Hurricane, W.Va., (Hinton News) – Chestnut Mountain Village, a ministry of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, is calling all church leaders, community leaders, foster and kinship families, and child welfare organizations from across the state of West Virginia to join the All in Foster Care Summit (“The Summit”) on May 3, 2023. This event, being held at River Ridge Church Teays Valley in Hurricane, W.Va, promises to be a powerful gathering of minds, as it brings together church leaders, community members, national and state child welfare experts, and government officials to positively advance foster care in West Virginia.
With a lineup of prominent speakers and panelists, the Summit will focus on key topics including the role of faith-based and community efforts in foster care, how churches can help vulnerable children and families, and successful national and state faith-based efforts to improve foster care. Attendees will also hear from former foster youth about their lived experiences, and learn how communities can work together to transform foster care in West Virginia.
This is a unique opportunity for all church and community leaders to share their experiences, expertise, and resources to begin to build a system that better serves children in need. By participating in this Summit, you can be a part of a movement that will make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in West Virginia.
The All in Foster Care Summit will feature nationally recognized experts including:
- Jason Weber – National Director of Foster Care Initiatives at the Christian Alliance for Orphans and author of the book More than Enough: Transforming Foster Care Where You Live
- Dr. John DeGarmo – Director of The Foster Care Institute and author of the books Faith and Foster Care and The Church and Foster Care
- Lynn Johnson – President and Founder of ALL IN Fostering Futures and former Assistant Secretary for The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.
- Multiple former foster youth – Each of these individuals has lived experience in the foster care system and now advocate for positive change in the foster system throughout the U.S.
According to Greg Clutter, Director of Chestnut Mountain Village, “The All in Foster Care Summit is a meaningful opportunity to begin to change foster care in West Virginia. Events such as the Summit can be catalysts for transformation.”
Former Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and current President of All In Fostering Futures, Lynn Johnson, adds, “Faith-based movements are making a significant impact on foster care across the country – and in West Virginia. It is heartening to see people coming together to address this critical issue and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families.”
Join the All In Foster Care Summit on May 3, 2023, at River Ridge Church Teays Valley in Hurricane, West Virginia. Summit check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., and the main program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to register or to learn more can visit cmvwv.org. Attendees should register in advance. Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in West Virginia!
