Wheeling, WV — The YWCA in Wheeling’s multimillion-dollar project continues to progress with updated facilities and rooms to come.
The project, which totals a little more than 10 million dollars, was originally set to be completed by November but has now been pushed back to March. Executive Director Lori Jones says a lot will be changed in the 119-year-old building.
“Every piece of plumbing, every electrical wire has been changed, as you can see as we walk through, we’ve added sixteen bathrooms in the building, instead of a big gang bathroom but now it’s a jill and jill so everyone has a bedroom, a bathroom, a bedroom,” said Jones.
They wanted to make some of these changes after the pandemic and give people who stay more privacy.
This is the first major renovation they’ve had, and they can expect some relocation of services throughout the building—including where the old swimming pool used to be.
“We’ve now covered the swimming pool, that’s where our boutique is moving downstairs on top of the swimming pool and instead of the boutique on the first floor where the soup kitchen used to be, I think people probably remember that,” said Jones. “It is now a health and wellness learning center for us.”
The new rooms, which can house both women and children, will be built like small apartments. As they get closer to reopening, they are also accepting donations from the community.
“In the future when we do open back up, we’ll be accepting furniture, pots and pans so when people start over, they have things to start over with,” said Jones.
Belmont County Savings Bank has been helping to fund gaps in the project, and Jones says she’s looking forward to its completion to continue assisting those throughout the community and making it feel like home.
“After 113 years of wear and tear on the building, it wasn’t the most comfortable place for people to stay, now it really will be so just because they’ve been victimized and had to leave my home for whatever reason, now they’ll be comfortable in a welcoming place to stay,” Jones said.
The project is scheduled to be completed in the spring, but no specific date has been set yet.
WHEELING — A $10 million renovation at YWCA Wheeling’s downtown building has been going on since May 2023, and it’s now anticipated to continue until spring.
The work was supposed to have been completed two months ago, but construction now isn’t expected to be finished until at least March, according to executive director Lori Jones.
The good news is that residents displaced by the construction — who have been living out of makeshift bedrooms in the building’s gymnasium since October — could return to newly redone sleeping areas perhaps as soon as the end of this coming week, she added.
Delays resulted as some of the subcontractors had difficulty with finding enough plumbers and electricians to get needed work done, Jones explained.
There had been plans to have separate crews work day and evening shifts, but there weren’t enough employees for a second shift.
“But we are within two weeks of moving people back onto the fifth floor,” she said. “There are some electrical things that they are trying to fix.”
Jones said she expected city inspectors to soon be on site to give their final approval for occupancy of the new areas.
“Maybe by (next) Monday we can start moving people back in,” she continued.
Work delays affected the YWCA Wheeling’s tax credits, but carrying the project into 2025 “made sense” so the YWCA wouldn’t lose credits for work not yet completed, Jones explained.
There is still a security and intercom system that needs to be installed, and the completion of some of the bathrooms, she continued. There are ventilation pieces that need to be put in, and many areas that need to be painted.
Fourth-floor bedrooms need to be finished, and those fifth-floor bedrooms that have just been completed need a good cleaning before they can be occupied.
“It’s that stuff that keeps us from being complete,” Jones said.
Meanwhile, the new heaters and radiators in the building are working very well, as is the new elevator, she reports. The YWCA Wheeling also plans to start work this year on a second facility — “Cathy’s Haven” — that will serve as a place for women recently incarcerated and those recovering from drug addiction.
Jones expects that project to go more quickly as it will be a new build at 24th and Chapline streets in Wheeling.
The popular YWCA Wheeling boutique is presently closed at the main building. The building’s former pool has been filled in to make way for a future boutique space in the basement, but that area is presently being used as a staging area as construction continues throughout the building.
The boutique won’t reopen until after construction is completed, Jones said.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The YWCA of Wheeling is committed to fighting human trafficking and advocating for victims.
During human trafficking awareness month, the YWCA is highlighting the successes of its Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program or STEP.
Human trafficking remains a prevalent problem for the Ohio Valley, where thousands fall victim to exploitation every year.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there have been more than 23,000 reported cases of trafficking in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
“Human trafficking is happening here. It’s happening in your community, in your neighborhood. We are wanting to take the passion and make it impact so people will know what to do, look for the signs and be a part of the solution.”Stacy Gilson – Founder, Ignite Hope
The STEP Program offers a range of services, including providing individualized plans to address each survivor’s needs, assistance in navigating the legal system and educating the community and law enforcement to identify and respond to trafficking in their neighborhoods.
“One way you can support the survivors here is the personal care items. We often have special requests and needs. Another way is to give to the scholarship fund. This is a huge resource and empowers women to get a higher education or learn skills that would enable them to go get a job or career of their choice.”Lisa Indermuhle – STEP Coordinator, YWCA
Human trafficking statistics do not tell the full story, since many cases remain hidden.
Victims are often trapped by fear, stigma and lack of resources, but through the STEP program, the YWCA hopes it can bring a lifeline to survivors.
WHEELING — Despite the cold temperatures and snow on the ground, community members gathered at the top of Stone Boulevard to march through the Friendly City in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.
The MLK Celebration March kicked off Sunday’s celebrations in King’s memory. City officials, local faith leaders and residents gathered at The Windmill to begin the march that proceeded downtown along Chapline Street and concluded at West Virginia Northern Community College.
Ron Scott Jr., Wheeling MLK Committee co-chair, said the turnout was “pretty good” despite the weather.
“If we had three people at the march today, I was going to applaud them just for coming out,” Scott said. “The fact that the weather is so bad, and we still had a good turnout says a lot about how people respect the ideas of Dr. King.”
Wheeling Councilwoman Connie Cain, who participated in all of Sunday’s MLK festivities, said the turnout for the march demonstrated the dedication residents had to honor King.
She said it was significant that residents of all backgrounds, not just Black community members, gathered to recognize MLK Day.
“It’s very important that we recognize our forefathers who have gone through the struggle to get us where we are today,” Cain said. “Dr. Martin Luther King brought people together and made great strides for us through his voice and his actions, so it’s very important to represent his legacy.”
Wellsburg Mayor Dan Dudley also made the trip to Wheeling to join in the celebrations. Dudley noted he has been attending the Wheeling MLK Day march for “at least” the last 30 years, adding he used to bring his children and their Sunday school classmates to the march.
For Dudley, marching through the streets of Wheeling reminded him of when his older brothers and sisters had to attend school in Wheeling and not their hometown of Wellsburg due to busing.
“My older brothers and sisters had to be bused all the way from Wellsburg to Wheeling to go to school, so they had a lot of friends from Wheeling that are still like family to me today,” Dudley said. “I love Wheeling because I’m comfortable with so many of the people here. A lot of the older buildings that were familiar to me on Chapline Street are no longer there, but I’m glad I can still enjoy the great celebration here.”
After the march, community members gathered at WVNCC for the presentation of the MLK and Rosa Parks Awards. Two of the five recipients, Rosa Parks Award winner Tressie Fitzhugh and MLK Award winner Donald Walters, were honored during the ceremony.
Scott said Fitzhugh and Walters were being recognized as two community members who “paved the way” for people like him who were able to “reap the benefits” of their public service.
“These are two folks who have contributed so much and it’s really amazing for us to get the opportunity at this time in their lives to honor them for everything that they’ve done before,” Scott said. “Most folks think of this award as recognizing what someone has done for the community lately, but we’re honoring these two as an overall recognition of what they’ve done for our community over many years.”
Wanda Morgan, Wheeling MLK Committee co-chair, introduced Fitzhugh and Walters during the ceremony. Both winners received the Octogenarian Certificate of Appreciation from the MLK committee last year. Morgan noted this meant the pair had endured the “evils” of Jim Crow laws, segregation, voting restrictions for black voters and “other oppressive methods put in place to keep African Americans down.”
“Both of these individuals exemplify what being a silent but loud figure means,” Morgan said. “When I say silent but loud, I mean they don’t say much, but when they do, they speak loud. Both have persevered in life and become successful leaders in the community.”
