ANNUAL
JULY 2023 - JUNE 2024
DAVIS STUART
REPORT
A WORD FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STEPHANIE WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Davis Stuart Annual Report! Throughout these pages you will find
stories, pictures and information regarding the services Davis Stuart has provided to
our children and families over the past year. Davis Stuart has been serving children
and families since 1919 and while the individual needs have changed over the course
of our tenure, the overwhelming love and support from our staff to our most
vulnerable population continues to grow.
Here at Davis Stuart, we know it takes a village to provide for all our youth needs. We
are fortunate to have partnerships, like that with Freedom Farms, which allow for our
kids and staff to experience opportunities that otherwise may not be available. If you
are a follower of Davis Stuart, especially through our social media, you already know
of the great things that our youth are accomplishing. If you are new to us, please
follow us on social media and perhaps even consider donating. The programs that are
vital to our youth like recreation, spiritual life, employment preparation, and our
agricultural/animal programs, are solely funded by private donations. For those of you
who have been long time supporters, I want to say thank you! For those who are new
and would like to support us, please reach out for more information.
Thank you for your interest and I hope you enjoy our second edition of our online
Annual Report!
Blessings-
Stephanie Williams, MA, LSW, PHR
Executive Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Honorable Susan Perry, President Honorable James Rowe, Vice President Denise Pettijohn, Secretary Mardi McMillan, Treasurer
Gary Baldwin Delores Cook Kim Estep
Steve Logan D. Joseph Taylor Kay Smith Susan Sharp Campbell
Davis Stuart completed reaccreditation through the Council of Accreditation (COA) in 2024. 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 2028. For more on COA, please visit their website — coanet.org.
THE DAVIS STUART STANDARD
FREEDOM FARMS
BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS
In collaboration with Freedom Farms, a fellow youth-serving nonprofit based in Raleigh County, W.V., our residents enjoyed a wide range of engaging and educational experiences throughout the year. Freedom Farms continues to specialize in agricultural programming that teaches valuable life skills while building confidence and self-esteem. This year, their guidance was instrumental in preparing our residents for the State Fair of West Virginia, where our youth proudly received the Herdsmanship Award for their exemplary care of livestock. Freedom Farms played a key role in teaching showmanship, particularly in showing sheep and goats, helping our residents excel. One of the standout moments of the year was the enchanting holiday celebration coordinated by Freedom Farms and our dedicated staff. This event brought the magic of the season to life with a delicious prime rib feast, a beautifully decorated Christmas wonderland, and a delightful "Mistletoe Market" brimming with games and gifts that brought joy to everyone involved. The festive spirit continued with a Whoville-inspired float for the Lewisburg Christmas parade and a memorable tree lighting ceremony on our main campus complete with hot chocolate, s'mores, and carols. Beyond the holidays, Freedom Farms added joy to our community with activities like a lively snowball fight and supporting our residents' victory at the 4-H Venison Competition by providing meat, décor, shirts, and hats, with a special dinner at Applebee’s afterwards. Their ongoing support continues to enrich the lives of our youth. We are deeply grateful for the enduring partnership and the countless memories created throughout the year.
Thanks to continued support from the United Way of Greenbrier Valley (UWGBV), the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program thrived once again this year. The PBIS Incentives and on-grounds store continue to provide our residents with meaningful rewards for embodying the R.I.S.E. principles—being responsible, invested, self-disciplined, and engaged. These incentives give our youth tangible goals to strive for each month, while the store offers them the chance to earn access to additional recreational supplies each week. Together, these rewards play a crucial role in fostering a positive mindset among our residents. UWGBV's support has unlocked new and exciting experiences for the teens in our program. This year, they enjoyed visits to the local comic book store, Villians Comics LLC, and a New Chapter Bookstore in downtown Lewisburg, where they selected their own comics and books. Other highlights included a return trip to the West Virginia Renaissance Festival, a Memorial Day-themed luau, a pirate treasure hunt, bowling outings, attending a Dirty Birds baseball game in Charleston, WV, and several movie outings. We also proudly supported UWGBV events like the Chocolate Festival, Day of Service, and Empty Bowls, strengthening our community partnership. This impactful collaboration continues to open doors and create lasting memories for the youth in our care.
