Charleston, WV – The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) Board of Trustees approved the distribution of 31 grants totaling $820,973.
TGKVF awarded $62,000 to Arts & Culture and $67,350 to Field-of-Interest projects. Funding awards in the Foundation’s proactive areas of Community and Economic Development (CED), Education, and Health totaled $323,023. In addition, continued generous support from an anonymous donor provided funding for Dental and Emergency Aid projects totaling $368,600.
Kanawha Salines Foundation – Recording & Disseminating the History
of the Kanawha Salines: $10,000 (Education)
This public education project, supported by TGKVF funding, has four facets, each designed to record and share information about the history of the Kanawha Salines. They included: Phase II public archaeology project at the Hale House utilizing West Virginia State University students in a hands-on field school; Historical American Engineering Record, National Park Service, documentation of the Dickinson Salt Works with measured drawings, large-format photos and a history of technology and labor; production of a historical documentary film of the Dickinson Salt Works; and museum improvements to the Dickinson Salt Works Museum.
West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition – Closing the Reading
Gap for At-Risk and Justice-Impacted Students: $46,123 (Education)
This project will work to address the literacy needs of at-risk and justice-impacted students. Grant funds will be used to provide professional development to teachers working in schools that serve vulnerable and adjudicated students in the Kanawha Valley. The project aims to increase teachers’ ability to implement the state’s reading initiative through exposure to the Science of Reading. Funding will also support age-appropriate curriculum and ongoing support from Reading Horizons for classrooms in five counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State (BBBSTS) – BBBSTS Expansion to Putnam and Kanawha Counties: $26,900 (Education)
BBBSTS is expanding its service area to include Putnam and Kanawha Counties in West Virginia. Funding for this project supports this expansion, bringing BBBSTS back into the TGKVF service area, including staffing support, partnership development, mentor/mentee engagement, and marketing and recruiting costs.
Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association, Inc. West Virginia Chapter – Expanding Services and Improving Care for Families Touched by Dementia: $40,000 (Health)
In the fifth year of this project, the West Virginia Chapter will use funds for staff time, supplies, and public relations to increase the organization’s presence and outreach in TGKVF’s six-county service area. The work will include increasing equity in accurate diagnosis and effective care through collaboration with healthcare systems, physicians, and first responders, with a focus on increasing the number of families who access free services and support for living better with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia; expanding our reach through volunteers to offer more educational programs and increase access to support programs in under-served, rural areas.
New Roots Community Farm – Fortifying Farm to School in Fayette County: $38,000 (Health)
New Roots Community Farm (NRCF) is an agricultural resource center that supports the New River Gorge Region’s agricultural sector. TGKVF funding will support program staff as they work with the Fayette County Board of Education to increase student’s exposure to healthy foods and increase agricultural experiential learning opportunities for students.
Laotong Yoga – Laotong Yoga-Freedom Through Recovery Yoga:
$37,850 (Health)
Laotong Yoga is a nonprofit yoga service organization dedicated to teaching trauma-informed and mindfulness-based yoga classes to people incarcerated in the West Virginia prison system and justice-impacted individuals sentenced to diversionary recovery residence programs instead of incarceration. TGKVF funds will assist with expanding yoga classes into local recovery housing programs and restarting the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program at Charleston Correctional Center, Kanawha County’s work release center run by the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Two state-certified women’s recovery residences will benefit from this Health Grant funding, including a new program for pregnant and parenting women in Fayette County.
Active Southern West Virginia – Active SWV Kids Run Clubs of the
Greater Kanawha Valley: $10,000 (Health)
The Active SWV Kids Run Club program seeks to improve the health of southern West Virginia’s youth by empowering them with the opportunities, skills, knowledge, and confidence to be physically active. Kids Run Clubs are free and open to elementary schools in all six counties of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation footprint. Funding will support the expansion of Kids Run Clubs within this area and instill healthy habits in the youth to get them excited about running and physical activity.
