News Archives

 

 

Community Forum on Youth

 

            A Community Forum on Youth - The Real Future of the South, was held at the Caretta Community Center on February 25, 2008 with 25 in attendance.  County residents met to discuss engaging and developing our region's greatest resource, our youth, in becoming active partners in sustaining and improving our quality of life. Participants discussed ideas on encouraging youth leadership skills, workforce readiness, volunteerism, entrepreneurship and the traits to become active, responsible citizens.

 

Feedback from this forum will be used in presentations at Southern Growth's 2008 annual conference, and in developing Southern Growth's 2008 Report on the Future of the South, a high profile policy report that is shared with Southern Governors and regional leaders in business and education.  Southern Growth Policies Board is a regional public policy think tank representing 14 Southern states that develops and advances visionary economic development policies.

 

March Madness

 

It's time once again for colleges from all over the country to arrive in Caretta for service learning trips during their spring break.  Most of the colleges stay for a week and are housed in our dormitories.  Service learning is a transforming educational experience that helps students gain the skills and commitment to stay involved in service throughout their lives. 

 

Marsha Timpson, BCPIA Learning Coordinator, organizes the activities of the students who participate in service projects such as home repairs, center upgrades, speaking at the high schools, and other community projects.  The college students are taken to the Bluegrass Hall, an area coal mine, the Muncy Cabin, tours of Coalwood and surrounding communities, and other special events to give them a taste of the culture of Appalachia. 

 

During March we will have students from Davidson College, the University of Notre Dame, Loyola University, Southeast Missouri State, Dartmouth College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Virginia Tech staying at the Center. 

 

This is a worthwhile program that benefits both the students and the community as the students experience life in rural Appalachia while participating in projects that help to reduce the effects of poverty and bring about a brighter future for the area.

 

KELLOGG LEADERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE

KLCC

*** Be the Change You Wish to See***

 

Would you like to see your community better itself and come to LIFE?  Then join KLCC at Big Creek People in Action.  We have our meetings on every other Monday.  We do what is best for our community by helping people and making a great change in peoples lives and the environment around us.  If you would like to be a part of KLCC and help our community to be a safe environment and to make a great change, then please call (304) 875-3418.

 

 

 

 

 

January 2008 -

MOMS AND BABES FAIR A SUCCESS

 

Big Creek People In Action was filled with the sounds of infants and toddlers at the Moms and Babes Fair held on Monday January 21 in observance of MLK Day.

The event, sponsored by AmeriCorps and VISTA, gave new moms an opportunity to receive information relating to WIC, CHIPS, Poison Control, MIHOW, healthy nutrition, and early childhood literacy. Presenters from DHHR, WVU Extension, Poison Control, AmeriCorps/VISTA, and Tug River Health Clinic answered questions and passed out information about the benefits of their programs.

Parents were allowed to choose items from a vast array of large baby nursery items, infant and toddler clothing, diaper bags, diapers, etc. The AmeriCorps and VISTA members had been collecting items for several months and had hundreds of items to give away.

A special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog had the children thrilled. They enjoyed visiting with Clifford and getting to choose two toys each. The children also received an age appropriate gift bag with shampoo, toothbrush and paste, sippy cups, lotions, children’s body wash, etc.

After lunch, doorprizes were won by: Sylvia Click, June Perkins, Marilyn Ball, Latasha Thornsberry, Ashley Tiller, and Monica Muncy.

Volunteers for the Moms and Babes Fair were: Catie Short, Brenda Foley, Nadine Short, Kenny Tiller, Dyanne Spriggs, Jeremy Pruitt, Danielle Wolfe, MaryAnn Justice, Ashley and Amber Tiller.

We would like to send special thanks to Lynn Ryan, her students and friends in Winston Salem NC for collecting baby items and delivering them to McDowell County. Darrell and Jerry McKinney from Welch donated money for a new carseat and the Skewes Family Foundation helped to fund the event, as well as Attorney Philip A. Reale from Charleston made a donation to buy baby diapers.

A total of 76 moms and children attended the event.

 

 

January  2008 -

 

 

2008 Innovator Award Winner

 

Big Creek People in Action was selected to represent West Virginia as the winner of the Southern Growth Policies Board 2008 Innovator Award for our Youth Program.  Our program was chosen from more than 100 nominees in the Southern region as an outstanding initiative in youth development and/or engagement.  We will be participating in the Youth:  The Real Future of the South Conference on June 1 - 3, 2008 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

          As one of 13 Innovators in the Southern region, Big Creek People in Action will be publicly honored on Sunday, June 1, 2008 in an awards ceremony at the Peabody Little Rock Hotel, followed by a reception hosted by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe at the Clinton Presidential Center.

 

          We have youth involved in all aspects of our organization because we believe in including their voice in the decisions that will affect their future.  We feel Big Creek People in Action is making a difference in the lives of young people as they work to “Be the change they wish to see” and are very honored to be selected for this prestigious award. 