UNITED WAY OF THE GREENBRIER VALLEY
The United Way of Greenbrier Valley partnered with the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in August 2023 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 our Administration building to improve our campus for visitors, staff and residents! We appreciate the United Way of Greenbrier Valley, WVSOM, and the medical students we got to meet that day.
wvsom comes to davis stuart for Day of Service
In October 2023, Davis Stuart proudly took part in the much-anticipated return of Carnegie Hall’s Taste Of Our Town event. Our Culinary Program youth showcased their exceptional skills by preparing a delicious selection of treats, including cake pops, pumpkin roll slices, and pepperoni rolls. The event was a fantastic opportunity not only to share our students' culinary talents with the community but also to engage with and support other local nonprofits. We are thrilled to have been a part of this vibrant community gathering, celebrating our programs and the hard work of our young chefs.
T.O.O.T
In March 2024, Davis Stuart gathered with other community and organization members at the Family Refugee Center in Lewisburg to celebrate International Women's Day. This special day provided an opportunity to recognize and honor the strong, passionate women who make a significant impact within our service area. We are incredibly grateful to work alongside these inspirational women, whose dedication and commitment continue to support and empower the youth at Davis Stuart. Their efforts have been a true blessing to our organization and the children we serve.
International Women’s Day
Community Impact
ADVOCACY IN THE COMMUNITY
The Greenbrier County Children’s Memorial Flag Day Committee united to place pinwheels at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, symbolizing our community's unwavering stance against child abuse
FOR CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
Davis Stuart joined forces with the Children Memorial Flag Day Committee to convene at Lewisburg City Hall, where Mayor Beverly White signed the Children's Memorial Flag Day Proclamation, solidifying our commitment to safeguarding our children
Davis Stuart had the honor of witnessing the signing of the Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation by the Greenbrier County Commission. Grateful appreciation to our commissioners for their commitment to this crucial cause
We united for Children’s Memorial Flag Day, an emotional occasion to remember the children in our community lost to abuse and to stand in solidarity with those still enduring it. In the U.S., a staggering 3.5 million children are reported abused and neglected each year. The white chalk outline on the flag that was raised symbolizes those who have tragically lost their lives due to childhood neglect and abuse, while the blue children represent all others affected.
Eric Ellison joined the Davis Stuart team in April of 2019. While relocating to Lewisburg, West Virginia, Eric found that Davis Stuart offered him the opportunity to follow his passion in case management and counseling. Eric quickly raised through the ranks from Permanency Case Manager, to Individual Therapist, to his current position as Clinical Administrator. For Eric, the most rewarding aspect of his work is witnessing a resident complete their program and express gratitude for the guidance provided throughout their journey. Watching our residents grow, learn, and transform into the remarkable individuals they were always meant to be is a privilege that Eric—and all of us at Davis Stuart—deeply cherish. Eric values Davis Stuart's commitment to healing the whole child and actively participates in programs like those offered by Freedom Farms and the Old Stone Food Locker. He believes these initiatives are vital not only for teaching our residents essential life skills but also for fostering a sense of charity and community involvement. By helping set and achieve tangible goals, these programs significantly boost residents' confidence and self-worth. One of Eric’s favorite traditions at Davis Stuart is the annual Christmas party. This event brings staff and residents together in a joyful celebration, creating festive memories that are especially meaningful for those who may have had limited experience with such gatherings in the past. Being able to share in this spirit of giving is an honor for Eric. Davis Stuart extends heartfelt thanks to Eric for embodying our mission and vision. It is through the dedication of staff members like Eric that we can continue making a difference in the lives of our residents.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Our Team
Join
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Spiritual Life Program
Equine Program
The Davis Stuart Equine Program offers a spirited introduction to horsemanship, delivering valuable benefits like increased motivation, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and boosted self-esteem. For many of our residents, this program represents their initial exposure to farm life and the rewarding experience of caring for an animal. In this program, youth learn the essential skills needed to safely care for and train our mini horses right on our main campus. Operating as the DS Spirit Riders, this program is an established 4H club in Greenbrier County. It provides residents with the opportunity to engage in local horse shows, including the youth competition at the State Fair of West Virginia. Additionally, each year in May we host the Annual Davis Stuart Horse Show to help fund the program and support it’s continued success and growth.
This year, the Spiritual Life program at Davis Stuart has flourished under the leadership of our Spiritual Life Coordinator, Kristi Moore. Our residents have engaged in a diverse range of enriching activities, from weekly chapel services to the heartwarming Christmas Eve service, making our chapel a cornerstone of spiritual and community connection. Rev. Moore has played a pivotal role in deepening the residents' sense of purpose through initiatives such as weekend food drives and the beloved Blessing of the Animals tradition. This year, we also celebrated Easter with a special party featuring crafts and food, where residents learned about the holiday’s significance and participated in decorating a cross, which was proudly displayed on the front lawn of the administration building. Additionally, the program continues to offer weekly optional Bible studies and musical opportunities, ensuring that spiritual life remains a vibrant and integral part of our community. We are truly grateful for Rev. Moore’s inspiring leadership, which has made a profound impact on the lives of our youth.
