DANIELS, WV (WOAY) – There are several underserved areas across Raleigh County.
Community Connections, Inc. and the newly opened Raleigh County Healthy Families Alliance are there for those who need food, clothing or support throughout southern West Virginia.
“We’re gonna have a very limited amount of funds but it’s gonna be a very good opportunity to get those resources and partner up with people who have the ability to direct them in the right guidance,” said Community Connections Executive Director Greg Puckett.
Raleigh County Healthy Families Director Jennifer Mcmeekin says to bring the center to fruition took a lot… of sweat, muscle, teamwork and faith. They have a little footwork left to do for a couple of months but it won’t take them long to start on the other sides of the county too.
“Especially with our economy right now people need help,” said McMeekin. “We’re here to help them fill those gaps.”
In addition to their main support, the center has a grant from the West Virginia Department of Human Services. Puckett says this Healthy Families Alliance in Raleigh County is about partnerships.
“About bringing everybody together and looking at the common need and then trying to figure out how you’re gonna support that need,” he said. Also looking at some other opportunities down the line is gonna be really beneficial for the families in Raleigh County.”
Stop by the center on Mondays from 9am to 7pm, and Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 5pm with your food donations, personal hygiene products, cleaning products for the baby pantry, gently used clothing and shoes of any size and gender. You will soon be able to drop your donations off in a provided container even when the center is closed.
“We’ll be out in the community doing events on Saturdays and Sundays,” said McMeekin. “If someone has a crisis — we’re here 24/7 — maybe not in this building, but we’ll be there.”
Puckett says over the next year they want to create an environment in these centers where people feel comfortable coming in — whether they’re dealing with life issues overcoming poverty and insecurities…
“Or if they’re overcoming substance use disorder,” he said. “We want to be that resource that allows for those people to be able to come back in, engage with others that provide that opportunity and really put their lives on a good path.”
There’s nothing better than having a fresh start.
“Between us and our collaborations and our partnerships we can help them all,” said McMeekin.
“One of the main things that we have always said is that we want to build strong communities, and we know that we can do that right here in Daniels,” Puckett added.