Following the awards presentation, an MLK Dinner was held at 4 p.m. at the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling.
A second ceremony at 6 p.m. during the Interfaith Prayer Service and Awards Presentation at Bethlehem Apostolic Temple honored the other MLK and Rosa Parks Awards recipients.
At the service that concluded Sunday’s events, Bishop James M. Agnew III of the Tree of Life Church of Martins Ferry and the Rev. Kenny Hardway, Senior Minister at the First Christian Church in Wheeling, received MLK Awards and Sister Carmella Campione received the Rosa Parks Award.
Fitzhugh has served the community through her career, faith and community service. She served clients enduring inequalities and disparities at Catholic Charities for 15 years. Fitzhugh has also held several positions as a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church and has been a faithful and active member of both the Deborah Temple 125 of the Elks and the Eastern Stars, organizations based on community service.
Walters, a member of the Elks Panhandle Lodge 74, is the oldest active member of the Black Elks in West Virginia. Despite being in his nineties, Walters still attends meetings and is active in the community, including supporting all the community service events that Panhandle Lodge 74 sponsors.
Agnew has been a faith leader in the upper Ohio Valley since he felt the call to ministry in 1984. He served at Shiloh Temple as a Sunday school teacher, assistant choir director in the brotherhood, president and vice president of the Young People’s Union and a trustee. Agnew currently pastors the Tree of Life Apostolic Church and Family Worship Center, which he and his wife founded. Agnew was the first African American elected to the Martins Ferry school board in 2021 and earned the same distinction when he was elected to the Martins Ferry council.
Hardway has shared his passion for teaching while making the rounds of First Christian congregations in Wheeling. As the Regional Youth Minister, Hardway strengthened his mission of advocacy and serving the disadvantaged. Harway has also been identified as the “heart” of the MLK Celebration Committee through offering advice and welcoming groups to use his church space for meetings and other gatherings.
Campione, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph for 70 years, has served the community through her faith and her career as a teacher and principal in many schools throughout West Virginia. She is also a longstanding member of the Wheeling MLK Celebration Committee, a member of the executive community for the West Virginia Faith Table and a member of the board of Women In New Directions, a local YWCA program.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The YWCA is excited about a donation they received. It’s a property that will be will be used as transitional housing for women coming out of corrections and those in recovery.
The YWCA plans to build a brand-new 20-bed building to address their critical need for housing for their Women Inspired in New Directions Program that helps women rebuild their lives.
Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling, Lori Jones says being able to expand their services is crucial in order to achieve their mission.
”In this building, we can house usually around 15, and then we have a transitional housing where they can live up to two years getting more support if they are trying to get their children back and things like that. We help them pay off their fines if they need it, budget, get their kids back if that’s what they want to do, help them find a job and then work their recovery.”Lori Jones – Executive Director, YWCA Wheeling
According to Jones, drawings for the new building are set to begin in January with hopes to break ground on the new property in the fall of next year.
WETZEL COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and YWCA Wheeling held a unique event to raise awareness.
Their first ever “Kickball for a Cause” game is taking place in Wetzel County.
Officials with YWCA Wheeling want to get the word out to people on all the info and services they have to have to help individuals suffering in a domestic violence situation. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lives, so this information is critical.
It will feature Wetzel County Law Enforcement going up against first responders and local partner agencies.
“We thought of getting local law enforcement and services agencies together and bridging that gap, since we all service those victims.”Liz Handzus, Marketing and Development Director for YWCA Wheeling
“The YWCA will have tables at all of the engagements that we’re having during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we will have pamphlets and information and speaking to everyone about what we offer, and how to end domestic violence.”Jennifer Sorg – Family Violence Prevent Program Director
The event will be on Saturday, October 5th at 2:00pm at Bruce Park in New Martinsville, and is free to attend.
They will also be holding one in Ohio County on October 19th, featuring the Wheeling Police Department going head to head with the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The YWCA Wheeling hosted it’s 2nd annual Mega Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday at the River City Wheeling Artisan Center.
The event featured 14 games of bingo with a $1,000 payout for each game along with a special coverall game that had a payout of $3,000. All proceeds made at the event will go directly to supporting the YWCA Wheeling’s various services and projects.
The executive director of the YWCA Wheeling, Lori Jones, says the turnout they saw for the event on Saturday was heartwarming.
“We can’t do what we do if the community doesn’t show up to help us. We support about 7200 women, children and men each year through our programs and it takes a village. This is the village that showed up today and we’re just happy, happy, happy. Thank you, community. Thank you, Ohio Valley.”Lori Jones – Executive Director, YWCA Wheeling
The YWCA Wheeling will be hosting the event quarterly in partnership with Laughlin Memorial Chapel. The next Mega Bingo fundraiser will be at the same location on November 16 and all proceeds made at that event will go to supporting the Laughlin Memorial Chapel.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Saturday night the JB Chambers Park saw a glow that outshined even the bleakest personal darkness.
The YWCA Wheeling brought together women in their non-treatment WIND program, their families and community resources to show what recovery looks like.
Tie-dye, face painting and glow-in-the-dark slime were all seen as kids and parents threw footballs with police officers.
The Family Fun and Glow Run started in Charleston but moved statewide for the Recovery Month of September.
“We get out here and we glow and we have a few speakers and we get as many organizations as we can to participate so that we have rounded care all in one place with a little bit of fun.”Shannalee Kuri, YWCA WIND Program Director
Narcan was also distributed to those who took part, including community members to break through the stigma.
Speakers also shared their recovery stories to help others along their path.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Fentanyl is one of the deadliest substances on the market. It is nearly 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
A local EMT spoke to 7News about the dangers of this drug, and one local woman, Clarissa Adkins, shared her experiences with fentanyl and her loss.
“So, I used fentanyl for the first time about two years ago. And from the first time that I tried it, everything just went downhill from there. That’s the only thing that I wanted. It took everything from me, or I gave up everything for it.” Clarissa Adkins | Wheeling Resident
Clarissa Adkins | In Active Recovery from Fentanyl Substance Abuse
Adkins shared deeply personal details about her life with the hopes of raising awareness of the growing opioid crisis.
“I lost my older brother due to a fentanyl overdose, and it just completely consumed me.” Clarissa Adkins | Wheeling Resident
Fentanyl is a prescription opioid often used in medical settings for pain control.
Ohio County EMS Paramedic Anthony McDaniel explains:
“It works very similar to morphine only it doesn’t have as much of an effect on the patient’s blood pressure and tends to treat their pain better than morphine.” Anthony McDaniel | Paramedic, Ohio County EMS
Prescription fentanyl is a tightly controlled substance that is given to patients in micrograms based on their weight.
“I lost my older brother due to a fentanyl overdose, and it just completely consumed me.” Clarissa Adkins | Wheeling Resident
Fentanyl is a prescription opioid often used in medical settings for pain control.
Ohio County EMS Paramedic Anthony McDaniel explains:
“It works very similar to morphine only it doesn’t have as much of an effect on the patient’s blood pressure and tends to treat their pain better than morphine.” Anthony McDaniel | Paramedic, Ohio County EMS
Prescription fentanyl is a tightly controlled substance that is given to patients in micrograms based on their weight.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — YWCA Wheeling, Youth Services System, and several other organizations joined forces to host the Overdose Awareness Day event.
Guest speakers shared their stories as photos of lost loved ones were showcased throughout the event. Information booths provided resources for those struggling with addiction.
YSS Recovery Homes peer Kenny Jarrell says he is grateful to be able to share his experiences with others and help them on the road to recovery.
“It’s a beautiful experience for everybody in the community to come together and do this. Our area, we have a real epidemic going on and it’s hard. So, we’re here, all we can do is spread the word and give our story of how we recover to help the next one out.”KENNY JARRELL, YOUTH SERVICES SYSTEM RECOVERY HOMES PEER
“That’s the most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of people who are willing and able to help.”NICK COCHRAN, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES SYSTEM RECOVERY HOMES
YSS Recovery Homes director Nick Cochran says one of the best ways to help someone battling addiction is to support them and be there for them during their fight.
