Be the change you wish to see!

 

Big Creek People In Action, Inc. was founded in 1990 by citizens of McDowell County, West Virginia. Since that time, this nonprofit organization has been serving the community of McDowell County in the realms of education and literacy, leadership development, volunteer service, service learning, arts and culture, housing, recreation, and collaborative partnerships. BCPIA's vision of McDowell County is one of empowered and self-sufficient people living in communities that are economically vibrant, democratic, and socially just. To learn more about the history of Big Creek People in Action,  please Click Here!

 

 

 

Current News:

Country Sensation "Taylor Made" to headline 17th Annual Mountain Music Festival Scheduled June 6th
 
Big Creek People In Action will be sponsoring their 17th Annual Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 4:30 pm until 12:00 am at the Caretta Community Center in Caretta, McDowell County, WV. The theme for the festival this year is "Country Time In Caretta." As this has been our custom, admission to the festival is free so people can bring their whole family to enjoy a day filled with singing, dancing, good food, and loads of fun. Local and out of state residents really look forward to this festival, which has been a tradition for the past seventeen years. It just keeps getting bigger and better. We expect a huge turnout this year because our performers are sure to please everyone. We are excited to have Taylor Made, a country music band whose song "Heavy Duty Beauty" is on the top ten country charts.
Hosting the Mountain Music Festival is a highlight of our year. In addition to the great music that you’ll hear, concessions will be sold in the gymnasium and will include good ole’ mountain food like beans and cornbread and lots of other delicious things to eat. Other activities include drawings for door prizes throughout the evening and carnival games to be held from 4:30 to 7:00 so that kids and adults alike can try their hand at pitching, shooting, spinning, and throwing to win prizes. We believe in always getting something for your money. The games cost 25 cents to play, but everybody is always a winner. Come play our very popular Wheel O’ fortune and Plinko games to win grand prizes.
As always, some great performers will be on our outdoor stage all day entertaining the crowd with bluegrass, country, gospel, and rock. Jordan Whitt will be returning as our sound technician.
The first performance beginning at 4:30 will be local gospel music by Kay Christian and Jean Beavers. Both ladies play guitar and have beautiful voices that will touch your heart with their songs of praise. Kay is a Board of Directors member at Big Creek People In Action and has led singing at the Center’s Christmas Party and other functions. Jean is a talented gospel singer from Virginia and has been featured on several gospel CDs.
Charles Thomas from Gilbert, WV will perform at 5:00 pm. Charles has recorded CD’s showcasing his wonderful talent; he has also performed in Las Vegas. The crowd loves to hear his wonderful rendition of a variety of songs. Charles will regale us with everything from country to soft rock. He has preformed at our festival for several years and the audience looks forward to his performance each year.
Ramblin’ Grass will take the stage at 6:00 pm. Ramblin’ Grass has been playing at our festival for some time now. They also visit and perform for our college groups that stay at Big Creek People In Action throughout the year. The members of this band have been together for years and will definitely show you what true mountain music sounds like.
Joe Ford will perform at 7:30 pm. Joe has been a favorite among the crowd since he first boot-scooted across our stage. He has entertained at events in the surrounding area for many years. Now available a CD of his most requested songs.
At 8:30 pm Brock Whitt takes the stage. Brock has wowed the crowd at our music festival for many years with his fantastic voice singing those great country songs. Brock’s talent is well known in this part of the country and he has a loyal following of fans. Brock never ceases to amaze us with his vocal talent and stage presence. If you have ever seen him perform, you are probably thinking the same thing I am, "This young man could be the next Nashville star of American Idol." He is that good.
Last but not least we have Taylor Made performing from 10:00 until midnight. Taylor Made is from Taylor County WV, and recently signed a record deal with DMP record label, (Dale Morris Productions), who is responsible for such acts as Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Gretchen Wilson, and Big and Rich. They have also performed with the Charlie Daniels band.
Taylor Made’s sound is pure country. Their powerful music will electrify your senses while soothing your soul with those trademark harmonies. Siblings Brian, Wendy, and Greg have taken this unique style, which began on a back porch in Taylor County WV and crafted it into the rich country sound that is truly Taylor Made. Their song Heavy Duty Beauty is #12 on the New Music Weekly Chart and #6 on the Real Country Chart.
 