FamilyCare – Prescribing Better Health Produce Prescription
Program: $50,000 (Health)
TGKVF funding will support the Prescribing Better Health Produce Prescription Program, providing a select group of patients with chronic diseases and food insecurity a monthly stipend for six months through a preloaded debit card called a Fresh Connect card. Participants will be able to purchase fresh produce at local grocery stores. Eligible participants from Boone, Kanawha, and Putnam counties will be referred to the program by their medical providers. Additionally, participants will be offered various nutrition education options, including seeing a dietitian, using an online nutrition education platform, or attending cooking and nutrition education classes.
ACEs Coalition of WV – Leading the ACEs Movement in TGKVF’s
Coverage Area: $30,000 (Health)
TGKVF funding for this project will support the research of biomarkers in new moms, establish a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Public Health to integrate trauma-informed and healing-centered care into public health policy, continue raising awareness about the impact of ACEs and the importance of trauma-informed/healing centered care while strengthening member engagement to increase participation and action in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. The ACEs Coalition will develop and implement a peer-to-peer support model for people who have experienced ACEs in Kanawha County.
West Virginia State University Foundation, Inc. – Opening Soon, Inc.:
$34,150 (CED)
This Entrepreneurial Program will be a multidimensional business and product development program for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and micro-enterprises in Kanawha County. The program will provide education and guidance in launching participants’ business ideas into viable products or services through workshops, peer meetings, and technical assistance. The goal is to create, expand, and salvage businesses. Planned activities include ten weeks of instructional delivery incorporating product development, credit counseling, financial/project management, media marketing, business planning, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Funding will be utilized to pay instructors’ fees, develop workshop booklets, and marketing.
The Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy –
Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy: $9,000
(Arts and Culture)
Funding for this project will support operational expenses and scholarships for one week of concentrated studies related to arts and cultural heritage on the West Virginia State University campus. Choosing from vocal music, instrumental music, dance, theater, visual arts, and creative writing, students will participate in classes and workshops, interact with guest artists, take field trips, and have performing opportunities to enhance their artistic abilities and provide cultural enlightenment. This project will serve Fayette and Kanawha counties.
Multi-Cultural Festival of West Virginia, Inc. – Multifest 34 in ’24: $10,000 (Arts and Culture)
Mulitfest is a large diversity festival held annually in West Virginia for the last 33 years. Held in Charleston, the festival serves all six counties of TGKVF’s service area over four days. Daily cultural performances and exhibits will include minority food vendors, a children’s play area, youth educational activities, healthcare instructions and presentations, a youth football camp, arts and crafts, and ethnic clothing vendors. Local, regional, and national artists will provide entertainment each day. TGKVF funding will support entertainers’ fees, travel, meals, hotel, equipment, festival activities, and event costs.
Arts in Action – Arts in Action Classroom, Equipment, Facility Rental, and Performance Costs: $18,000 (Arts and Culture)
Arts in Action provides arts education and performance opportunities for over 400 students annually from locations in Kanawha and Putnam counties. School-year classes and summer camps provide instruction in all genres of dance, music, and visual arts. Arts in Action is committed to “arts for everyone” and provides need-based financial aid and programming for people with developmental disabilities. Funding from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation supports classroom and performance supplies for students in all programs.
Charleston Ballet, Inc. – Charleston Ballet 69th Season: $25,000 (Arts and Culture)
Funding from TGKVF will provide support for the Charleston Ballet’s 69th season by assisting with local and guest artist rehearsal and performance fees, travel, housing, and new costumes. The season will present three mainstage performances, including DRACULA: The Seduction in October, NUTCRACKER, and a mixed-bill performance in March 2025. Smaller performances will take place throughout the season at various venues. Performances serve audiences from the six surrounding counties and beyond. All performances exhibit educational and cultural diversity components, including BALLET FOR ALL and 21st Century After-School programs.
Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, Inc. – Building a Community of Care for our Older Neighbors: $38,850 (Field-of-Interest)
Celebrating ten years as a critical resource for vulnerable older neighbors in Kanawha County, this program creates a neighborhood environment for care receivers where none currently exists. Volunteers’ generosity of time, talents, and compassion make the work possible, providing free services such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, friendly phone calls, and minor home repairs to ensure safe home environments.
