Welcome to the Davis Stuart Annual Report! Over the past 104 years, Davis Stuart has taken care of children and families throughout the State of West Virginia. During that time there have been numerous changes made to ensure that we continue to offer our very best to those we serve in relation to the ever changing system of care. This year, one change we have chosen to make is with our Annual Report. In the day of technology, it felt like the right time to make the transition from printed reports to electronic reports. You will find information from the past year, and also have the opportunity to click on accompanying links to learn even more about particular areas of interest.

To those who have followed us throughout this journey to help children and families in need find wholeness, thank you for your interest and your support. To those who are new to our Davis Stuart family, as you enjoy the stories and articles within, you will get a glimpse into the care, treatment and growth opportunities we provide to assist our residents to improve relationships and build a foundation for success as they grow into adulthood.

I hope you find the following information inspiring, and should you wish to become part of the Davis Stuart family of support, please do not hesitate to reach out! We have worked diligently to make this new version of our Annual Report and I hope that you get as much enjoyment perusing some of the amazing things the staff and residents of Davis Stuart have been able to experience as we have had creating it!

Davis Stuart completed reaccreditation through the Council of Accreditation (COA) in 2020. This is a proud and significant achievement for our agency. Following the guidelines, standards, and requirements set for by COA. Davis Stuart continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of our residents while maintaining our heritage, mission and vision

Davis Stuart is accredited through March of 2024. For more on COA, please visit their website — coanet.org.

GROWING PARTNERSHIPS

FREEDOM FARMS

In collaboration with Freedom Farms, a fellow youth-serving nonprofit based in Raleigh County, WV, our residents were able to enjoy a variety of engaging and educational experiences over the last year. Freedom Farms specializes in agricultural programming as a means to teach life skills while building confidence and self-esteem. Their programs at Davis Stuart included revitalizing the greenhouse and raising livestock for show at the WV State Fair.

Together with our dedicated staff, Freedom Farms orchestrated a heartwarming holiday event that truly felt like a Hallmark movie, featuring a lavish prime rib feast, a festive Christmas wonderland, and a "Mistletoe Market" with games and gifts. Beyond the holidays, Freedom Farms actively contributed to the Davis Stuart community through fun activities like kiddie pool kickball, summer cookouts and much more. Their ongoing support has enriched the lives of the residents, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the enduring partnership and numerous memories made throughout the year.

UNITED WAY OF GREENBRIER VALLEY

Thanks in large part to a grant from the United Way of Greenbrier Valley (UWGBV), our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program was able to continue offering a vibrant program with an exciting variety of incentives. The PBIS Incentives and on-grounds store allow our residents to earn rewards for exemplifying the R.I.S.E. acronym - being responsible, invested, self-disciplined, and engaged. The incentives give them a tangible, reachable goal to work toward each month, while the store allows them the opportunity to earn access to additional recreational supplies every week. Together, these rewards serve to bolster the positive mindset of our residents.

UWGBV's support has opened doors to a world of possibilities for the teens in our program. Excursions this year included trips to the theater, a tour of Lost World Caverns, and a day at the West Virginia Renaissance Festival, just to name a few, affording residents many memorable moments. In return, we proudly supported UWGBV events like the Chocolate Festival, Day of Service, and Empty Bowls. It's a impactful partnership that strengthens our community and improves young lives.

IN THE COMMUNITY

T.O.O.T

Davis Stuart was honored to participate in the return of Carnegie Hall’s Taste Of Our Town event in October 2022. Our booth was a hit thanks to the incredible talents of Davis Stuart's Culinary Program. The youth worked hard to make and sell cake pops, cupcakes, pumpkin roll slices, and pepperoni rolls. We enjoy supporting our fellow nonprofits and highlighting our wonderful programs at the same time!

wvsom comes to davis stuart for Day of Service

The United Way of Greenbrier Valley partnered with the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in August 2022 for a Day of Service to the local community. They dispatched student volunteers to partner agencies throughout the area, and Davis Stuart was blessed to be one of them.

Volunteers assisted the Maintenance Coordinator in staining the deck on the Culinary building to improve our campus for staff and residents! We appreciate the United Way of Greenbrier Valley, WVSOM, and the medical students we got to meet that day.

Chlidren’s Memorial Flag Day

In April 2023, Davis Stuart staff gathered together with other child-serving agencies for the annual Children’s Memorial Flag Day ceremony. It is a day of remembrance for children who are no longer with us because of abuse and in support of those children who face abuse each day.