YWCA Wheeling, Youth Services System and the Ohio County IMPACT Coalition are joining forces to promote overdose awareness and share local addiction recovery resources at the third annual Discover Recovery event.
Discover Recovery will include a presentation and a resource fair held at the West Virginia Northern Community College courtyard from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Food will be available for attendees.
Community members who have lost loved ones over the last year to addiction will share their stories during Saturday’s event as part of the 2024 Voices of Hope interactive presentation held in conjunction with Discover Recovery to promote overdose awareness.
In addition to the presentation, a resource fair will bring local service organizations together to connect family and friends of those experiencing substance misuse to the appropriate resources.
YWCA WIND Program Director Shannalee Kuri detailed the organization’s involvement in the event was reaching out to community members who had lost loved ones to addiction to share their stories and pictures to “shed hope and light on overdose and break through the stigma.”
“Often, the family may not be ready to share, so we have speakers share their stories, and pictures will be displayed on the projector,” Kuri said. “Together, we can remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the family and friends left behind. It’s important to know that overdose can and must be prevented, and only a community-wide effort can end overdose.”
As community members collaborate to share the stories of loved ones who succumbed to their substance addiction, Kuri noted community organizations would also be collaborating to share their resources with individuals struggling with addiction.
“We’ve had organizations from different counties reach out to participate in the event, so we see many individuals come through to get resources,” Kuri said. “We also have a lot of conversations with attendees about why they are seeking out these resources. The event has made it easier to get people talking about addiction and how to combat it.”
In addition to the YWCA coordinating speakers for the event, the YSS has stepped up to organize the resource fair for families, friends and individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Lauren Kotz, YSS Region One State Opioid Response Program Administrator, worked closely with the Ohio County IMPACT Coalition to coordinate community efforts to create the resource fair. The Ohio County IMPACT Coalition is made up of members from the community to mitigate substance use disorder within the community, particularly among the youth in the community.
Service organizations at the fair will include Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as treatment services and other local support services such as the Family Resource Network and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Wheeling.
Kotz noted that YSS will also be at the fair to connect individuals and families to peer-supportive services and program services that help combat substance misuse.
“The resource fair helps families understand that help is there,” Kotz noted. “We get families unaware of the resources available because connecting families to resources goes much further than treatment.”
Kotz added the difference maker in addiction recovery comes after treatment as a “continuum of care” is needed to provide a support system for those recovering from addiction after they have finished treatment.
The “continuum of care” includes someone who returns from recovery having access to support services, medication-assisted treatment and other basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.
“Discover Recovery brings a light to the importance of having a continuum of care,” Kotz said. “People become aware there is help and are supported in this community.”
Just as community members will support each other through sharing loved ones’ addiction stories, Kotz noted it was necessary to connect those still in addiction to a greater community of care.
“In a nutshell, the opposite of addiction is connection, so when we’re connecting with people and giving them a support system, it makes them less likely to slip back into substance use disorder,” Kotz said. “It makes the families feel supported and have options and support navigating this difficult time they may be experiencing.”
In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside WVNCC. The resource fair will be held immediately after the building’s entrance, and the presentation will be held inside the auditorium.
Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – The YWCA Wheeling held a massive three-day estate clothing sale, in August at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Thousands of high quality items range in price from $1 to $5 to $30. Every item is in pristine condition.
These are upscale pieces that date from the 1960s to the present day. There are dresses, pantsuits, sweaters, shoes, handbags, hats and scarves.
They say this is definitely not your ordinary rummage sale.
“We curated these pieces from two separate estates that donated their clothing to the Y. There’s lots of vintage and couture pieces, lots of name brand clothing with the tags still on. If they’re not brand new, they’re gently used.”Liz Handzus, YWCA Marketing and Development Director
“Well these are beautiful couture and vintage items. This one for instance still has the price tag on it, somebody paid $1,000 for it. This is probably vintage late 60s, early 70s.”Patti Kota, YWCA
The sale is 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, 10:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, and 8:00am to 11:00am on Saturday.
There are a variety of sizes. All proceeds will support the YWCA’s ongoing programs. They support domestic violence survivors, human trafficking survivors
WHEELING, West Virginia – August 2024 – We at YWCA Wheeling, through our Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program (STEP), are deeply concerned and saddened by the need for the recent human trafficking sting at the San Diego Comic-Con, where 14 individuals were arrested. This incident is a stark reminder of the pervasive and insidious nature of human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights that exploits vulnerable individuals for labor and sexual purposes. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that strips away the dignity, freedom, and safety of individuals, often targeting those who are most vulnerable. At YWCA Wheeling, we stand firmly against all forms of trafficking and exploitation. STEP is dedicated to providing support, resources, and empowerment to survivors of trafficking, helping them reclaim their lives and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. As we reflect on the events in San Diego, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and education in combating human trafficking. Our organization is committed to raising awareness, educating the community, and working with local law enforcement and other organizations to prevent trafficking and support survivors. We are also proud to host our own Mini Comic-Con, which recently celebrated its fifth year. This event is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and community, providing a safe and inclusive space for fans of all ages to come together and enjoy their shared interests. As we continue to grow this event, we are committed to maintaining a clear and unequivocal separation from any activities that could be associated with or inadvertently support trafficking or exploitation. Our Mini Comic-Con is an opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of fandom culture, to celebrate diversity, and to foster a safe environment where everyone can express themselves freely and without fear. We are taking proactive measures to ensure that our event remains a safe space for all participants, including implementing comprehensive safety protocols, collaborating with local authorities, and providing education on the signs of trafficking and exploitation. At YWCA Wheeling, we believe that every individual deserves to live free from fear and exploitation. We will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all people, and we invite our community to join us in this important work. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that events like our Mini Comic-Con are spaces of joy, safety, and respect for everyone. “Our commitment to combating human trafficking is unwavering,” says Lisa Indermuhle, STEP Coordinator at YWCA Wheeling. “We are dedicated to creating safe spaces and providing essential support to survivors. Our Mini Comic-Con is a testament to our efforts in fostering a community where everyone can feel secure and celebrated. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect and empower those affected by trafficking.” We extend our support and solidarity to the survivors of trafficking and to all those working tirelessly to end this abhorrent crime. Let us continue to work together to create a world where everyone can live in safety and freedom.
About YWCA Wheeling The YWCA Wheeling is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through its programs and services, the organization strives to create a community where individuals can thrive free from violence and oppression.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — If you’re a fan of comic books, superheroes, anime, or pop culture, Wheeling was the place to be on Saturday.
The YWCA hosted its 5th annual Mini-Con at Vance Memorial Church in Wheeling on Saturday.
The event was free to attend and featured various comic book vendors, artists, cosplay characters, raffle items and a costume contest.
There was also a demonstration from the Praxium Lightsaber Academy and of course appearances by some of the fan favorite superheroes.
The Cultural Diversity Community Outreach Director for the YWCA says the purpose of the event is to bring something that is so popular around the country right here to Wheeling.
I like being able to have an event that feels educational in a way and also exposes you to something that you might not see if you just stayed in the area. And I love when people come to this and leave saying ‘I didn’t even know they had one of these around here’, and I feel like I’m doing my job.”RON SCOTT JR. , CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR, YWCA WHEELING
The YWCA says that the event continues to grow each year, and they hope that they can soon make it as big as some of the other conventions that happen throughout the country.
WHEELING, West Virginia – July 2024 – The YWCA Wheeling proudly announces its receipt of the prestigious Purple Ribbon Award from DomesticShelters.org, in recognition of the outstanding community impact achieved through its Capital Campaign, “Building Hope, Reclaiming Lives.” The campaign launched publicly in January 2023, aimed to raise $16 million for the renovation of the century-old building located on Chapline Street in Wheeling. The Purple Ribbon Awards, organized by DomesticShelters.org, encompass 34 categories and are adjudicated by a distinguished national panel comprising professionals from the domestic violence field. This marks a significant milestone as the first comprehensive awards program dedicated to honoring the unsung heroes of the domestic violence movement. Nominations pour in from across the United States and Canada, making this accolade particularly esteemed.