Funding supports tools for continually expanding our volunteer base that will keep our programs sustainable far into the future.
Housing Innovations Corporation – Meeting the Needs of Older Adults in Our Community: $28,500 (Field-of-Interest)
This project will help older adults in Charleston-Kanawha public housing with acute emergency needs (such as transportation, utilities, and rental deposit) and address difficulties with the spread of bedbugs. Funds will be available for laundry and cleaning supplies, mattress protectors, and assistance with treatment preparation. Essential household hygiene and food items will be available to residents. Resources relating to fraud prevention and end-of-life planning will be offered, and financial support will be provided for programming to increase social, emotional, and physical wellness, likely decreasing the risk of becoming homeless or being admitted to a higher level of care.
Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home, Inc. – Oral Health Initiative:
$20,000 (Dental)
The Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home (KVFH) provides a safe, sober, structured living environment for men in recovery from substance use disorder. Unfortunately, men often have poor dental hygiene due to their substance use and neglect of dental care. KVFH hopes to restore smiles and improve men’s health by providing dental care to men from the six-county TGKVF service area. A great smile improves self-esteem and the ability to obtain and advance in employment.
Rea of Hope Fellowship Home, Inc. – Rea of Hope Dental Fund: $13,000 (Dental)
Rea of Hope (ROH) is an organization that provides safe, affordable, and supportive long-term sober living for West Virginia women suffering from alcohol and drug addiction and their children. Priority is given to women living in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. Poor dental health is a barrier impacting recovery, mental health, and overall wellness. ROH is committed to helping low-income, uninsured, and underinsured program participants restore their natural teeth, if possible while connecting them to a dental home for future care.
West Virginia Health Right, Inc. – Dental Care for Impoverished Adults: $125,000 (Dental)
West Virginia Health Right eliminates the barriers of social determinants, including transportation and financial barriers, that can prevent adequate access to dental care through the on-site dental clinic in Charleston and the Mobile Dental Unit, which provides preventative, restorative, treatment, and oral hygiene education services to impoverished adults. Services onboard the Mobile Dental Unit are provided in Boone and Clay counties, while services at the main clinic in Charleston are provided to residents from Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties.
BARN Community Group – Basic Needs and Operational Expenses: $20,000 (Emergency Aid)
The B.A.R.N. Community Group’s project will provide Boone County with an accessible food pantry and basic needs closet to help stabilize County residents who are in need. The ability to help county residents meet these basic needs will aid in alleviating stress for families. These resources can help families and individuals build a strong family unit and community base.
Camp Appalachia – Camp Safety and Wellness Initiative: $14,500 (Emergency Aid)
The Camp Safety and Wellness Initiative seeks to significantly improve the living conditions of campers by addressing pervasive issues of rot, mold, and odor in the cabin facilities. This grant will fund the replacement of sink vanities and cabinets in all cabins and the installation of two dehumidifier units per cabin to prevent mold growth by regulating moisture levels. Additionally, urgent roof replacements are included in the project. Excavating the lake on the property will remove dangerous sediment and quicksand-like areas along the lake’s edge, creating a safe environment for campers to engage in the opioid prevention curriculum.
Community Bridge – Healthy Families Kitchen + Hygiene Closet: $4,000 (Emergency Aid)
Community Bridge is open to all but primarily services Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, and Putnam counties residences. The program provides families and individuals with weekly hygiene items, clothing, furniture, and other items referred by recovery homes, social workers, domestic violence shelters, foster agencies, hospitals, schools, quick response teams, and more. The program also offers a cooking class where families learn basic food preparation skills, utilizing food pantry items and SNAP benefits to provide budget-friendly and healthy meals. TGKVF funding will provide supplies for the hygiene closet for clients in the six-county service area.
Cornerstone Family Interventions, Inc. – Cornerstone Emergency Aid Project: $10,000 (Emergency Aid)
TGKVF funding will support a capital project to repair damage to a Foster, West Virginia, building. A roof leak and subsequent damage to the ceiling and walls prevent the organization from using the building to provide services to children and families in Boone County.
