Computer training for WV foster children

During the week after Christmas, our e-impact tech program at Mission WV was able to team up with FrameWorks on a project that combined the mission of empowering foster youth's lives and teaching technology to the youth throughout our state. Thanks to a grant given by the Mollohan Foundation, Mission West Virginia was able to provide free computer training to a few of the foster youth who live at Stepping Stones, a group facility for foster children. The program called BIKISI, stands for Build it Keep it Share it. Youth who participate in the program are given the tools, parts, and knowledge to build a computer of their very own that they are allowed to keep at the end of the week.

“These young men were not able to visit with family over the holiday” said Susan Fry, Stepping Stones Executive Director, “and the positive engagement, knowledge and priceless opportunity this program afforded them certainly brought a smile to their faces during a time that is very difficult for many of our kids.”

We are so happy that this was such a good experience for everyone involved. We hope to continue seeking funds so that more foster youth can also have the opportunity to get involved in the BIKISI Program.

Grant Awarded to Mission WV!

The Robert H. Mollohan Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. has awarded a grant of $2,500 to Mission WV, Inc. through a Community Grant Program.

This grant will be used to support the BIKISI program, which operates under the E-impact program. BIKISI (Build it, Keep it, Share it) is a youth computer education program that takes place in rural communities throughout West Virginia. During a one week training, youth are provided with the tools, parts, and knowledge needed to build their own computer. At the end of the training, the student is able to take the computer home with them. BIKISI is in partnership with the Workforce Investment Board and Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).

Memory Cooper, FrameWorks AmeriCorps Vista, submitted the grant applications. Congratulations Memory! Memory recently joined us from Indianapolis, IN and we are happy to have her as a part of our team. She is working on the first phase of a project that will work to help foster care youth who are at risk of aging out. Youth, aging out of foster care, are often unprepared for transition to adulthood. This project will target those youth and coordinate community wide efforts to assist these young people in transition. The project is a collaborative effort of Mission WV, Children's Home Society, West Virginia's Promise, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. A grant from the Benedum Foundation was received by Mission WV, Inc. to fund the program.