 

 

January 2008 -

 

Financial Aid/ Scholarship Workshop

 

There will be a parent/student workshop on Saturday January 26 at 1:00 PM at Big Creek People in Action for anyone interested in college financial aid and scholarship information. College financial officers from Southwest Virginia, Concord, Southern Community and Technical College, and Ferrum will be on hand to answer your questions and receive information. Big Creek High School Guidance Counselor Katie Linkous will have information about various scholarships available.

 

If you plan to attend college this workshop is for you!

 

For more information contact Daphany Pruitt at 875-3418.

 

 

December 2007 -

Hugh I. Shott Foundation Grant Awarded

 

Big Creek People in Action has initiated a project to bring mobile technology, literacy and library services to McDowell Countians who do not currently have access to these vital and necessary resources.

 

This project is funded, in part, by a $50,000 matching grant from the Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation of Bluefield, WV.

 

“Gaining and maintaining access to these essential services will equip McDowell Countians with the requisite tools and skills they need to be competitive in the global economy,” Said Chris King, Board President.  “Lack of access to these services requires some creative solutions, and I think this mobility concept will assist our citizens to overcome those challenges.”

 

PROJECT KNOW (Knowledge on Wheels)  is the brainchild of Annetta Tiller, Lifebridge AmeriCorps/VISTA, who is stationed at BCPIA.  “It is our intent to provide educational services through this project to children, adults, and families who cannot, for various reasons, utilize our programs at BCPIA,” says Annetta.  “Education, in all forms, is the key to learning and the roadmap out of poverty.  We sincerely hope and pray that this project will be supported by all McDowell Countians.

 

Big Creek People in Action is a nonprofit organization formed in 1990 to build positive partnerships and a healthy McDowell County wherein the citizens will reside in dignity, safety, prosperity and comfort, and become equipped with the requisite skills to successfully compete in the marketplace.

 

The Shott Foundation was established in 1984 by publisher Hugh Ike Shott, Jr., for the betterment of his hometown of Bluefield and the state of West Virginia.  Shott spent more than 60 years with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, the newspaper founded by his father in 1896.  Shott began working for the paper in 1922 and became publisher in 1953 following his father’s death.  Shott and his family also started Bluefield’s first radio station, first television station, and the now-defunct Bluefield Sunset News and Times.  Shott died in 1986 at the age of 85.  The Foundation has made generous donations in the past to West Virginia University, Concord College, Marshall University and Bluefield State College.

 

 

 

December 2007 -

 

Do You Hear What I Hear?  Do You See What I See?

By:  Marsha Timpson

 

     Do You Hear What I Hear?  What I heard at the Christmas Party was excited chatter and bubbly laughter.  What I heard was the children chanting “I BELIEVE in Christmas!  I BELIEVE in Christmas!” to make Santa Claus appear.  What I heard at the Christmas Party was the children whispering to Santa what their heart’s desire for Christmas was.  What I heard at the Christmas Party was the mothers and fathers saying “God Bless You!  God Bless You for this.” 

 

     Do You See What I See?  What I see at the Christmas Party was the wide-eyed wonder on the children’s faces as they waited for Santa Claus to appear.  What I see at the Christmas Party was the same wide-eyed wonder on the faces of the senior citizens as reflected in the children’s faces.  What I see at the Christmas Party was gratitude in the faces of the parents as they reached out to take the bag of gifts for their children and pick up their food boxes.  What I see at the Christmas Party was the shining bright eyes as the children picked up a present to put under their Christmas tree for their Mom and Dad that would be from them.  What I see is families sitting together to share a Christmas dinner and sharing conversation and fellowship with other families from the community. 

 

     I also heard and saw a story at the Christmas Party I would like to share with you.  We do not live in the town of Perfect.  We face many struggles and many obstacles in this county.  One of those struggles is watching the children suffer and try to get through a hard life because of the path their parents have chosen to travel.  Drug abuse is alive and well and leaving a trail of neglected children in our community.  Many of the children affected by the abuse are served at our Christmas Party.  What they receive from “Santa Claus” at Big Creek People in Action may be their entire Christmas.

 

     A mother of five children came for the Party and it wasn’t long before she was trying to wheedle some money from the staff members of BCPIA.  After sitting down with their plate of food she began to cry.  Her son came over to me and told me his mom needed me.  When I asked what was wrong she told me she had trouble with her gall bladder and was unable to eat the meal.  She had been sick for some time and the doctor told her she needed surgery to correct the problem.  I know for a fact she does have a Medicaid card so I asked her why she had not had the surgery and she said she didn’t have gas money to go to the hospital!  I hope I do not sound like a heartless old Scrooge, but you must understand I have been dealing with this woman for some years now.  I have personally handed her enough money for various problems that I sometimes felt I should claim her on my income taxes!!  I expressed my deepest sympathies and told her I hoped she could work things out soon, but I did not offer money.  It was not long before I saw they had Dyanne (a co-worker at BCPIA) cornered in the hall using the story on her.  I managed to get Dyanne’s attention and warn her of the situation with this family.  There comes a point when you have to question if you are helping the family or are you abetting a drug addiction. 

 

     This is definitely not a heart-warming, make you feel good story ……yet……..