Marsha Timpson, Learning Coordinator at Big Creek People In Action has served as Master of Ceremonies of the Mountain Music Festival for several years. Marsha says, "I look forward to this event every year. We are so busy throughout the year with the daily grind of doing the work we do at BCPIA, from housing rehabilitation, to literacy projects, to leadership development, that it is sometimes difficult to just have fun with the people. Our annual Christmas Party and Mountain Music Festival are events we have for the whole community. We charge no admission for this event because we want as many people to come as possible. I also enjoy the fact that we have such an intergenerational audience. Everyone is enjoying the entertainment and mingling with each other from infants to the senior citizens."
As always, great performers will be on stage all day entertaining the crowd with bluegrass, country, and gospel music. Come and enjoy a day of great music, delicious food, and good ole’ family fun at Caretta, WV as you enjoy the amazing musical talent of our great performers. If you’d like more information, please call (304) 875-3418.

Big Creek People In Action, AmeriCorps, and VISTA will host a free "Kickoff to Summer" on Friday, July 3. Activities will include MoonBounce, Screamer Slide, Ocean Play, and Obstacle Course inflatable's, carnival games, free books for children, hot dogs and drinks, and sign ups for PBS camp. Everyone is welcome to attend and all activities and food are free for children and families. Fun for ages 3-18. For more information call Annetta at 304-875-3418.

 

 

 

 

Executive Director Position Available

 

Big Creek People in Action, Inc., (BCPIA) a non-profit community action agency located in Caretta, WV, seeks an Executive Director to serve as the chief operations, fundraising, and public relations officer for the organization. We seek applicants that are experienced in grant writing for a non-profit organization and have a proven track record of successful proposal writing.

 

BCPIA’s programs include youth and adult literacy, education, service learning, youth leadership development, volunteer services, arts and culture, and housing rehabilitation.  For more information about our organization, please visit our website at www.bigcreekpeopleinaction.org.

The person in this position must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience in nonprofit management and grant writing, knowledge and understanding of the needs and culture of the local area (southern McDowell County, West Virginia), ability to travel, and a strong commitment to the mission of BCPIA.

 

For more information, please call Dyanne Spriggs at (304) 875-3418.  To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to dyannespriggs@gmail.com, or mail to: 

 

            Dyanne Spriggs

            Big Creek People in Action, Inc.

            HC 32 Box 541

            War, WV  24892

 

Applications are being taken until April 15, 2009, but the position will remain open until filled by a qualified candidate.

 

 

Southern Highlands DayHab Participants Enjoy Easter Celebration

 

Clients from the Southern Highlands Community DayHab program in Welch enjoyed an Easter dinner and treat bags at Big Creek People in Action’s Caretta Community Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.

 

Booker Stephens is the Service Coordinator of the Community DayHab program. Under this program, Adult Day Service Instructors Druey McClaskey, Tina Brooks, Debra Payne, and Tiffany Perkins oversee their clients as they perform community service in the county and work on everyday living skills and education.

 

One client, Chester Baker, performs regular community service at Big Creek People in Action. Chester helps with upcoming projects and with clean-up of the Center.  He utilizes the computer lab to further his math and reading skills and has received tutoring from AmeriCorps members.

 

The Southern Highlands DayHab participants meet at the Caretta Community Center twice a month to work and socialize together. 

 

A Fun Day at the Spring Carnival

 

Children (and adults, too) had fun playing games and winning some really nice prizes at the annual Spring Carnival held on Saturday, April, 4 in Big Creek People In Action’s gymnasium.  128 people signed in to be eligible for door prizes. All games cost only a quarter to play, and everyone racked up some great prizes to take home.  Several people in the community made homemade candy and cakes to go along with the delicious hot dogs and nachos.

 

Staff at Big Creek People in Action would like to thank Emory and Henry College’s Bonner Program for their donation to help purchase prizes. Also a special thank you to the following people who helped with games, concessions, and cooking: Rita Dameron, Darrell Dameron, Daniel Strouth, Taylor Hagerman, Michael Muncy, Rosetta Lawson, and James Hunley (KLCC members); Miranda Mullins (Concord College Bonner Student);  Clara Perez and Rosetta Lawson (BCPIA Board members); Erin Pruitt, Medena Silva, Maria Frazier (AmeriCorps and VISTA members); and other community volunteers including Jeremy Pruitt, Rebecca Wolfe, David Spriggs, Shayera Spriggs, Shawn Spriggs, Doug Shelton, and Missy Hagerman.  

