Collective Impact has been working with the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living to help the organization develop a strategic plan for the future as well as engage in succession planning for the planned departure of its founding Executive Director who has lead the organization for nearly 30 years.
During this engaging and productive process, Collective Impact is becoming more educated about the variety of needs of people with disabilities as well as the numerous services, resources, and supports available to the disabilities community. Did you know that in the United Stated, 12.6% of adults have some type of disability? Did you know that in West Virginia, the number is even higher, with 19.4% of adults having some type of disability? And in West Virginia, adults with disabilities are more likely to smoke (21.9%) and be obese (43.3%).
The challenges facing people with disabilities is overwhelming, but many of these challenges are being met daily by organizations like NWVCIL. A BIG shout out to the good folks at NWVCIL for your passion, tenacity, and strong work on improving the lives and communities of people with disabilities in the mountain state!
Collective Impact worked with the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor's Association (WVLPCA) to assess the current environment and develop a strategic plan for the Association. This plan was developed to provide a roadmap that will help guide the Association into the future. WVLPCA consists of members of the counseling profession working to promote Licensed Professional Counselors in the state. Their mission is to promote licensure and professional development for counselors in West Virginia through systems advocacy, networking, and capacity building. WVLPCA creates a voice for counselors to speak up for what they do, what they need to grow, and the value they bring to individuals, families, and communities.
"Collective Impact collaborated with us in designing and leading a statewide training for the network of Family Resource Centers in West Virginia. Throughout the twists and turns of design and fulfillment of our 2-day training, we were fortunate to work with a team of consultants who were professional, client-focused, flexible, effective, interactive, strength-based, positive, and connected. All provided in an atmosphere of fun and with a mindfulness of varied learning styles. We left our meeting with a renewed energy of cohesiveness, coupled with action steps and concrete ideas to move forward. The success of our training would not have been possible without the insight and effectiveness of Collective Impact." ~ Genny Ferri, Community Partnership Coordinator, Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia - a project of TEAM For West Virginia Children, Inc., Huntington, WV