 

Now, for the part of the story that I do find heart-warming and that does make me feel good……No, we did not give the mother money.  No, we did not feed her addiction.  What we DID do was we did feed her and her children.  What we did do was provide her with a food box to prepare a hot Christmas meal for her family.  What we did do was make sure those five children will have presents under their Christmas tree.  What we did do was make sure those children know there are people that care about their well-being. 

 

     I have been questioned many times over the last few years as to why I still continue to serve this family.  The answer is easy…. the children!  For all the reasons I listed above we always, always need to remember the children.  The road they are traveling is not a road they chose … they are simply on that terrible journey with their parents.  We must stay involved in their lives.  We must show them there are different paths they can choose to travel when they are older.  We must let them know someone is there for them to lean on.

 

     I gave this woman money for much longer that I wanted to because I had a little addiction myself.  I was addicted to seeing the difference a little bit of attention could make for those five children.  I was addicted to dreaming of a brighter future for those five children.  I was afraid that if I withdrew my financial resources from this woman she would cut off all access to those children from me.  However, as I stated earlier … there comes a point where you have to decide if you are truly helping or not.  I came to that point and I said, “No more”, and to my amazement and delight she did not ban me from those children’s lives.  I will not go so far as to say she was just peachy about the whole thing, but she did still welcome my assistance.

 

     With all her problems, she is still a mother to those five children.  She still wants to see them have a better life than she has had.  She still knows that she wants Big Creek People in Action and myself to help her make things better for the children. 

 

     I have no doubt she was quite “put out” with me the night of the Party.  I also have no doubt she will forgive and forget because she will have that food box for Christmas dinner and her children will have presents from Santa Claus on Christmas morning.  She may be stoned by Christmas night but the children will have been fed and will be playing with the toys and wearing the nice clothes they received.

 

     And me?  I will be happy also.  My “addiction” has been fed.  I will feel that rush in my veins ---not from drugs ---- but from making a difference in five children’s lives on Christmas Day.

 

     “Do You Hear What I Hear?  Do You See What I See?”  It may not be a Norman Rockwell scene or a beautiful Christmas tune to go along with it, but it is wonderful.  It is hearing and seeing a better day for those children than what they would have without Big Creek People in Action and other caring organizations and generous people.  Better is good.  Better is great!  I hear and see us laying a paving stone towards a better path for five children to travel.  The Christmas Party, a new book bag, a warm coat, food, housing rehabilitation, a hand-knit hat that someone that cared took the time to make…..these are all paving stones to a better road.

 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts©

 

 

 

 

December 2007 -

 

 

Christmas Party

           

 

 

    BCPIA would not be able to have this party without the help of many others who give so much for the people in McDowell County, WV.  We would especially like to thank Convent Baptist Church from Leesville, SC, as well as South Lexington Baptist Church and Red Bank Baptist Church from Red Bank, SC.  They purchased many of the gifts and helped with the dinner and food boxes.

 

    We would also like to thank Americans Helping Americans, an organization from Alexandria, Virginia for their financial support of our party and for the many beautiful hand-made hats they sent for our children.  In addition, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Joseph A. Barrett for his generous gift which helped to serve many families for the holiday season.

 

 

 

 

 

November 2007-                                                           

Veterans Honored at Luncheon

                               

McDowell County veterans were honored for their sacrifice and commitment to the United States of American and it’s citizens. On Saturday November 10, the public came out to show support of local veterans at the AmeriCorps and VISTA program titled “Honoring the Sacrifice” held at Big Creek People in Action/Caretta Community Center.

 

 

Hundreds of items, local pictures, etc. were on display for viewing. Nineteen veterans received certificates presented by Annetta Tiller/VISTA, Clif Moore/Executive Director of Big Creek People In Action, and The Honorable Joe Delong.

 

Local VFW and American Legion posts were on hand with displays. Michael Mullins from the Sandy River American Legion read a poem entitled “The Raggedy Old Flag” and other members took part in the reading. VFW Post 1144 had a wonderful display of military history from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Norman Clark also had a very nice display of medals, certificates, and pictures. Steve Rutherford loaned for display an American Flag that spanned the entire gymnasium.

 

The event began with the Star Spangled Banner, beautifully sung by Mrs. Angela Barker from Bartley. After a nice lunch, our guest speaker, Joe Delong spoke briefly of the sacrifice made by our veterans to make the country a safe place where we can live in FREEDOM. A living history presentation, by Patty Cooper from the Humanities Council immediately followed.

 

 

Many volunteers helped to make the event possible. We would like to thank Angela Barker, Kenneth Tiller, Amber Tiller, Ashley Tiller, Nadine Short, Jeremy Pruitt, Karen Addair, Brenda Foley, Dyanne Spriggs, Marsha Timpson, and Ray Goodman.

 

AmeriCorps members Erin Wolfe and Daphany Pruitt and VISTA member Annetta Tiller gratefully acknowledge Kimball Wal-Mart for the grant to hold this very memorable event.

 

 

 

 

Oct-Dec 2007-

                           Students from Ferrum College came to Big Creek People In Action to prepare teens for ACT   tests and to show ways to a brighter future. Ferrum College tutors high school students and any student is welcome to attend. If you have questions call Daphany Pruitt Youth Coordinator at 875-3418.