 

 

KELLOGG LEADERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE FELLOWSHIP TO HOST ARTS & LITERACY FAIR

By:  Marsha Timpson

 

     Drug abuse is affecting and destroying our community more every day.  Big Creek People in Action’s Kellogg Leadership for Community Change Fellowship have wanted to do work around the issue of drug abuse prevention for years.  The KLCC Fellowship weren’t sure where or how to start.  Our hesitation at knowing where to begin has been quite frustrating and we have decided we would just have to begin somewhere. 

     The Fellowship tossed several ideas around and came up with the idea of an Arts & Literacy Fair with the theme of “Drug Abuse in Our Community”.  We will be asking each student at Southside K-8 and Big Creek High School to participate in the Arts & Literacy Fair.

     Loyola University of Chicago will go into the schools throughout the first week of March and explain what the Fair is about and give the students some directions and criteria to follow.  We will be asking each student at Southside K-8 and Big Creek High School to do one of these projects around the issue of drug abuse:

·         Draw a picture

·         Make a poster (1/2 or a whole poster – optional)

·         Write a story

·         Interview someone on how drug abuse has affected their lives (Do NOT use names in    the interview  -- and assure the interviewees you will NOT use their names)

·         Take a photograph

·         Make a power point

·         Compose a song

·         Any art form you choose

 

     The students will have the entire month of March to work on the project and then the KLCC Fellowship will collect the finished projects.

     On April 25^th, 2009, the Kellogg Leadership for Community Change Fellowship will host the Arts & Literacy Fair at the Caretta Community Center gymnasium.  The art work, posters, interviews and stories will be hung on the gymnasium walls, and the power points will be playing for everyone to enjoy

     The Arts & Literacy Fair will be an open invitation to the community.  We want the students, parents, teachers and anyone else in the community to attend. 

     The KLCC Fellowship would like to extend the invitation to any youth in McDowell County that would like to participate.  This issue is definitely county wide, so we welcome your participation.

     The Fellowship would like to have guest speakers and presenters at the Fair, so if anyone has any recommendations for speakers or any questions about the Fair, please contact Marsha Timpson at 304-875-3418.

     The Arts & Literacy Fair will be a kick-off for community forums and workshops on drug abuse prevention and how drugs are affecting our community.

     Please be a part of the change we all want.

 

 

Barter Theatre presents "Tuck Everlasting" sponsored by Big Creek People in Action

 

A crowd of fifty-eight packed Big Creek People In Action’s gymnasium to watch the theatre production of “Tuck Everlasting” on Friday, March 27. The actors, from Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, mingled with the audience before show time and then captivated them with the storyline and their great performance.

Friday night’s production was paid by a grant from the Praither Foundation and Alpha Natural Resources.

BCPIA’s staff handed out free snacks and drinks to everyone attending.

 

Dr. Seuss Characters provide learning activities for Head Start and local school children 

 

The Cat In The Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 made an appearance at the Welch Library, Head Start Centers, Southside Pre-K class, and the Caretta Community Center to promote Dr. Seuss/Read Across America Day.

The events coordinated by VISTA, Erin Pruitt, were held the entire week of March 2, ending with Family Fun Night on March 6. AmeriCorps members, Medena Silva and Maria Frazier, along with a host of volunteers from Loyola University Chicago, and Frances Blankenship (War Public Library) provided read aloud and activities for 93 children and 34 parents. The children had a fun time listening to “Horton Hears A Who” and making their own elephant ear headbands.

Children also received gift bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and health information after being read Dr. Seuss’ “The Tooth Book”. Funding for the supplies was provided by a minigrant from the Robert H. Mollohan Family Charitable Foundation.

Happy Birthday Cat In The Hat is just one of the many literacy projects that Big Creek People In Action provides to local children and families throughout the year.

