Mission West Virginia Inc. will celebrate its 10 year anniversary from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at the University of Charleston's Erma Byrd Gallery. The event will also honor former Gov. Cecil H. Underwood, whose vision began the organization.
Special guests for the evening will include Underwood and his family. The special speaker for the evening will be Dr. Joan Ohl, commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition, the winner of the Hovah Underwood Memorial Award will be presented. This yearly award is given to a person or group who makes a significant change in the lives of children, youth and families in West Virginia. Finally, former executive director of Mission West Virginia the Rev. Emerson and Chris Wood will be recognized and the new executive director, Charles Chandler, will be introduced.
"This event will truly highlight the work of Mission West Virginia over these past 10 years in collaboration with non-profits, social service, federal and state agencies, and faith based communities," said Board President the Rev. D.D. Meighen. "We are so grateful that we can honor Governor Underwood and remember his wife for their vision and direction to us."
Over the past decade, Mission WV has been awarded and managed over $10 million in federal and state monies, created over 25 programs in areas of children's services, computers and capacity building. Four major initiatives have been established in services to West Virginians. These areas are Wellspring, Frameworks, e-impact, and the Appalachian Sharing Network.
The Wellspring Center has resulted in providing over $3 million in sub grants to West Virginia's nonprofit and social service groups, while Frameworks provides numerous adoptive and foster care programs and support for individuals, families, and churches.
E-impact has been the hub of computer literacy, training, and computer labs.
The Appalachian Sharing Network provides surplus items and services to non-profits and various agencies in West Virginia.
Tickets for the event will be $75 each and may be obtained from Mission West Virginia, 168 Midland Trail, Suite 1, Hurricane, WV 25526 or by calling 304-562-0723. Visa or Master Card can be accepted through the Web site, www.missionwv.org.
For more information about the event, contact Carrie Robey at 304-562-0723.
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