News

Students from throughout the PACF service area developed their leadership skills over the past year through participation in the Super Teens Achieving Regional Success (STARS) program, led by the Adolescent Health Initiative, Region V, based at Westbrook Health Services. STARS promotes youth development in sixth through twelfth grade students.

A $7,000 PACF grant supported STARS CAN, a local workshop that introduces leadership themes and helps teens plan service projects, and Developing STAR Leaders, a regional leadership event held annually at West Virginia University at Parkersburg that features a variety of hands-on workshops.

Amy CottrelI, Calhoun County Middle School counselor and STARS Advisor, shared how her school's STARS Team benefited from participation: “I have watched our STAR students grow in confidence, leadership, and integrity as a result of attending these events. They in turn reach out to help their peers and fellow students with things like support, education, and resources. They show the compassion and confidence to really make an impact on others. They also have become avid volunteers and seem to enjoy altruistic work that can benefit the lives and environment of their fellow community members.”

The Washington Bottom Community Building has a new floor and new lighting, thanks, in part, to a $4,500 PACF grant. The Community Building serves as a focal point for the area and is the meeting place for the local Lions Club.

"Thanks to generous support of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the McDonough Foundation, and volunteer help, we were able to complete the originally proposed work - and more!" said Sam Tanner, with the Community Building.

A local Boy Scout took on the flooring project and painted the kitchen as an Eagle Scout project.

"Since an Eagle Scout project involves the whole troop, all of the Scouts learned that hard work pays off in the job well done," said Tanner.

With the help of a retired electrician and State Electric, the organization also was able to rewire all the lights in the front of the building and add new kitchen lighting. Rentals of the building have increased since the improvements have been made.

Ted McPherson, one of the charter members of the Lions Club, said, "the building looks the best it has in years."