Mission West Virginia Inc

09/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our third session speaker, Jimmy Lemon, for leading such a valuable, hands-on session for our staff at last week's Capacity Training!

Jimmy walked us through the Working Genius model, helping us see which parts of our work actually energize us versus drain us, and how understanding those patterns across the team can improve how we collaborate. Understanding how we're each wired, and how our colleagues are too, makes a real difference in how a team works together.

More about Jimmy:

Jimmy serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Bullseye Total Media and is a certified Working Genius Facilitator. Jimmy is passionate about helping teams improve how they work together and equipping people to discover how they are naturally gifted.
Jimmy serves on several nonprofit Boards including WV CASA and Ronald Mc Donald House, Prestera Foundation, and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Jimmy, our [Bullseye Total Media] dedicated COO and ‘Big Squeeze,’ seamlessly combines hard work, creativity, and extensive website knowledge. With a love for Ninja Turtles and Ted Lasso, his approachable and witty nature makes him an irreplaceable asset to the team. Jimmy has a degree in Graphic Design from Ohio University and a Pastoral Degree from Cedarville University.

09/02/2026

September marks Kinship Care Month, and there's no better time to thank the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network for their partnership. 💜

Their national perspective and hands-on guidance have helped strengthen Mission WV's Kinship Navigator Program. Kinship Navigator Manager Erin Martin connected with GKSN early on, and that partnership has turned into real resources for the kinship families we serve.

None of this work happens in isolation. We're grateful for GKSN, and even more grateful for the relatives, friends, and neighbors who step up for kids in need at a moment's notice.

Read more below:
https://www.gksnetwork.org/network-impact/ #:~:text=Keeping%20West%20Virginia%E2%80%99s%20Kinship%20Navigator%20Program%20on%20Track

The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network exists to help community-based organizations and government agencies in states, tribes, and territories improve services and supports for grandfamilies and kinship families.

09/01/2026

We want to give our warmest thank you to Ms. Pam Harvit for providing an incredibly helpful session for MWV staff at last week's Capacity Training!

Pam showed us that career success runs on more than technical skill, covering the body language, business etiquette, and emotional intelligence that shape first impressions and build lasting professional relationships. Every person in the room left with takeaways we can immediately begin to apply in our professional lives.

More about Pam:

After receiving both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from West Virginia University, Pamela Harvit began working for Fortune 500 Companies where she has held several positions which include specialty and training responsibilities. As an Executive Specialist with Merck and Company, she was the recipient of the prestigious “Hall Fame Award” from that Company. In that capacity, she attended the Protocol School of Washington and became certified in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol by that institution. She also studied under the direction of Dorothea Johnson, Protocol Adviser and Liaison to the Washington Diplomatic Community for the Joint Military Attaché. In addition, she is a graduate of the Etiquette and Leadership Institute.

Ms. Harvit is a popular national speaker having presented to executives and employees of banking and insurance associations, the National Supreme Court Conference of the Appellate Court, the Chamber of Commerce, medical societies, the West Virginia Supreme Court, The West Virginia Medical Association, The West Virginia Hospital Association, universities and many more. For over a decade, she has been a featured columnist for the largest statewide newspaper in West Virginia, The Gazette Mail. Her column, “Mind Your Manners,” is a favorite among readers.

08/31/2026

Massive thank you to Jim Harris for joining us once again to speak at last week's annual MWV Staff Capacity Training! In his session, Jim broke down the neuroscience behind conflict, then handed us practical tools to turn conflict into connection and growth rather than division.

More about Jim:

Dr. Jim Harris is the Director of Marshall University’s Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Center and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. He is also the founder of Opportunities Consulting Services. Dr. Harris brings a diverse background in health and human services, having served as an early interventionist, parent educator, educational consultant, university instructor, and behavioral health therapist.

Known for his practical and engaging approach to complex topics, Dr. Harris helps audiences better understand human behavior, both their own and that of the people they support.

08/27/2026

On this day 29 years ago, Mission West Virginia started with a commitment to strengthening families across the state. Today, our staff from every corner of West Virginia are in Charleston together for our Annual Capacity Training.

Twenty-nine years of foster and adoptive families, kinship caregivers, and youth who needed someone in their corner. Twenty-nine years of changing life trajectories by providing life skills and education. Twenty-nine years of community partnerships and folks who have advocated on our behalf. Twenty-nine years of staff doing the work that makes that possible.

We are thankful for each incredible person on this team that makes Mission WV who we are. ❤️💛💚

08/26/2026

Our Back To School Supply Drive was more successful than ever thanks to your help! 🎒💛

An incredible group of donors made sure families across our community had everything they needed for a strong start to the school year.

We want to give a major thank you to our donors:
- Tracy Blake
- H&R Block
- Foster WV at Chestnut Ridge Church
- Shannon Irvin
- Donna
- Candice Harper
- Kathryne Smith
- Adrianna Booth
- First Baptist Church of Hurricane
- Patience Land
- Cheryl DiPiero
- Joshua Mann
- Zelideth Rivas
- Jason
- Hope Sweeny
- Erica
- April
- Jenny Broz
- Dan Scott
- Allison Hayes
- Sue Crawford
- Debra Scott
- Virginia Allen
- Jessica Polling
- Cherie Collins
- Jessica
- Willa Crawford
- Jo
- Megan McMackin-Perry
- Jennifer Miller
- Melissa Ferrell
- Bill Woodrum
- Melissa Ballard
- And all anonymous donors

This community shows up every single time, and we couldn't do this work without you. Thank you for investing in our kids' futures!

08/24/2026

Buffalo High School welcomed us at their open house last week and it was a wonderful event for the entire community. We were set up among other local organizations, there was a scavenger hunt, hotdogs, cookies, and a photo booth! Buffalo High School welcomed our Bridge Program into their school last year and we are so proud to continue working with them.

08/21/2026

Big thanks to Crane Charitable Funds for their continued partnership with Mission West Virginia! This marks the third consecutive year Crane has stepped up to support youth in foster care and kinship care across our state. That kind of generosity and sustained commitment makes a real difference. This $3,400 goes directly toward meeting the everyday needs of the kids and families we serve.

We're grateful for partners who show up year after year. Thank you, Crane Charitable Funds!

08/17/2026

Time’s running out! Don’t miss your chance to support us on Target Circle’s list of featured
nonprofits. Make your voice count before September 30th! Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose “My Target” in the Target app, or visit
https://www.target.com/circle/community-voting in your browser.
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote

08/17/2026

Our staff had a wonderful time attending the Putnam County Back to School Bash and the Back to School event at Riverside High School! It was a great way to kick off the new school year, connect with our community, and welcome students and families back to school. We’re excited for all the opportunities this year will bring!

Putnam County Schools - WV
Kanawha County Schools
Riverside High School