As a part of the day’s event, two community members who have made a lasting impact on the lives of children were honored. One of the honorees was Davis Stuart’s own Diane Lehr! Diane, who recently retired, dedicated over over 30 years to the children of Davis Stuart. No matter what role Diane has held, she always continued to develop relationships and support the youth in our program. Diane has been a true blessing to Davis Stuart and the children we serve!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Lyndon Hughart came to Davis Stuart in February of 2002 as a Child Care Worker, after many years working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2012 Lyndon was promoted to Team Leader. Lyndon has helped lead our direct care staff ever since.

One of Lyndon’s best memories of his time at Davis Stuart is about a resident who came through the program some years back. Lyndon says that helping this resident complete the program and earn his high school diploma was a joy. The young man continued on after leaving Davis Stuart to earn his welding certificate. He is now a Lieutenant in the prison system. The ability to watch this youth grow into such a strong and successful member of society is why we all do this sometimes thankless work, says Lyndon.

Lyndon’s favorite event at Davis Stuart is the annual Christmas party. This event gives him an opportunity to participate and enjoy the delight of our residents. Lyndon has dressed up as Santa Clause many times over the years. This has become a wonderful tradition for not only the youth to enjoy, but also his co-workers.

Lyndon’s ability to relate to the boys and girls in our care while still holding their respect is something we can all learn from. His years of service to an ever-evolving program has shown Lyndon’s ability to adapt and keep calm under pressure. Davis Stuart and fellow staff members appreciate Lyndon’s dedication and the stability he provides each day. Davis Stuart wishes to thank Lyndon for embodying our Mission and Vision, staff like Lyndon make what we do possible.

— Resident at Davis Stuart

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

*The decrease in program expenses is a result of the ongoing nationwide staffing shortage, which has had a significant impact on our direct care positions.

IN MEMORY OF

PASTOR JAY

First Presbyterian Church

Logan, WV

ERNESTINE BOJASKI

First Presbyterian Church

Logan, WV

JAMES DOTSON

Beulah, Hazel and Brand Dotson

CHARLIE GARDNER

Jack & Linda Stokes

LARRY MILES

Mertia & Art Vance Jr. & Family

DR. C. RICHARD DANIEL

Linda Daniel

JOHN M. FORD II

First Presbyterian Church

Logan, WV

CHARLES, EVA & PAM MCCLURG

Kay Brown

SCEMEARL MILES

Mertia & Art Vance Jr. & Family

mission partners & foundations

Beckley Area Foundation

Daywood Foundation

First Presbyterian Church

of Charleston

Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation

Hamilton Family Foundation

Hollowell Dawkins Foundation

James F.B. Peyton Foundation

Jeannine Y. Francis Charitable Foundation

Neighborhood Investment Program

Presbytery of West Virginia

Ritz & Toni Kingdon Family Foundation

United Way of the Greenbrier Valley

Wehrle Foundation

A special thank you to all of the generous church congregations throughout WV and beyond that continue to support our program!

ALL ABOUT DAVIS STUART

WHO WE ARE

• Residential treatment facility for at-risk youth
• Founded in 1919 as a Presbyterian orphanage
• Operates as a private non-profit (501c3)
• Nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA)
• Licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR)
  

WHAT WE DO

WHAT WE OFFER

• Community-based group home and campus residential treatment for youth who may suffer from abuse, neglect, and/or behavioral issues
• Referrals accepted through WVDHHR
• Work to identify trauma and provide individualized treatment for healing
• Enrichment
• Provide life skills
  
• Employment preparation
• Money management
• Community volunteerism
• Teach healthy coping skills
• Exposure to arts and recreation
• Provide life-changing experience
• Support
  
• Identify healthy habits
  
• On-campus family visits (when appropriate)
• Home visits (when appropriate)
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
  

• Experienced Clinical Staff
• Licensed psychologist (contracted)
  
• Masters-level therapists
• Licensed social workers
• Nursing staff (24/7)
• Individualized treatment planning & supportive counseling
  
• Education
• On-grounds school operated by the Office of Diversion & Transition
  
• Public school option
• Access to educational institutions for night classes, vocational, and college courses
• Programs
  
• Agriculture
  
• Culinary Arts
• Employment Preparation Program (EPP)
• Equine
• Recreation
• Spiritual Life

HELP US HELP KIDS

Venmo or PayPal a donation today to help provide wellness programming for our youth.

HOW WILL MY DONATION BE USED?

Davis Stuart serves children and families throughout West Virginia. The youth we serve may suffer from abuse, neglect and behavioral/mental health issues. Our program utilizes a wellness model, which focuses on seven areas: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial and spiritual well-being. The day-to-day operations of Davis Stuart are dependent upon the love and generosity shown by those who care about children.

There are many ways you can help us support the teens in our care. Donations can be designated to certain programs if you desire to direct your support to a particular area of interest. General donations are prioritized first for non-reimbursable programming, but may also be used for the general needs of youth in our care and other program expenses, as needed.