 

 

 Day Camp Provides Wonderful Experience

 

Submitted by Nikki Cavalier Rabel, Link Child Care Resource and Referral

 

 I thought little towns like Mayberry didn’t exist any longer, but I was wrong. Laura, my eight-year-old daughter, and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in beautiful War, West Virginia.

 

War is just south of Coalwood, home of Homer Hickam and the Rocket Boys. It is the most southern town in the state and it is one of the most wonderful places I have ever been. There is one main street and there are always several people sitting in front of the service station, chatting throughout the day.

 

I went there to work with West Virginia Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on a PBS Kids Raising Readers day camp for children ages four through six. The camp was a week long. The children were wonderful and so enthusiastic about learning. I think they all learned a lot, but I think I learned more than the children. The community support was unbelievable. Several businesses and individuals donated money and/or services to make this camp available to the young people of McDowell County. The outpouring of community support was absolutely overwhelming.

 

We traveled to War with two other ladies, Debbie Oleska from WVPBS and Darnitta Elswick from AmeriCorps. We took an RV and a van. Debbie, Darnitta, Laura, and I spent the week living in an RV on a campsite at beautiful Berwind Lake.

 

We had a great time cooking in the evenings (an adventure in itself either in the very tiny RV kitchen or on an open fire), making s’mores, going to the pool, taking long walks among the wild rhododendrons and the beautiful lake, and laughing all along the way. Even without indoor plumbing, which added to our adventure, it was a fun and fabulous experience.

 

The WV PBS Kids Raising Readers day camp was based on a new PBS series called Super Why! The curriculum focused on early literacy skills and the children had a wonderful time learning letters, letter sounds, words and opposites with the Super Why! characters and participating in the fun games and activities. I hadn’t realized how much I missed working directly with children. It’s been a long time, but I really enjoyed every minute of it.

 

The camp took place for 3 ½ hours every day at the Big Creek People In Action (BCPIA) building, which is an amazing place. This organization offers so many opportunities to the people of McDowell County. The mission of BCPIA “is to foster a community in which people learn, work, play and grow together and prepare themselves for success in the 21^st century.” And they do just that! One of the programs is Service Learning Initiative, in which students from all over the country come to offer their services to “reduce the effects of poverty and build sustainable communities.”

 

Our week in War was a wonderful experience that none of us will ever forget. We had so much fun, and it was nice to be an honorary citizen of War. It was just like we were part of the community!

 

Big Creek People In Action and AmeriCorps plays host to popular PBS Day Camp

 

Four weeks of fun learning activities were enjoyed by local children during the PBS Kids Raising Readers day camp. Children ages four through six attended camp at the Caretta Community Center and also the War Calvary Baptist Church. Erin Pruitt, an AmeriCorps member at Big Creek People In Action, and Joni Ritter, summer intern from Emory and Henry College, worked with the children along with the Super Why! curriculum provided by PBS. The camp was also supported by many local businesses who donated money and/or food for the children’s lunches. A large party was held at Berwind Lake on the last day of camp and the community was invited to participate. All the children enjoyed learning with the characters and look forward to being a part of the camp again the summer of 2009.

 

The following is an article written by Nikki Rabel from Link Child Care Resource and Referral and printed in the West Virginia publication “Early Childhood Provider Quarterly-Winter 2009 Edition”

 

Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation grants $1500 to AmeriCorps and VISTA literacy program.

 

Jimmy Welch, Executive Director of the Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation, and Jim Sizemore, President of the foundation visited Big Creek People In Action on January 14 to present the AmeriCorps and VISTA members with a check for $1500 to help with family literacy activities. It took Mr. Welch and Annetta Tiller, Special Events Coordinator, several telephone conversations to finally get all the paperwork in place and to get the grant form in. According to Mr. Welch, the Board of Directors of the Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation realized that many services were being provided to the community, and the money would be used to further literacy skills for children and families.

 

Both gentlemen took a short tour of the facilities of the Caretta Community Center, led by Marsha Timpson, and learned the many wonderful projects and programs that come from Big Creek People In Action. Ms. Timpson talked extensively on the AmeriCorps and VISTA program, after having served both positions and knowing the needs of the community.

