KVC West Virginia, a leading nonprofit dedicated to child welfare, foster care, and mental health, is thrilled to announce a transformative collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State (BBBS). This innovative partnership is poised to connect children and teens in foster care with dedicated mentors, expanding their support networks and fostering a stronger sense of belonging. 

As part of this exciting endeavor, KVC West Virginia and BBBS will work hand in hand to amplify efforts in adult mentor recruitment and increase the enrollment of children in foster care in BBBS youth mentoring programs across several West Virginia counties. Specifically, these efforts will be concentrated in Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Putnam and Kanawha Counties. 

Brent Lemon

“Through this partnership, we are creating a bridge of care and mentorship for children and adolescents who need it most,” KVC West Virginia President Brent Lemon said. “By joining forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, we are opening doors to transformative mentoring relationships that will shape children’s lives in profound ways.”

This collaboration will facilitate ongoing professionally supported mentoring services for youth in foster care. These services will encompass a variety of BBBS mentoring programs, including school-based, community-based, corporate mentoring initiatives. Additionally, the partnership harbors the aspiration that adult volunteers, inspired by their experiences, might consider the rewarding journey of becoming foster parents themselves. 

The funding for this groundbreaking partnership has been made possible by Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, underscoring KVC’s and its community’s commitment to enriching and enhancing the lives of children in foster care. 

Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State Stephanie Collier emphasizes, “This transformational partnership will increase access to mentoring services for some of the most vulnerable children in our community. The impact will ripple far beyond individual relationships, fostering a more connected and caring society.” 

More than 6,000 youth are in foster care in West Virginia and there is a significant need for more foster parents and adult mentors, especially for teenagers and sibling groups. Many of these youth have experienced abuse, neglect, or other life challenges and have been removed from their homes by the courts for their safety.  

About KVC West Virginia 

KVC West Virginia is a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and fostering mental health wellness. Offering a comprehensive range of services including foster care, adoption, in-home family preservation, child and family outpatient mental health treatment, and youth educational support, KVC West Virginia is a subsidiary of KVC Health Systems. With over 50 years of history, KVC Health Systems has positively impacted the lives of more than 300,000 individuals. Accredited by The Joint Commission, KVC West Virginia adheres to the gold standard in healthcare. To learn more, visit www.kvcwv.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State 

Established in 1974, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State operates as an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, serving counties across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Through school, community, and corporate mentoring programs, BBBS connects compassionate volunteers with at-risk youth, providing guidance and companionship that empower children to realize their potential. The mission is to create and sustain meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships that positively transform children’s lives forever. For further information, visit www.bbbstristate.org.

For additional questions or media requests, contact:

Brent Lemon, LCSW
KVC West Virginia President
(859) 333 – 3522
blemon@kvc.org