the capital city, the Charleston office of Catholic Charities often encounters people experiencing homelessness and responds to their needs with dignity and respect. One summer day, a simple conversation with a woman named Karen sparked a transformative initiative. Karen’s request for basic items like Q-tips revealed a pressing need within...