 

“I knew that you all were here, but I never really knew what you do here, especially all the things you do for the community. I am amazed,” said Jim Sizemore, who is also President of Pioneer Community Bank. Mr. Sizemore discussed with Big Creek People In Action’s staff about the possibility of allowing some of his bank employees to volunteer for projects and get work credit for them. As we are always needing volunteers, this would be a wonderful partnership.

 

After VISTA, Erin Pruitt, and AmeriCorps members, Medena Silva and Maria Frazier talked about their work in the community, upcoming projects, and tutoring in school and out of school, the gentlemen could not help but be impressed with the program and want to help all they could to further the work done at Big Creek People In Action.

 

 

Bluefield WalMart makes donation to literacy program

 

Annetta Tiller and Tina Blackwell recently visited Bluefield WalMart to accept a check for the literacy program. These funds will be used to provide Family Literacy Nights, purchase books for children, and hold special service events. If you would like more information about the literacy program, call Erin, Maria, or Medena.

 

Southside K-8 Students receive school supplies from     Americans Helping Americans

 

AmeriCorps and VISTA members, Maria Frazier and Erin Pruitt, delivered school supplies to students at Southside K-8 on January 7, 2009. Americans Helping Americans donated book bags full of supplies, new coats, new shoes and many other items to be delivered to children and families in the War area. Two hundred and seventy one people picked up items at Big Creek People In Action during the month of December through the generous donation made by Americans Helping American

 

AmeriCorps and VISTA sponsor REINDEEER READING  CORNER for local children    

 

Santa had new books in his bag for local children as part of the Reindeer Reading Corner project. Children from War Cove, Raysal, and Endwell Headstarts, as well as others,  was treated to a Christmas story, ornament making, Christmas learning activities, and a goody bag filled with Christmas themed paper, pencils, etc.

 

Some families attended the Family Fun Night Workshop for more holiday family fun. Erin and Maria helped them to make a special ornament to take home. They also enjoyed pizza with the family.

 

Family Fun Nights are a way for parents to have family time with their child, free of charge, enjoying crafts, books, parenting workshops, and good food.

 

If you would like more information about Family Fun Nights, please call Erin, Maria, or Medena at Big Creek People In Action.

 

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

 

December was a busy month at Big Creek People in Action.  Activities throughout December included a Christmas Party, Food Drive,  a Toy and Clothing Giveaway, Reindeer Reading Corner,  and sponsoring a float in War’s Christmas Parade.

 

Big Creek People in Action held their 9^th Annual Community Christmas Party on Friday, December 5, 2008.  Staff, volunteers, and visiting churches helped prepare and serve meals to over 400 people, distributed gifts to 216 children, 99 families, and 51 senior citizens, and distributed 165 food boxes.  Santa dropped by to see the children and to give out the treat bags, and each child got to pick out a gift for their Mom and Dad.  As always, this is one of the most enjoyable events we have all year.

 

Another event held during December was a Food Drive sponsored by BCPIA’s AmeriCorps program. Canned and boxed food was collected, which helped with the food boxes that were distributed to families over the holidays.

 

A toy and clothing giveaway was held in mid-December.  Through generous donations, families were able to pick out new coats, shoes, clothing, toys, and other items for their families.

 

The AmeriCorps literacy program sponsored Reindeer Reading Corner at the Center in December.  Several children and their parents attended and were shown how to make Christmas crafts.  The parents received a packet of crafts, books, and other items to help keep their children busy over the holidays when they were out of school.

 

BCPIA’s Kellogg Leadership for Community Change (KLCC) Youth/Adult Fellowship participated in War’s Christmas parade and decorated a very festive, float for the event.  They rode the float and threw out candy for the children.