“We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Purple Ribbon Award from DomesticShelters.org,” expressed Lori Jones, Executive Director of YWCA Wheeling. “This recognition underscores the tireless efforts of our organization and community in combating domestic violence and providing support to those in need. The success of our Capital Campaign speaks to the unwavering dedication of our supporters and the resilience of our community.”
The Building Hope, Reclaiming Lives campaign represents a pivotal step forward in the YWCA Wheeling’s mission to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence. Through extensive renovations and upgrades to its facilities, the YWCA Wheeling aims to enhance its capacity to provide comprehensive services and resources to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.
Individuals and businesses have had the opportunity to collect room naming rights during the Capital Campaign. With a donation of $5,000 over two years, anyone can attach their name and be a lasting legacy with the YWCA Wheeling.
In accepting this esteemed accolade, the YWCA Wheeling reaffirms its commitment to advocating for survivors, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of empowerment and support within the community. The Purple Ribbon Award serves as a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of all those involved in the fight against domestic violence. For more information about the YWCA Wheeling and the Capital Campaign, please visit www.ywcawheeling.org
As community members brought depictions of four black community leaders to life by adding color to the designs on Tuesday, Wheeling Juneteenth Committee Chairman Ron Scott Jr. could feel the excitement build for today’s Juneteenth Celebration.
“This has been one of the best lead-ups to Juneteenth in the city because people are showing up and enjoying themselves,” Scott said Tuesday. “We had folks in the past showing up with the attitude of, ‘OK, let’s see what this Juneteenth is all about.’ This year, they’re not showing up for a crash course in black history but instead are just coming to have fun with us while celebrating the holiday.”
Beginning Sunday, each day this week offered a unique Black history-centered activity for residents to enjoy, organized by the Wheeling Juneteenth Committee. Tuesday’s mural painting was the final event scheduled before tonight’s Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held at 6 p.m. at Wheeling Heritage Port.
The ceremony will begin with music provided by Voices of Praise of Macedonia Baptist Church. From there, various speakers, including city leadership and NAACP representatives, will take the stage to give speeches.
Speakers during the opening ceremony include Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, Men of Change Vice President Hayden Cook, West Virginia NAACP President Darryl Clausell, Wheeling NAACP Branch member Owens Brown, Wheeling Human Rights Commission member Unique Robinson-Murphy and Nathan Rouse.
After speeches, Ezra Hamilton will take the stage at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the weekly Waterfront Wednesdays at Heritage Port.
“I’m hoping that the speakers really bring it this year, and with Ezra performing, his name speaks for itself,” Scott said. “I think this is going to be one of the best Juneteenth celebrations we’ve had in the city.”
Juneteenth celebrations kicked off Sunday with a Soul Food Cook-Off held by the YWCA in collaboration with Wheeling Heritage and Towngate Theater. Scott said more than 85 hungry residents attended the event to judge the best soul food in categories including greens, potato salad and cornbread.
“People were asking during the cookoff, ‘When is the next one happening?’ so I knew people were having a good time,” Scott recalled. “Food and cooking is a universal topic, so people were not shy when talking about what greens or sweets they liked. Soul food can’t be nailed to exactly one thing when opened to an entire community like on Sunday.”
The festivities took an educational turn Monday during Ohio County Public Library’s Juneteenth Special Edition Lunch with Books featuring Raymond Thompson Jr. During the program, Thompson displayed photos from his book “Appalachian Ghost: A Photographic Reimagining of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel Disaster,” which recreates workers’ experiences of Hawk’s Nest through photography using primary source materials.
The 1930s disaster was a large-scale incident of occupational lung disease in the mostly black population of construction workers who mined the Hawks Nest Tunnel near Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.
“I didn’t know anything about the tragedy, and I found the presentation very informative,” Scott said. “I was surprised by how many people in the audience knew about Hawk’s Nest already. I’m a big fan of the medium of photography as an art form and seeing all his work was just great.”
The last celebration before the holiday on Tuesday invited locals to add color to drawings by local artist Vondel Bell depicting local black leaders Anne Thomas and Leon “Chu” Berry and national black leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
Anne Thomas was the first black registered nurse in the city and the wife of Wheeling Ironman and Councilman Clyde Thomas. Born and raised in Wheeling, Berry was a prominent tenor saxophone player in the jazz world whose life was cut short in his early 30s by an automobile accident.
According to Wheeling Heritage Programming Director Alex Panas, after the mural is displayed during the Juneteenth Celebration, it will remain at the Wheeling Artisan Center through the “end of the month.” From there, Wheeling Heritage, the Wheeling Arts Commission and the YWCA will decide where the mural will go next.
Wheeling Heritage Programming Director Alex Panas, who coordinated the art project, noted the mural is centered around the theme of this year’s Wheeling Juneteenth Celebrations: “Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams.”
“I think it’s really important to highlight all of our local figures because even though Juneteenth is a national celebration, cities have local ties to the holiday,” Panas said. “Juneteenth is just as much a day of remembrance as it is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come as a nation, so being able to spotlight some of those people who have helped Wheeling progress is important.”
Scott found the mural encompassed his goal for Juneteenth activities in the city this year – to unite the community through celebration and commemoration.
“Juneteenth is not just a black holiday but a community holiday for all folks to come down and celebrate,” Scott said. “You might learn something or you might just come and enjoy yourself, but it is open to everyone.”
Two area organizations that presented annual awards to women of leadership and advocacy have now joined forces to combine their awards into one.
The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wheeling YWCA made the announcement.
The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce started giving the Athena Award last year.
And the Wheeling YWCA has presented their Tribute To Women award for about four decades.
Both awards recognize women in the Ohio Valley who are exemplary leaders. They not only excel in their chosen fields, but they help to empower other women.
Now both groups will combine to present the Athena Award.
We for many many years from the 70s have done a Tribute To Women every year pre-COVID and then we stopped and then when I was fortunate to get the Athena Award last year, it only made sense that I stepped forward and said we have to do this together. And the Chamber was willing and able and we’re honored.LORI JONES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHEELING YWCA
So I’m very excited for the combining and collaboration between the Wheeling Chamber and the YWCA. It seemed like we’re both striving for the same goals, same purpose, same passion behind it. So why not make it bigger and better than it was before.BROOKE ANDERSON, WHEELING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
To be partnered with the YWCA is a great thing. To honor women’s leadership and work with a very strong women’s organization within the valley, that’s exciting.MIKE HOWARD, WHEELING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
This year’s Athena Award will be presented June 6th at the Wheeling Park White Palace. If you want to nominate an exemplary woman in your life, log on to the Wheeling Chamber website.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Vance Memorial Church hosted a walk-through simulation where everyday people experience the life of someone who is a part of the system.
Rethink Crimes Victims is an immersive learning activity put on by the Young Women’s Christian Association for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Challenges and barriers that reflected real-life struggles were used to educate participants on the different aspects of poverty, domestic violence, crime, and recovery.
“This is your story; do you choose option A or option B? Then you are redirected to another location, another station. So, everything here is representative of all community relevant programs that individuals who have experienced hate crimes would have to encounter in order to be considered successful when they come back into their community.”LAURA ALBERTINI-WEIGEL, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AT THE YWCA
Laura Albertini-Weigel says that everybody has their challenges, but by building awareness, we can learn more and help lower the barriers people in the system face when re-entering society.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — One local organization that is working very hard to bring awareness to human trafficking in the Ohio Valley made two special donations on Friday.
The Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center and the YWCA of Wheeling both received $7,000 on Friday thanks to Ignite Hope, who is looking to put an end to human trafficking in our region.
Human trafficking is becoming more common in the Ohio Valley each day, but fortunately for victims, there are organizations looking to change that.
Ignite Hope recently held a fundraiser to bring awareness to human trafficking and to discuss ways to prevent it. Their goal at the fundraiser was to raise a significant amount of money for two other organizations that are doing everything they can to provide resources for victims.