Covenant House, Inc. – Housing and Stabilization Basic Needs: $25,000 (Emergency Aid)
TGKVF funding will support utility assistance to the program’s Housing First (HF) participants. Funding will also provide bus passes to HF, Emergency Solutions Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS participants to aid in transportation to medical appointments and job interviews. In addition, funding will provide supplemental salary, benefits, and payroll taxes to help replace aging computers and monitors and provide webcams used by case managers. These services are provided in the six-county TGKVF service area.
FamilyCare – FamilyCare Emergency Assistance Program: Bridging the Gap for Needy Patients: $9,600 (Emergency Aid)
Funding for this project will support providing immediate food and hygiene products to 450 patients located in Boone and Kanawha counties who are currently without these products until they are connected with a sustainable source. Patients will be screened and identified as needing their medical visit. Once identified, patients will be offered an emergency food box of shelf-stable food and a hygiene kit. Participants will also be referred
to a social worker and an eligibility specialist to determine eligibility for federal assistance programs and enrollment in a food access program.
Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, Inc. (KISRA) – KISRA Emergency Aid Program: $25,000 (Emergency Aid)
Funding will support low-income and working-poor residents of Kanawha County. The primary goal is to be an added resource and assist individuals and families in crisis and during emergencies. Although there are local service personnel providing emergency services assistance, the services provided often fail to meet the total financial needs of the residents. The proposed service is geared toward providing funds related to utility assistance, rental payments, food insecurity, or prescription medication needs. The program will leverage current resources in the area to provide a more comprehensive method of addressing emergencies and crises of participants.
Pollen8, Inc. – Pollen8 Emergent Needs: $30,000 (Emergency Aid)
Pollen8 provides treatment for women across all counties of West Virginia in need of recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Funding will be used to purchase a new heating and air unit and washer and dryer combinations for our Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare Center participants. The additional funds will cover rent and utilities at the sober living home.
Solutions Oriented Addiction Response – Save A Life Day East 2024: $17,000 (Emergency Aid)
Save A Life Day 2024 will distribute life-saving naloxone across all 26 states east of the Mississippi River. Locally, they will partner with health, faith, business, and recovery leaders to distribute over 5,000 doses of naloxone in TGKVF’s six-county service area. These events will train at least 2,500 community members to save lives. Each county will receive assistance setting up its naloxone box for sustainable access. Funding for this project will also support SOAR for its monthly mutual aid fairs held every month in Charleston. Each fair serves 200 marginalized community members.
Southern Appalachian Labor School – Fayette Emergency Food Program: $10,500 (Emergency Aid)
The Fayette Emergency Food Program (FEFP) will distribute food to low-income families consisting of students, seniors, and those disabled in rural western Fayette County. This will occur through monthly distributions picked up at its two food pantries, daily lunches delivered at four remote area trailer courts and low-income apartment complexes, and daily lunches delivered at its site-based summer activity programs. Eligibility will be subject to DHHR-SNAP income criteria for children aged 18 or under.
United Way of Central West Virginia – United We House: $25,000 (Emergency Aid)
United We House supports Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Putnam counties in maintaining stable housing for families, knowing the importance of keeping roofs overhead, lights on, and tables stocked with food. The project assists by covering rent payments and utility bills, ensuring that basic needs are met. They also facilitate access to safe housing by assisting
with the first month’s rent and security deposits. For families transitioning into new homes, the program offers support with necessary security deposits to establish essential utilities. The program promotes housing security and stability for all community members through these efforts.
Walking Miracles – Country Roads Package of Hope Program: $20,000 (Emergency Aid)
Costs associated with travel are a barrier to the ability to access cancer treatment. Rural areas do not have adequate public transportation systems or access to resources. Walking Miracles works with hospital social workers to identify patients needing travel assistance and electronic tablets to access cancer education and resources in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. Packages of Hope are distributed to pediatric and young adult cancer survivors. The packages include travel cards to cover the costs of getting medical care by providing transportation or gas, lodging, meals, and other necessary expenses, in addition to tablets and chemotherapy port shirts.
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