HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) – Recently, Congresswoman Carol Miller stopped by REACHH in Hinton to discuss funding she helped secure for the organization to complete needed renovations to their buildings. According to Miller, $650,000 was granted to REACHH through Community Project Funding. The resource center held a tea party for Miller to welcome her.
“I was thrilled to meet with the REACHH-Family Resource Center to discuss how the $650,000 I secured in funding will help continue to support families in need. These centers are vital in our communities and provide safety and stability to many children in throughout the state. I’m happy to support this organization and provide them with the resources to grow their reach here in West Virginia,” said Congresswoman Miller.
REACHH-Family Resource Center has three properties that will benefit from this funding; the main building, the food pantry and the child advocacy center. According to REACH officials Felisha Hartwell and Doris Selko, there are several projects they are excited to get started.
Hartwell noted that the main REACHH building has endured some extensive damage over the years. As a result, the floors slope significantly in multiple areas, one hallway has a hump in the floor, some of the pillars on the porch are leaning and an HVAC system is needed. The food pantry building needs to be expanded and the steps leading to the entrance need to be repaired. Some of the buildings need a new roof.
Other projects may include adding a shower and laundry machines to the food pantry building, constructing privacy fences and more.
According to Hartwell, Miller had been to the new Child Advocacy Center before they were able to renovate it to what it is now. Hartwell said it was “really nice” being able to show Miller the progress they have made. Of Miller’s visit, Selko said, “We were honored to welcome her with a small tea.” Several community supporters also attended the event.
Hartwell said, “We want REACHH to be an amazing place where families can come and know their needs are going to be met.” Now that they can improve their locations, REACHH is even better equipped to “provide a place for the community to come that is safe and available and ready to go.”
Because REACHH is located within the historic district, Selko stated that they are going to be working with the Summers County Historical Society to ensure their upgrade meets the historical requirements. In addition to meeting historical standards, REACHH is also required to be ADA-compliant, which will factor into some improvements. Hartwell said they have worked with the historical society in the past and they are incredibly understanding and easy to work with.
Hinton News will be following the progress of the improvements made to REACHH and will provide updates as renovations get underway.
