Mr. Apgar makes a return!

John Apgar is again working with some youth from the Gustke Shelter in the role of a homebound instructor. We were very excited to have Mr. Apgar, once again, "working his magic" with some students who have very challenging situations and educational needs. This homebound teacher role is temporary, and individualized to the student's situation, but John has such a talent and way with helping youth in whatever way is valuable, to have a meaningful and impacting presence. This all came up very quickly this week, but already one can see the powerful impact he has on youth.

continued support of the McDonough Foundation

We received notification this week that the McDonough Foundation, here in Parkersburg, is supporting our neighborhood work with another significant grant. This will solidify our VISTA project, our First Book campaign, and the Mid Town Family Resource Center's overall mission. Lisa sent some pictures of activities of the Mid Town FRC to Bob Stephens at the McDonough Foundation, and he was pleased to see the impact their support gives.

Two of our early childhood staff venture off to North Carolina

Beverly and Roberta head out this weekend for a week of training on the Parents As Teachers model of home visiting. Their interest and commitment to adding this exciting program component to our site's early childhood mix is exciting to us. They will become trained in the PAT model, and thus be able to incorporate it into their work in the community with young families to strengthen those families, alleviate risk factors for abuse and neglect, and assist with positive, healthy starts for the children.

Big Thank You to our friends at Parkersburg Bike Shop

Long time agency friends, Ashlie and Jonny Nutter, work at Parkersburg Bike Shop. They are in the process of providing some donated bikes to the agency, and our various youth programs, that come in as trade-ins, or are bikes that Jonny (the repair mechanic!) puts some loving care into. Already he has brought several bikes over, and one has gone out with a youth in the TLP program, as a very appreciated and critical mode of transportation! These great loyal supporters of CHS-Parkersburg are truly appreciated, and a good example of our deep community engagement.

welcome to Aaron Whited

We welcome Aaron Whited as a new clerk in the Right From the Start Lead Agency program at our CHS-Parkersburg site. Aaron is "learning the ropes" from Brooke, and getting to know all the staff and programs at the site. We hope everyone will make him feel welcome and part of all the exciting things that go on at CHS-Parkersburg. Aaron has been a frequent contributor to our Americana Music Tribute Series with his excellent musical performance skills!!!

Winner of the NEW Chili category at this year's Cajun Cookoff and Hank Williams Tribute

Terry Beardsley is the proud winner of the chili category!!!

we have a winner : at the Cajun cookoff!!!!

Joe Peyton walked away with the prize for the best Cajun dish for the third year in a row.