”Ignite Hope is doing a really great job at creating that awareness, and I think that we need to continue rolling that ball down the hill so that we together can fight against trafficking within our communities.”ASHLEY CARPENTER – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UPPER OHIO VALLEY SEXUAL ASSAULT HELP CENTER
The Director of Operations for the YWCA of Wheeling, Heather Lapp, says partnerships with organizations with similar goals are important to help teach people about human trafficking.
”The work that we do, if we don’t have that collaboration between other groups, it just helps us build awareness and really stretches our reach out throughout the community.”HEATHER LAPP – DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, YWCA WHEELING
Although the region is dealing with this horrific crime, there are plenty of people in the community who are taking a stand to help those who have been affected.
”Upper Ohio Valley is like one of the most wonderful communities. They come together no matter what and they support, you know, victims service like people, individuals within the community and organizations. You can’t ask for a better community.”ASHLEY CARPENTER – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UPPER OHIO VALLEY SEXUAL ASSAULT HELP CENTER
The fight to put an end to human trafficking is not over, but Lapp says that they are moving in the right direction.
”Seeing all the different people that are actually starting to understand what human trafficking is and that it’s here in our valley and the work that we do. It’s just a wonderful experience to watch women restart their lives.”HEATHER LAPP – DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, YWCA WHEELING
Both organizations that received the $7,000 say they will use the money to continue providing various resources to victims of human trafficking. Some of those resources include the YWCA’s Emergency Shelter for victims to escape from a trafficker, as well as self-defense classes provided by the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Center.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The YWCA of Wheeling is offering students and faculty from local high schools to participate in a 4-day trip to Atlanta to tour four different Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
For no cost, students and faculty from local high schools are invited to join the YWCA of Wheeling to explore what Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Atlanta have to offer.
The trip is free for anyone to attend thanks to funding from the The Hess Foundation, Ohio County Schools, and the Communities of Color grant awarded through the Benedum Foundation.
The main purpose of the trip is to show students that there are endless opportunities regardless of ethnicity, race, or social background to pursue outside of the Ohio Valley.
The Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director for the YWCA says the trip will be one that will provide a new perspective for anyone who attends.
”We set up full school visits, like they’re going to take us through tours, we’re going to see classrooms, dorms, we’re going to see the whole experience. That’s why I think the whole four days of it is going to be really nice. We’re going to try to fill it with as much information as we can and as much experiences as we can. It’s one of the more inclusive events that we have cause we want to invite everyone to see what these HBCU’s have to offer.”RON SCOTT JR. – CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR, YWCA WHEELING
There are 30 spots for students and 20 spots for faculty on the trip. The trip will be from March 25 to March 28.
Wheeling, WV – December 15, 2023 – American Electric Power, in collaboration with the AEP Foundation, has announced a generous donation of $10,000 to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign. The contribution aims to assist the YWCA Wheeling in crucial facility upgrades to accommodate the growing demands of their programs, which have experienced significant expansion over the past decade.
The YWCA Wheeling has seen remarkable growth in its programs, placing strain on existing infrastructure. With the passing years, vital systems such as the 1969 elevator faced challenges due to unavailable parts, and the electrical and plumbing systems have been in need of significant upgrades. The absence of air conditioning and the deterioration of terra cotta pieces near the roof have further added to the facility’s challenges.
Despite these obstacles, the YWCA Wheeling’s Board made the commendable decision to remain in the building, recognizing the indispensable role it plays in supporting women as they embark on new beginnings. The proximity to essential city amenities and the local bus system underscores the building’s importance in facilitating the success of those restarting their lives.
Erikka Storch, External Affairs Manager at AEP, expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing the human needs of the communities they serve. “American Electric Power believes in the mission of the YWCA and recognizes the pivotal role it plays in empowering and supporting women in our community. We are proud to contribute to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign, knowing that these facility upgrades will enhance their ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.”
The donation from the AEP Foundation highlights their dedication to supporting local organizations that make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. This contribution to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign is a testament to their commitment to social responsibility and meeting people where they are.
Wheeling, WV – December 4, 2023– The YWCA Wheeling is thrilled to announce that the local group, Circus Saints and Sinners, selected the YWCA as the beneficiary of their annual Reverse Raffle event, which took place in November. This incredible partnership has resulted in a substantial contribution of $22,000 to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign, earmarked for the essential renovations of our century-old historic building.
The chairman of the Circus Saints and Sinners event, Robert Felton, expressed sincere gratitude for the overwhelming success of the Reverse Raffle and the community’s support. “The Saints and Sinners were grateful to host the Reverse Raffle to benefit YWCA Wheeling. The main reason that this was one of our more successful events is because the sponsors and everyone involved with the event understood that the funds were going to an amazing cause. It’s gratifying to give back to an organization that has been devoted to helping those in need in our community for so long,” said Felton.
In response to this generous contribution, the Executive Director of YWCA Wheeling, Lori Jones, expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Circus Saints and Sinners for their extraordinary commitment to our cause. Their generous donation will significantly impact our ongoing efforts to renovate our historic building, allowing us to provide an even safer and more supportive environment for those seeking refuge from domestic violence. This partnership exemplifies the strength of our community when we come together to support a common goal.”
The YWCA Wheeling, a pillar of support in the community, has been serving the needs of individuals facing domestic violence for many decades. The generous donation from Circus Saints and Sinners will play a crucial role in the YWCA Capital Campaign, specifically directed towards the renovation of our historic building. These renovations are pivotal in ensuring that the YWCA continues to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to victims and survivors.
The annual Reverse Raffle event organized by Circus Saints and Sinners not only showcased the community’s spirit of generosity but also highlighted the collective commitment to creating positive change. The YWCA Wheeling extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, recognizing the profound impact this contribution will have on the organization’s ability to enhance its facilities and better serve the community.
About YWCA Wheeling
The YWCA Wheeling has been a steadfast advocate for women and a beacon of support for those affected by domestic violence in the community. Committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA provides shelter, resources, and assistance to individuals and families in crisis, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
About Circus Saints and Sinners
Circus Saints and Sinners is a local group dedicated to organizing events that bring the community together for charitable causes. Through their creative and engaging initiatives, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Each year nearly 10 million women and men in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner.
To help call attention to this on-going crisis, the Wheeling YWCA held a domestic violence awareness walk Thursday.
Dozens of people took part.
The walk started at the YWCA building and continued to Heritage Port. That’s where a brief ceremony was held to honor domestic violence awareness month.
Members of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Wheeling also took part.
“Intimate partner violence happens in all of our communities and a lot of our children are impacted by this so it’s extremely important for our community to have that awareness, so they know what resources exist, the programs that are offered to provide assistance to help their loved ones get help.”LAURA ALBERTINI WEIGEL, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, WHEELING YWCA
“We are very lucky in the Ohio Valley and especially in Ohio County because we have the YWCA located in Wheeling. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office will always work with them and continue to try to make sure they make a safe environment for everybody.”OHIO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM HOWARD
CHARLESTON – The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission, in collaboration with the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA), invites West Virginia students to create original poster, art, music, film, or essay submissions to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Essay, music and film contests
The 2024 Project on Racism is presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission and the YWCA Wheeling. The contest accepts entries for essays, music, and 5-minute films.
Any student from grades 1-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home school in West Virginia may enter. Students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/Test Assessing Secondary Completion program also qualify to compete.
The 2024 Project on Racism Contest will be based on the following quote from Dr. King: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Entries may be submitted by U.S. Postal Service, fax, email, or hand delivery. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed contact information form and the original work. All entries in this category must be received before midnight Nov. 13.
Winners will be announced before the end of December and will be invited to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission Awards Luncheon on Jan. 14, 2024.
Poster contest
The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission and the Beta Beta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, present the 40th annual poster competition.
West Virginia students from grades K-12 may enter the poster contest. The art must focus on the following quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Posters must incorporate the quote. Although the artwork must be original, teachers are encouraged to assist students to develop original slogans or captions used in the poster.
