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Glow Reports WCCCF Usage Has Increased

By Staff | May 22, 2013

Beth Glow of the Wetzel County Center for Children and Families approached the Wetzel County Commission Tuesday morning with an update on the center’s programs.

Glow first stated that WCCCF was “real pleased” with its Hundred Area Family Resource Center. In fact, she said the Hundred area center is doing so well that they are looking for a larger facility. Glow stated an Easter egg hunt held by the center brought in at least 49 children. “People are so appreciative to have things and events out there for families,” Glow noted.

She mentioned that this quarter, the WCCCF is serving 63 individuals, including children and families. “Parent educators come and work with the families. They work with concerns with parenting, discipline, and developmental issues. These educators go in and do screenings with kids to see they are meeting milestones.” Glow stated that finding issues early on is helpful to the kids. “If that isn’t found, that child may not overcome that delay.” Glow added that the center does not provide intervention services. “We provide screenings.”

“How do families choose the program?” Commission President Don Mason asked.

Glow responded that any family is welcome. “It doesn’t matter with the income or anything, as long as they are a resident of Wetzel or Tyler counties, we will see them. If they are high needs and are really having concerns, we’ll try to help them as soon as possible.” Glow added that the center does get referrals from Child Protective Services, but, “We can’t mandate who comes.” She added, “Any time we’ve received CPS referrals, it’s been a good thing.”

Glow also added that the center tries to reach families that are isolated. “Our travel is pretty high.” Glow stated that having people from WCCCF in the Hundred area has helped.

“Things are booming,” Glow noted, “but we lost $12,800 thanks to state and federal cuts.”

Glow stated that the center receives a small grant through the state in the amount of $14,000 for the substance abuse prevention activities, but it does not cover the worker’s full salary. She said the canter picks up two months. “The services and activities provided are well worth it.” Glow stated that the Wetzel County Coalition Against Drug Abuse meets every first Thursday of the month. “We still need different people to attend, such as parents.”

Furthermore, Glow stated that the schools have been very open to drug education. “We are looking at next year applying for a Drug Free Communities grant.” Glow said that to apply for this grant, there needs to be a survey of risk and assessment of youth. “Schools are very open to doing that. It’s one of the mandates of a federal grant.” Glow stated that the openness to taking a survey is an “awesome step in the right direction.”

As for further activities from the school, Glow noted that both New Martinsville and Short Line Schools are starting a program called “Keep a Clear Mind.” Magnolia also has a youth advisory council and a drug free club. Glow stated that the youth advisory council is doing some projects in the community. Some of last year’s county commission funds helped with that.

Glow also mentioned the prescription drug drop-off box that is now a permanent fixture in the area. Glow stated that this box is located at the New Martinsville Police Department and monitored by a camera. This way, the public does not have to wait for drop-off dates. “People can go in anytime and drug drugs off.” She added that a representative from the Drug Enforcement Agency will pick up the drugs, as the police are not allowed to destroy the drugs themselves. Glow added that approximately 50 pounds of drugs were picked up from last month’s Prescription Drug Drop Off Day.

“Each time, I think we’ll taper off, but this last time, we had a significant amount and the police department and sheriff’s department had everything filled out, so we could do a lot of publicity this year.” Glow added that the coalition would like to involve Hundred as well, but they will need a police officer for that day. Commission Vice President Bob Gorby noted that it could be possible that the commission would be willing to pay the overtime compensation to the officer for that day.

Glow will send in a formal request for the upcoming year’s funding from the commission.

In another matter, the commission approved a request to provide $1,000 funding to New Martinsville’s American Legion Post #28 for Boys’ State representation.

Also, the commission approved, as they do every year, to split the cost of rent for the Wetzel/Tyler Health Department building in Paden City. This cost of $16,800 is split with Tyler County Commission. The Wetzel County Commission will pay $8,400.

In another matter, West Virginia Culture and History requested that each county provide representation for West Virginia’s Sesquicentennial Birthday parade to be held June 22 in Charleston. It was decided that the Quarter Mile Challenge Regatta Race Committee will represent Wetzel County and enter a float in the parade. Mason stated that the committee felt it would be a good opportunity to take and participate in the parade so that the regatta race could be advertised as well.

It was determined that the commission would donate $1,000 to help with float and travel-related expenses.