Lindsay James holds her donation for children served by KVC.

KVC would like to honor student Lindsay James for all of her work for KVC West Virginia.

In the summer of 2014, 17-year-old Wayne High School student Lindsay James was preparing for her senior year.  As part of graduation, seniors have to complete a Senior Quest, which includes a service project.  Research, interviews, a visual project, and a presentation to a panel of teachers are also involved in the Quest. Ms. James reached out to Case Manager Ruby Dudding about what she does at KVC and determined that she would complete her project in the field of social work, with a focus on foster care.  Ms. Dudding agreed to be Ms. James’ mentor.

During her Quest, Ms. James interviewed various social workers in the community and learned about the West Virginia foster care system.  She also learned about the roles within KVC and the children that are served.  Soon, Ms. Dudding and Ms. James were brainstorming ways to further help children.  Ms. James determined that she would like to have a bake sale to support children’s activities and holiday gift-giving efforts.  She invested money from her part-time job at a local restaurant to rent a booth at the Wayne Fall Festival.  She, her mother and grandmother took the time to bake candies and cookies to sell during the event.  Ms. James then sold these goods along with water over a two-day period.  She reports that when others found out she was selling goods for children in foster care, many made additional donations to her cause.  She raised just over $200 to donate to KVC.

Ms. Dudding reports that she greatly enjoyed being Linsday’s mentor and helping her to learn about foster care and KVC.  “Lindsay really is a great girl.  She is compassionate, respectful, trustworthy, and determined.”  Ms. James will defend her Senior Quest project in mid-December.  She is undetermined about an educational path at this time but plans on furthering her education after graduation in the Spring.  Her parents are Mindy and Tommy James of Wayne County.

KVC is proud to honor Ms. James for her hard work in raising awareness and funds for the children served by KVC.  For others who are interested in volunteer or internship placement within KVC West Virginia, please contact Kristi Ferrell at 304-687-3851.