The entry may be in any format. The piece can be created with pencil, crayon, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, serigraph woodblock, photography, or mixed media. The artist must explain the style and the selected media on the entry form, which must be taped to the back of the artwork. Entries without this information will be disqualified.
Submissions in this category must be postmarked on or before Thursday, Dec. 1. Judging begins Dec. 2. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Great Hall of the West Virginia State Culture Center from January 2024 to February 2024. The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission will also create a 2024 calendar using the winning entries from the poster contest and winners will be invited to participate in the Jan. 13, 2024 Awards Luncheon.
MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. (WTRF) — It was purple bows and soft light outside the Marshall County Courthouse Thursday night, to remind everyone of a silent and tragic form of abuse.
The YWCA held a candlelight vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month during October.
The crowd listened as outreach advocates and local officials spoke on the challenge to bring dignity and basic rights to victims.
A survivor also spoke on how it takes a woman an average of seven times to leave an abusive situation.
Thankfully, the YWCA and law enforcement are well prepared to help begin the healing journey.
“When they first come to me, I see somebody who is lost and confused and scared, and so I’m there to help pick them up and show them that they don’t have to go through any of this alone.”ASHLEY TAYLOR, YWCA OUTREACH ADVOCATE, MARSHALL COUNTY
“The biggest thing just like always, if you see something report it to law enforcement. You can call our office anonymously. If you need to call and report something, believe me, we don’t say who calls. We just respond to the call.”SHERIFF BILL HELMS, MARSHALL COUNTY
That number to call for help at the YWCA is 304-232-2748—where you can join a support group and find a safe harbor 24 hours a day.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Sometimes the most challenging thing about catching and prosecuting criminals is having the personnel power to devote to the cases.
So the Wheeling YWCA is pleased to be able to help with that.
The Y-W is the fiscal agent for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
And they have again received a Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant from the Department of Justice.
“The northern district of West Virginia encompasses also the northern panhandle and the eastern panhandle was awarded $86,000. This is for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to focus on gang and gun crime activity as well as education and prevention of gun and gang activity.”HEATHER LAPP – CHIEF STRATEGIST OFFICER, WHEELING YWCA
They say the grant will help fund collaborative efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, state and local law enforcement, and state and community partners.
They say in past years, the funding has been used to create crimestoppers projects.
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The glow coming from the J.B. Chambers Memorial Recreation Park Saturday night wasn’t just from the stadium lights—it was from families celebrating the victory of overcoming addiction.
To commemorate National Recovery Month, the YWCA hosted a run and activity day for parents and children along with several of West Virginia’s other outreach programs.
Face painting, glow sticks and nighttime cornhole were all there for the kids, as the adults heard one another’s stories on how they found the strength to push through.
The organization says while it’s rarely a straight path to recovery, the struggle is always worth the success.
That’s the difference between addiction and independence for the women in the YWCA’s WIND program.
And now they now have $141,000 more to make that journey happen.
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They are one of the recipients of Governor Jim Justice’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative Treatment Supervision Grants.
It will support WIND’s mission of reintegrating patients into the community, through mental health treatment, life skills and community service.
Despite their extensive work, their program director says there’s always more that they can provide.
“We see spikes, we see lows, but it’s typically a steady flow from the courts into the different programs that are local. We still don’t have enough programs. We still don’t have enough services. So there’s still a gap that we get creative trying to meet those needs.”LAURA ALBERTINI-WEIGEL, WIND PROGRAM DIRECTOR, WHEELING YWCA
While the YWCA’s headquarters are in Wheeling, the therapy home is in Marshall County, which can house six women and provide for all their physical needs.
As for what the grant money itself will go toward, it will cover staffing for the home, along with transportation to get to and from therapy meetings.
That’s until each of its occupants are ready to complete the final step in overcoming addiction…stepping out and finding their own place where they can flourish on their own.
WHEELING, W.Va. — The YWCA’s mission is to help women, and that effort continues in Wheeling, where a new scholarship aimed at educational opportunities for those who need them most was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Not everyone’s pathway is the same, so The Hartford SMART529 Scholarship is set to provide the chance of higher education to women in the Wheeling YWCA program.
“That would help them go to school, whether it be a 4-year school, a 2-year school, a certification of some sort, a trade school, whatever hopes they have, whatever goals they want to meet,” said Liz Handzus, director of marketing and development, Wheeling YWCA.
The scholarship could also be associated with other costly items, like books, necessary attire, laptops, and more to aid their journey to self-sufficiency.
There is an application process.
“They have to get a staff recommendation letter,” Handzus said. “They will also have a formal interview with the advisory council.”
The YWCA helps to empower women who have been victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, who are in recovery, and been blocked by other barriers to life. It serves the entire Northern Panhandle.
“Women here at the YWCA don’t receive the same type of opportunity that other women do, so this is a good opportunity for them to jump over those barriers that they are so often represented with,” Handzus said.
To help make this opportunity possible, the YWCA is asking for your help. Funds would be made out to The Hartford SMART529 Scholarship program.
“I think a lot of people are passionate about higher education because it is a pathway toward self-sufficiency,” Handzus said.
WHEELING — Local leaders gathered Friday for the inaugural Ohio Valley ATHENA Award ceremony presented by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing excellence among women in leadership roles that have made a profound impact on the community. And Lori Jones, executive director of YWCA Wheeling, earned the honor of being the first winner.
Friday’s luncheon was the culmination of efforts by Chamber officials to bring the ATHENA Awards to the Ohio Valley. ATHENA International is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to building a global pipeline of women leaders from the classroom to the boardroom who will create a balance in voices of leadership worldwide.”
A selection committee chose five leadership award finalists for this year’s local event. Finalists included Jones; Alicia Jordan, marketing director at Belmont Savings Bank; Amanda Stoltz-Moore, owner and operator of McDonald’s locations in the Ohio Valley; Joelle Moray, owner of Joelle Moray Coaching; and Beth Whitehouse, senior director of strategic planning for the Wheeling Park Commission.
At the end of the event, each of the finalists were recognized for their tremendous contributions to the community, and the winner of the inaugural awards ceremony was named. This year’s award went to Jones, who applauded not only her fellow nominees but also the scores of other women in the room who helped blaze trails and provide inspiration for future leaders.
“I think every woman needs to be applauded every day of the year because of the work that we do – whether it’s at home or at work,” Jones said. “I’m going to continue to be that cheerleader because it’s kind of who I am. Thank you Chamber of Commerce, and thank you Ohio Valley for recognizing and noticing us. Women need all of the support that they can get.”
Jones — who was brimming with emotions upon accepting the award — had noted that she is most proud when a woman who comes to the YWCA feeling defeated walks out with her head held high, with a job and with a bright future ahead of her.
“Supporting women in their personal and professional advancement is what we do at the YWCA,” she said. “It’s what I do. It’s who I am.”
Chamber officials scrambled to make a last-minute change of venue on Friday after the power went out at the newly renovated White Palace at Wheeling Park, where the event had been scheduled to take place. Organizers jumped into action and were able to move the event to the Pine Room at Oglebay.
Aside from the finalists’ recognition and award presentation, another highlight Friday was keynote speaker Beri Fox, Marble King CEO. An outspoken advocate for U.S. manufacturing, Fox has guided the internationally recognized, locally based company through challenging times only to emerge as a global leader in the industry.
“One thing is certain in life, and that’s change,” Fox said, noting the shift in consumer’s use of glass marbles since the company was founded in 1949. “Even if you don’t change or don’t want to change, the world will change, and you have to change with it.”
Marble King manufactures more than 1 million marbles each day for various uses, and the company’s products are sold internationally in more than 20 countries. The company was able to take risks and broaden its market for different uses, and while dozens of others folded over the decades, Marble King is now the only domestic marble manufacturer left in the U.S.
Fox encouraged people to have faith in themselves, even when they may think they can’t do it. The mantra is a proven one that can break down barriers – often ones that are self-imposed, and it is especially true for strong women … and for natives of West Virginia, Fox noted.
