News Releases

Home  |  Programs  |  Divisions  |  Links  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

6-8-2006

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), along with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) invite the public to celebrate the accomplishments of the West Virginia Children's Home in Elkins at an Open House on Thursday, June 15, 2006 from 1-4 p.m.

The event will feature a giant banana split in recognition of National Dairy Month and a salsa bar with West Virginia Grown salsa to highlight West Virginia 's growing agribusiness industry. Visitors can also have a "milk mustache" photo taken and listen to bagpipe music throughout the day.

The West Virginia Children's Home provides residential social services to youth ages 11 to 17 from all 55 counties in West Virginia .  The facility is licensed for 25 residents, and provides private rooms, semiprivate rooms and dormitory style housing.

Programs are tailored to individual needs, but typically focus on developing skills and techniques to help residents develop positive life skills and overcome unhealthy thinking and behavior. The home also includes a school that is fully accredited by the West Virginia Department of Education where residents are instructed in all required subject matter areas.

"This event is to increase public awareness and raise community support for this outstanding program. It's also a way of recognizing the wonderful staff that works there every day to help these young people have better lives," said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. "I hope the public takes advantage of the opportunity to attend this open house and see the great people and programs working in their own back yard."

Over the years, the home has helped thousands of disadvantaged West Virginia youth, according to longtime Director Carson Markley. The home was created in 1909 by an act of the Legislature and is the only state-operated residential youth facility in West Virginia . Annually, approximately 60 individuals come to the facility for 6-12 months each, he said.

"This is a home away from home for the residents. We have a school on the grounds and an excellent staff that provides individual attention," said Markley. "The West Virginia Children's Home has been here for nearly a century. We want to reinforce that we're part of the community and a part of the state. I commend the Department of Agriculture for their interest and for really standing up for the Children's Home. I can't express our thanks and appreciation."

Other agricultural exhibits to be featured at the open house will include educational activities such as "Camp Water Quality," honeybee observation hives, insect displays, agricultural trivia and a scavenger hunt complete with prizes from local businesses in the Elkins areas.

Also scheduled to attend are the Division of Natural Resources Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs Program, Davis and Elkins College , the Huttonsville Correctional Center canine unit and much more.

Admission to the open house is free and the public is encouraged to attend.  Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The West Virginia Children's Home is located at 230 Heavner Avenue in Elkins.  Directions are available by calling 304/637-0274.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

Home  |  Programs  |  Divisions  |  Links  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved

Contact the Webmaster