 

Big Creek People in Action would not be able to sponsor these activities without the help of many others who give so much for the people of McDowell Count, WV.  We would like to acknowledge the following donors:

 

Loyola College                                      Ambush Mining

Cheryl Asbury                                       Harman Branch Mining

Mt. View Resources                               Chris Thompson Family

Americans Helping Americans                Nancy Newhouse

Anna Lawson                                        Harold Threatt

Illusions, Inc.                                         Geronimo Coal

Gilco Lumber                                         Joseph Barrett

Betsy Grubbs                                        Caroline Fesquet

Robert Blundo                                       William & Evelyn Pfeiffer

Edwards Church UCC                            The Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA

Therese Sohr                                        Grandma’s Gifts / Emily Douglas

Leslie Lambert                                       anis Hagy

Convent Baptist Church                         South Lexington Baptist Church

Red Bank Baptist Church                      Sandy Kientz

Hollins University                                  Pioneer Community Bank

State Farm Insurance                           Bluefield Walmart

Kimball Walmart                                   MCNB Banks

Kellogg Foundation                                Warren Wilson College

Earl Crigger                                            Robert Donnan

Kay Christian                                         Kevin Blackwell

Sheila Muncy                                         Lynn Ryan

Tina Blackwell                                        Mountaineer Food Bank

 

 

Grant Received from George Cruise Foundation

 

Big Creek People in Action received a grant in December in the amount of $2,000 from The George M. Cruise Foundation of Bluefield, West Virginia.  This funding will be used to support our family literacy program.   This program served 876 youth and 398 adults last year through in-school literacy projects, after-school tutoring, adult literacy services, and parent workshops.

 

 

Big Creek People in Action’s KLCC Fellowship Wins Trophy

for Homecoming Float

 

by Marsha Timpson

 

        Big Creek People in Action’s KLCC Fellowship were invited to enter a float in the City of War’s Homecoming Parade in October.  We were quite excited about designing and planning the float and were thrilled when we won the Third Place trophy.

            The Fellowship had purchased Kellogg brand hats and wore T-shirts designed by Bonnie Muncy (one of the Fellows) with the Kellogg logo emblazoned across the front.  Our mascot, a big stuffed Tiger presented to us by the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club at the National Gathering in Mt. Olive, Mississippi, proudly rod

 

e on top of the cab holding a box of Kellogg Fruit Loops and wearing his very own Kellogg hat.       

Kellogg brand fruit snacks were purchased and thrown to the audience which may have contributed to us winning a trophy!!  We definitely had the best treats! 

The participants on the floats were asked to stop in front of the judges and give a brief description of who we were and what we did, so we spoke about our adult/youth partnership.  The trophy winners were then invited to ride our floats on the football field the next night before the Homecoming Game began and this time we were asked to say a quick cheer.  We were quite a hit as we proudly chanted, “Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger says the Big Creek Owls are Grrrreeeaaatttt!!!!!

The night ended splendidly with the Big Creek Owls trouncing St. Paul with a score of 42 – 7.

            The Fellowship was so excited about our Float that we have decided to enter floats in the upcoming Veteran’s Day Parade in Welch and the Christmas Parade in the City of War.  The audience got such a kick out of seeing the big Tiger on the cab, so we intend to have him there for the upcoming Parades, dressed appropriately, of course.  Our Tiger will soon have his own wardrobe and a grrrreeeeaaaattt collection of trophies.

 

 

A Success Story

 

Jennifer came to volunteer at Big Creek People In Action two years ago through a DHHR program. Not only did she come to us as as a divorced mother of two just trying to support her children and make ends meet, she also came with no drivers license, no vehicle, no employment, and low self-esteem.

Wanting to see Jennifer’s quality of life improve, the staff at Big Creek People In Action took her under their wing. She received tutoring to get her drivers permit, and successfully passed her drivers test recently. Jennifer also has been mentored in job preparedness training and has been hired through the local Board of Education as a substitute cook.

 

Jennifer is now actively involved in her children’s education by participating in BCPIA’s after school family literacy program. She has attended literacy workshops and trainings, nutrition and budgeting workshops, and now is a community volunteer for various events.

 

Jennifer is working toward finding permanent employment, and is interested in attending college in the future. BCPIA staff will continue to mentor and be a support for Jennifer in any way possible.

 

GO JENNIFER!! YOU ARE A TRUE SUCCESS STORY

 

 

A Spooktacular Halloween!!

 

Children from Raysal and War Cove Headstart Centers enjoyed a visit to Big Creek People In Action on October 27 and 28. The scene was set for a spooky good time with ghosts, witches, and plenty of Halloween fun. The children enjoyed craft activities, a Halloween story and, best of all, trick or treating the employees in the building.