She shared her stories of self-doubt when entering uncharted waters – being asked to be interviewed on nationally televised programs such as “The Colbert Report” and “The Martha Stewart Show,” which were initially unnerving situations that ended up kicking new doors open to new opportunities for herself and new levels of success for her company – from working with NASA to being featured in the Made in America Product Showcase at The White House.
“I want to encourage each and every one of you to believe in yourselves, to take chances to do things that you don’t think you can do,” she said. “Stand tall and strong for yourselves, and for West Virginia as a whole.”
WHEELING, W.Va – May 25, 2023 – The YWCA Wheeling is excited to announce the investment of the New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits that will enable the YWCA to revitalize and expand the century old building on Chapline Street. This deal is in partnership with National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), US Bank, and financed by Belmont Savings Bank.
Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has been the champion of “eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all”. For over a century, the YWCA has adapted and transformed to add new and crucial programming that would meet the needs of the community, but a century of wear and tear on the historic building now requires essential repairs and upgrades to ensure the YWCA can continue operating in the same building for another hundred years.
“This building is steeped in over a century of helping to meet women, families and men where they are. Over the years we have grown and morphed to meet the changing needs of the community and in order to continue this hard work, we need to make changes to our historic Chapline Street location,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling.
Belmont Savings Bank has helped finance this deal for a total development cost of $16.8 million including a financing cost of $10 million New Market Tax Credits, $2.7 million Historic Tax Credits, and $3.4 million State Historic Tax Credits through the facilitation of NTCIC.
“We are thrilled to help with a project that makes a difference in the Ohio Valley,” stated Mike Taylor, Executive Vice President Commercial Lending. “Partnering for upgrades to the building, infrastructure and security will allow the YWCA to continue and increase the powerful and necessary services that provide critical needs of women and children in our community.”
The renovation of the century old YWCA Wheeling building will be upgraded to enhance the quality of life for employees, residents and community members and support an additional 1,200 women and families each year. Necessary renovations will include expanded and enhanced programming and housing spaces, which will provide space for up to 55 women and families, new HVAC system, which is a first for the building, upgraded plumbing and electrical, a new elevator and other renovations that will ensure the YWCA can continue serving the community and sustain their mission. ‘
These critical renovations of the YWCA facility will preserve a piece of Wheeling’s history and ensure the continued functionality of a resource that provides life-saving services to women, children and men in the Northern Panhandle.
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Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Brooke and Hancock counties in WV and Belmont and Jefferson counties in OH.
Belmont Savings Bank has been helping local residents with their financial needs since 1885. With offices in Barnesville, Bellaire, Powhatan Point and St. Clairsville, Belmont Savings Bank offers checking accounts, loans, online banking, mobile banking and more for your business and personal goals. Visit www.belmont-savings.com for more information.
WHEELING — A weekend of Juneteenth celebrations culminated on Monday night with food, music, and commemoration throughout Market Plaza.
Ron Scott Jr., Juneteenth Committee chair and master of ceremonies, opened the celebration at the north end of the plaza, a poignant location as it was once the site of a slave auction block. At the podium, Scott told the assembled crowd that he was thankful to hold the celebration for the fourth year in a row, especially when the holiday can encounter some “resistance.”
Diana Bell of the Wheeling Griot Society shared the importance of keeping stories alive, not only of African American history. She noted all groups should strive to preserve and share their past.
“Storytelling is an important part of preserving the history we have,” explained Bell. “Every family has it, not just African American families but Italian, Jewish, Korean and Chinese. Every family has stories they can tell, and preserving the story is what is important.”
Other speakers at the event shared their unique perspectives regarding their connection to the history of slavery and racism in and beyond Wheeling.
Darryl Clausell, president of the West Virginia and Wheeling NAACP, called on those in the audience to imagine the slave block once erected where he stood for his speech.
Unique Robinson-Murphy, communities in schools site coordinator for Wheeling Park High School, shared her pride in being a mentor for Black children in local schools, something she didn’t have as a child.
Mayor Glenn Elliott contrasted his own ancestors’ freedom of choice in building their future with the experience of enslaved peoples.
The Rev. Twila Davis of Macedonia Baptist Church then conducted the libation ceremony. Afterward, she led the crowd in a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson.
After the opening ceremony, festivities moved to the south end of the plaza, with performances by Voices of Praise of Macedonia Baptist Church and Soul Pantry, a funk/soul band. While listening to music, festival-goers enjoyed food from local vendors, including SouthPaw Eatz, Euphoric Donuts and SweetZekes Coffee.
Organizations such as the Wheeling Griot Society and Partners of African American Churches (PAAC) also had tents at the festival to educate and share the importance of the holiday.
Many local Black-owned businesses, such as Dee’s Hair & Beauty Supplies, sold clothes and other goods at the event. Amari Poole, an employee of Dee’s Hair & Beauty Supplies, was pleased with the exposure they gained at the event.
The 21-year-old also shared her excitement at having a Juneteenth celebration in the city she grew up in.
“When I was younger, we normally didn’t have a lot of events like this, especially here on the plaza,” she said.
Wheeling native Kenny Shuman, 52, also expressed that as a kid “it used to be nothing but the Italian Festival going on in Wheeling.”
“To have something like this is an improvement. It’s about time,” Shuman added.
The sentiment “It’s about time” was echoed by other attendees, as both young and old emphasized the need for the Juneteenth celebration in the city to continue.
“It’s important to have a Juneteenth celebration because what happens in little towns like ours reflects the overall country,” said Scott. “If they’re doing it in New York, L.A., and Detroit, we definitely should be doing it in Wheeling.”
Robinson-Murphy explained that not only the Black community in Wheeling but anyone who “supports and encourages events like this and uplifting Black voices” should attend and support Juneteenth celebrations.
“I have younger cousins and a daughter who will hopefully experience this plus more, more than what I had,” said Robinson-Murphy.
“It feels good to witness the event grow so much in the past four years,” added Scott. “It’s gone from looking online and seeing comments of ‘made-up holiday’ to now people asking ‘what are you doing for Juneteenth this year?’”
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — A very special event is returning to Wheeling.
The fourth annual Mini-Con hosted by The Wheeling YWCA is Saturday, June 24 from 12 to 5 p.m.
The event is a smaller version of what you might see at a regular comic book convention.
The event will include several comic book vendors, local artists, cosplayers, retro video games and toys, and much more. Also included will be a demonstration by the Lightsaber Academy from Parkersburg, a costume contest, as well as various raffles and prizes to be won.
The event is one that helps bring the community together and enjoy a different form of entertainment.
”I think events like this are perfect for a community. Because if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times a community is nothing but similar people with different interests but like minded all together. Like we are all made up of so many different types of people, but there are some events that bring us all together as a community.”RON SCOTT JR. – CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR FOR YWCA WHEELING
This will be the first year that the event will not be held at the YWCA center. Instead it will be held at Vance Memorial Church on National Road in Wheeling.
WHEELING, W.Va. – May 10, 2023 – Each year, the YWCA Wheeling holds the Ohio Valley African American Student Association Banquet where nominated students receive scholarships from partnering businesses, schools and individuals to help them further their education and secure a future career path. This year, 37 students will receive a minimum of a $200 scholarship.
The YWCA Wheeling received 89 nominations from Ohio Valley schools including; Olney Friends School, Wheeling Park High School, The Linsly School, John Marshall High School, Bridgeport High School, St. Clairsville High School, Martins Ferry High School, Weirton High School, Wheeling Central High School, and Bellaire High School.
The Ohio Valley’s top African American High School seniors are being invited to receive these awards. Submission by their guidance counselors and evaluations by the committee aids the YWCA in deciding who will be honored each year. This year the banquet will be held on May 11th.
“This is the 14th year we will be holding the OVAASA Banquet to hand out scholarships and really just honor the students for their achievements over the years. The students deserve this time of recognition and each year it’s an awesome feeling to see past scholarship winners attend the banquet or want to get involved on a different level because of the impact it had on them,” said Ron Scott. Jr., Cultural Diversity & Community Outreach Director at the YWCA Wheeling and founder of OVAASA.
