(Above: Keith and Tamara Hill of Raleigh County were named the 2015 Resource Foster Parents of the Year.)

This past weekend, nearly 400 children and families came to Glade Springs Resort outside of Beckley, West Virginia to KVC West Virginia’s 14th Annual Resource Foster Parent Conference.

KVC Foster Parents Roscoe and Marsha Blackburn donated gifts.

Families enjoyed delicious food, Santa’s Workshop, great speakers, and activities for the children. Santa’s Workshop was a complete hit with the families.  In addition to crafts, children were able to mail a letter to Santa, receive cookies from Mrs. Claus, see characters from Frozen, dance with elves, and get their pictures made with Santa. Each child also received a gift from their list and were able to play in some manmade snow, as the temperatures were in the 60s and there wasn’t a chance for the real deal!

Debby and Lonnie Bowen partnered with local Catholic and Methodist churches to make the conference special.

During the second day of the conference, youth and parents were treated to an inspirational message by speaker Dominic Carter while the younger children played at Camp Glade or the Leisure Center. Children enjoyed face painting, basketball, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, movies, a ball pit, and the playground. In the afternoon, families heard a message from attorney Bob Noone and his wife, psychotherapist Beth Hughes Noone. The Noones are from Logan and had a powerful and useful message for our parents via song, discussion, and a question and answer period. They also discussed the importance of child advocacy and teaching all providers to become trauma-informed. We are so thankful for the message that the Noones brought to the conference. Awards and recognition were given to families who have fostered for five years or more with KVC and to those who adopted since the last Conference. Keith and Tamara Hill of Raleigh County were named the 2015 Resource Foster Parents of the Year for their undying patience and commitment to children.

This conference would not have been possible without the help of many individuals, families, and community groups who donated money, time, and gifts for the children. We had so many that were willing to help out in order to help our children, and we really appreciate the generosity and help!  We are continuing to tally the donations, so please forgive us if your name is not yet included.

Thank You to:

Appalachian Power Company  |  Charity Ashworth  |  Kim Atkinson  |  Bikers Against Child Abuse  |  Marsha and Roscoe Blackburn  |  Natalie Booth  |  Debby and Lonnie Bowen | Braxton County Schools | BrickStreet Foundation | Marian Cassity | Sue Carter/ Jackson County Senior Center | Claypool United Methodist Church

The Dream Tree at the Greenbrier Resort | Lisa Eaton | First Advent Christian Church | Heather Garnes|

Gold Wing Road Riders Association | Susan Greathouse | Sarah Hinzman | Melissa and Joseph Hunt | Jackson General Hospital | Jackson General Radiology Department | Logan Med Express | Man High School Beta Club | Mary McClung | Tonya McLemore | Methodist Women’s Group of Williamson | Amy Querrey | Tim and Jane Ragland

Robert Noone Legal Services | Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Williamson | Kathy Salvucci | Sandy Settlers 4-H Club | Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Chapter 659 (in memory of Tommy Hines) | Amber Spaulding | Stevens & Stevens | Joel and Terrie Thompson | United Bank of Ripley | Frankie and Bruce Vickers | Wayne Dollar General | Wayne Walmart | Leah Williams | Kim Woodruff | Logan Wriston | Sandra Wriston | Tina Zickafoose

We would also like to recognize the KVC West Virginia staff who volunteered their time and expertise to help with children’s activities.  It is always a hectic and busy time, but our staff made it look easy. Most importantly, thank you to Kristi Ferrell who spent countless hours obtaining and organizing wish lists and purchasing, wrapping, and distributing gifts to our families.  We are forever grateful for the efforts you have put forth to make the conference great.

There are many West Virginia children and teenagers in need of loving foster families. Learn more about becoming a foster parent here or call us at (304) 347-9818.

Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to bringing a smile to a child’s face and happiness in their hearts this Christmas season.