 

The project was organized by new AmeriCorps and VISTA members: Erin Pruitt, Maria Frazier, and Medena Silva.

 

 

 

Bonner Foundation Awards BCPIA $15,000 Grant

 

 

    Big Creek People in Action received a grant from The Corella and  Bertram F. Bonner Foundation in the amount of $15,000 through their Crisis Ministry program.    Since it was activated in 1989, the Bonner Foundation has become one of the nation's largest privately-funded service scholarship programs and a philanthropic leader in the anti-hunger movement.

 

    The story of the Foundation is the story of Bertram and Corella Bonner and their desire to "give back to the Lord what the Lord has given [them]." They wanted their gifts to provide a lasting and meaningful impact on society and approached the creation of both the Crisis Ministry and the Bonner Scholar Program deliberately and thoughtfully. 

 

    Their Mission Statement is “Through sustained partnerships with colleges and congregations, the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and communities by helping meet the basic needs of nutrition and educational opportunity.”

 

    This funding will be used by Big Creek People in Action to help provide meals and other services to those involved in activities in the Community Center to help reduce poverty in children and families.

 

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

 

    The Kellogg Leadership for Community Change (KLCC) Fellowship will sponsor a Christmas Bazaar at the Caretta Community Center on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.  Crafts and merchandise will be available for sale.  There will be concessions, cake walks, Door Prizes, and Pictures with Santa Claus.

 

 

 

Donations Needed For 9^th Annual Christmas Party

 

Dear Friends:

 

Staff and volunteers at Big Creek People In Action are preparing for our 9^th Annual Christmas Party to be held Friday December 4, 2008. This is a special project that is dear to everyone involved because we reach out to children, families, and senior citizens who may not be able to have Christmas gifts under the tree or enough food to last through the holidays due to limited income. We will purchase gift bags and a treat bag for approximately 200 children. We also buy small gifts and each child will be allowed to choose something for their mother and father. The children and families are invited to a nice holiday meal, they get a large box filled with lots of food and a ham. Of course, no holiday party is complete without Santa Claus himself. The children are enthralled with the holiday affair and the parents are extremely thankful to receive the much needed gifts and food which will make the holidays brighter.

We also have a Christmas dinner, gifts and food boxes for local senior citizens. They are just as excited as the children to be invited, as most are widows, disabled, live alone, and rarely get out of the house. Of course, they also enjoy a visit from Santa and get a special treat bag.

We hope to make the holidays a joyful time for families in the Big Creek District, but we need your help. With the deteriorating economy and the already struggling hardships of the people in McDowell County, this is the time that we must reach out to those in need. We are appealing to friends and supporters of the work we do at Big Creek People In Action to make a donation of any amount. Please send your contribution to the address below:

 

Big Creek People In Action

Attention: Holiday Party

HC 32 Box 541

War, WV 24892

 

On behalf of the children, families, and seniors who will attend this year’s party, the staff at BCPIA want to thank you for your generosity.

 

 

 

 

 

McDowell County Board of Education, Coalfield Community Action Program, and Big Creek People In Action sign collaboration agreement

 

    In an effort to increase children’s literacy skills and parental involvement in education, Big Creek People In Action’s Family Literacy staff drafted a plan for expanding the Family Literacy and tutoring program offered by the AmeriCorps and VISTA members. The agreement, signed on September 2, 2008, states that AmeriCorps and VISTA members will provide in-school literacy tutoring to fifteen or more students each week, make home visits and offer Family Night workshops and activities on a bi-monthly basis for all Headstart and Elementary students. In addition, parents will be offered workshops with such topics as: Reading aloud to your child; Learning Fun With Cat in the Hat; and Nutrition. The AmeriCorps and VISTA members are part of the Board of Education sponsored PRISM (Parents Reading In Schools Monthly) program and provide read alouds and acivities to every student at the new Southside K-8, Raysal, War Cove and Endwell Headstart centers. If you would like to know more about this program or if your child needs tutoring, please call the AmeriCorps office at Big Creek People In Action.

 

   

 

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Contact Information:                      

 

Big Creek People in Action, Inc.                          

HC 32 Box 541

War, WV 24892

Ph. (304) 875-3418

Fax: (304) 875-3518

Email: bcpia3418@netscape.net