Community members and businesses have partnered and donated to the YWCA Wheeling to designate a gift towards students going into a certain profession.
The YWCA Wheeling is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community. The organization offers programming for family violence prevention, cultural diversity and community outreach, residence and emergency homeless sheltering, human trafficking victims and non-treatment recovery. YWCA Wheeling is an active member agency of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. For comprehensive information, visit www.ywcawheeling.org.
WHEELING, W.Va – April 14, 2023 – The YWCA Wheelingis commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 23–29, 2023 by displaying mannequins that have been commissioned by West Liberty University Art Department students which portray thought-provoking pieces related to domestic violence, substance use disorder, hate crimes and human trafficking.
According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes, the latest year for which such information is available.
“It is crucial in our line of work to be able to hear and believe the victims we are charged with helping,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling. “It is so important that the victim know they have a safe space to tell their story and know they are being believed. It’s important for their healing and to have support at every step of the criminal justice process and beyond.”
West Liberty University art students were eager to be a part of a project that would bring awareness and foster conversation around topics that are often hushed.
West Liberty University Creative Arts Therapy Instructor, Terri Giller is especially proud to be a part of this awareness project. “As an art therapist, who has worked with individuals that have experienced or who were recovering from crimes such as domestic violence, substance use disorders, human trafficking, and hate crimes, I am so grateful for this opportunity for WLU Studio Art and Creative Arts Therapy majors to participate in this project. Art has the ability to help the public understand the impact of violent crimes and the victims of crime as more than just a statistic. The visual representations can allow the viewer to see the impact of crime on victims in a whole new way or gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of others.”
The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”
Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.
During NCVRW 2023, YWCA Wheeling will share information about victims’ rights and resources and underscore the importance of listening to survivors’ voices in every space where decisions are made that could impact them by displaying these pieces of art that invoke a sense of empathy towards the victims path.
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims, please contact the YWCA Wheeling at 304-232-0511 or visit our website at www.ywcawheeling.org
For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.
Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.
WHEELING, W.Va. – January 11, 2023 – Expanding upon its 117-year history of eliminating racism and empowering women in the Ohio Valley, the YWCA Wheeling has secured over $9 million in their first ever Capital Campaign, with a goal of $11 million to make necessary structural repairs and upgrades to the historic building that sits on Chapline Street, meet programming needs and allow for expansion to meet the needs of the Ohio Valley. The Building Hope, Reclaiming Lives campaign hopes to raise the remaining $1.8 million to support the necessary renovations.
The “Building Hope and Reclaiming Lives” campaign began a quiet phase in 2020 and has been able to meet a significant amount of the goal through some donors and grants. The money secured from the campaign will renovate needed areas within the YWCA walls including upgrades to the elevator, increase the amount of rooms for residents, central heating and cooling, among other critical changes. The cost of the many renovations originally started at $5 million and steadily rose due to the increase of costs and needed repairs, putting the total at $11 million.
Due to the wear and tear of the building over the last 100 years coupled with the consistent growth over the years of families and individuals in need, the YWCA is in need of these renovations now more than ever before.
“Successful campaigns bring focus and unity to a shared vision,” said Executive Director, Lori Jones. “This shared vision of eliminating racism and empowering women will move the YWCA forward as we continue this critical work that our community needs, and ultimately help more people as we pivot and adapt to the complexities we face and the issues facing those we serve.”
The campaign is structed so that community members can contribute to specific target areas of their choice through naming and recognition opportunities. “The generosity of our community continues to amaze me,” added Jones. “The YWCA Wheeling relies on the kindness of individual donors, grants and foundations in order to carry out our mission, and this campaign is no exception. What will be your share?”
WHEELING, West Virginia – May 9, 2023 – The YWCA Wheeling was awarded the Purple Ribbon Awards through DomesticShelters.org in two categories; Outstanding Thrift Shop for the Y-Not-Repeat Boutique and Outstanding New Service Launch for the YWeCook Program debuting last summer. The YWCA Wheeling also nominated The Health Plan for Business Partner of the Year and they placed in that category as well.
The Purple Ribbon Awards are comprised of 34 categories and judged by a national panel of respected professionals from the domestic violence field. This is the first comprehensive awards program honouring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement. Nominations come from all across the United States and Canada.
“We are very honoured to receive this recognition,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling. “The YWCA Wheeling is in an era of change and we are striving always to be the best we can for the people we serve. Our staff and the community partnerships such as The Health Plan, is the reason we can continue this hard work that we do.”
The Health Plan has been a strong community partner with the YWCA Wheeling for several years and continues to be involved in whatever way they can.
“The Health Plan team is honored to receive the YWCA Wheeling’s Business Partner of the Year award,” said Jeff Knight, president and CEO of The Health Plan. “We are inspired by YWCA Wheeling’s mission and their impact in our communities, and we are committed to working together to drive even greater change. We remain dedicated to our shared goal of bettering the health, wellness and lives of those we serve.”
Purple Ribbon Award winners are also eligible to receive grant funding through DomesticShelters.org. The YWCA Wheeling will be a part of a virtual celebration on May 18th to share grant winner stories and celebrate the work being done to help victims and survivors of abuse.
WHEELING, West Virginia – April 4, 2023 – MPLX, the largest midstream gas processor in the Northeast, donated concert tickets to the clients and staff of the YWCA Wheeling to see Casting Crowns as they stop in Wheeling on their “The Healer Tour”.
YWCA Wheeling is sincerely honoured to receive these tickets that are available to the residents and staff who might have not been able to attend this uplifting concert otherwise.
Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling was very grateful for the thoughtfulness of MPLX. “We are extremely grateful to be the recipient of such generosity. Residents and clients seeking services and sanctuary from the YWCA Wheeling may not always have the ability or opportunity to attend an event like this, so we thank MPLX for their thoughtfulness.”
The Casting Crowns concert is taking place at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, April 6 beginning at 7:00Pm.
MPLX is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets, and provides fuels distribution services. MPLX’s assets include a network of crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland marine business; light-product terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, docks, loading racks, and associated piping; and crude and light-product marine terminals. The company also owns crude oil and natural gas gathering systems and pipelines as well as natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) processing and fractionation facilities in key U.S. supply basins.
Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.
There’s a new one-of-a-kind experience now open in the Ohio Valley that will transport you to other cultures.
While you learn about history, you’ll also be solving a mystery.
“The Last Queen of Hawaii” escape room is now open in Wheeling.
It’s the first in a series of Culturally Specific Escape Rooms created by the YWCA Wheeling.
Ron Scott Jr., the Director of Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach at the YWCA Wheeling, said he was inspired to think of a new way to get his message across.
No matter how cool the power point might be, that isn’t how they learn or how they’ll get it. So we thought if we can come up with something that’s more hands-on or immersive that I think there’d be a whole group of folks we could link in. So, we decided to put the message into something like an escape room.RON SCOTT JR., DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH, YWCA WHEELING
This first room is dedicated to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.
The YWCA Wheeling partnered with the company Glass Eye Worx to make it happen.
“It “The Last Queen of Hawaii” immerses participants in a specific scenario, giving them a hands-on way to learn about different cultures that exist in our communities.
Scott said participants don’t even realize they are learning because they’re having so much fun solving the room’s puzzles.
There’s still a lot of that history that is very personal and very emotional to the people from Hawaii. Events like this you really get a chance to examine that and talk to folks about it. Not one group has gone through yet that didn’t’ still have questions when they were done.RON SCOTT JR., DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH, YWCA WHEELING
The Last Queen of Hawaii Escape room is now open inside the former book store at West Virginia Northern Community College at 1704 Market Street in Wheeling.
It will be there until April 30 before being transformed into a new culture.
Groups of three to six people are ideal for the room size and puzzles.
The escape room is $10 per person and $5 per student under 12. A portion of the proceeds go back to the YWCA Wheeling to support its mission and programs.
If you’d like to sign-up for a time slot follow the QR code attached to the flyer.