On October 28th, 2023, Davis Stuart proudly hosted our inaugural Creepy Crawl 5K, a Halloween-themed event that brought together our community in a fun and festive atmosphere. This event marked a significant milestone for us, with participants donning creative costumes and running through historic downtown Lewisburg. The event’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of our staff, enthusiastic participants, generous donors, and valued sponsors. Their contributions were instrumental in making this day truly special. The funds raised through the Creepy Crawl 5K directly benefit our Recreation and Wellness Program, a vital initiative that supports the well-being of the youth in our care. This program, which does not qualify for direct reimbursement from the West Virginia Department of Human Services, relies heavily on private giving and community partnerships. Every dollar raised through the 5K is invested in creating opportunities for our residents to engage in activities that promote physical health, mental well-being, and social connection. The overwhelming support from our community not only allowed us to host a successful event but also enabled us to enrich the lives of the young people we serve. The Creepy Crawl 5K is more than just a fun run; it is a testament to the power of community and the positive impact we can have when we come together for a common cause.
Unveiling the Inaugural Creepy Crawl 5k
Davis Stuart’s 1st Creepy Crawl 5K: A Spooktacular Success
The Recreation and Wellness Fund is a cornerstone of our commitment to the holistic development of the youth at Davis Stuart. This program allows us to create an environment that goes beyond basic care, offering our residents opportunities for fun, education, and personal growth. From celebrating birthdays and enjoying simple pleasures like ice cream to organizing shopping sprees, dinner outings, and creative activities, every moment is cherished as we strive to make our youth feel like part of our extended family. Our program also includes a variety of novel experiences that foster strong connections and build life skills. Activities such as kayaking, movie nights, paint nights, snow tubing, hikes, lake days, and game nights are just a few examples of the enriching opportunities we provide. These activities not only bring joy to our residents but also contribute significantly to their overall wellness. At Davis Stuart, our mission is to help our youth achieve spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness. The Recreation and Wellness Program plays a critical role in this mission, and it is through the generous support of our donors and community partners that we are able to continue offering these priceless experiences.
Program Spotlight: Recreation and Wellness Program
The simple truth is that I trust you all. And I love you all. And I want you to be able to say you knew me before I left. Actually knew me. I want you to know where I came from and who I am now because of it. Why I so desperately stress my improvements.
— Resident at Davis Stuart
HR led mock interviews with McCormick House residents, boosting their confidence and preparing them for future success!
Magical moments at our Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Freedom Farms, featuring our staff as surprise guests: Buddy the Elf and Santa himself.
Celebrating a Year of Davis Stuart: A Journey Through Our Highlights in Pictures
School field trip to The Hanna Farmstead filled with corn mazes, tractor rides, and farm exploration!
Fun summer trip for the residents to the Aquarium in Lynchburg, VA
Our residents' handmade ornaments decorated the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest! How amazing was that!
Congratulations to Jessalyn Desmond, a 14-year-old Girl Scout, for her impressive Silver Award project—crafting a beautiful barn sign and flag for Davis Stuart Spirit Riders. Let's celebrate her remarkable achievement!
At Davis Stuart, our employees love getting into the Halloween spirit, as you can see from their fantastic costumes!
Did you catch our interview on 59news for our 8th Annual Davis Stuart Horse Show?
Captivated by the solar eclipse—an unforgettable moment for our residents!
Thank you to Freedom Farms for helping our residents craft a Whoville-inspired float for the Lewisburg Christmas Parade!
Residents discovering the beauty of Beartown on their summer adventure.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
$2.92 Million
Total Budget Based on pre-audit data
WHERE THE MONEY ORIGINATES
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
BEULAH HAZEL BLAND DOTSON james Dotson
IN MEMORY OF
BRYON DINSMORE “DINK” STUMP First Presbyterian Church Logan, WV
LARRY WALTER VANCE Art & Mertia Vance Jr. & Family
DR. C. RICHARD DANIEL Linda Daniel
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 Shott-Baker 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!
A. ARTHUR VANCE IV Art & Mertia Vance Jr. & Family
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 Human Servies (DoHS)
WHAT WE DO
Community-based group home and campus residential treatment for youth who may suffer from abuse, neglect, and/or behavioral issues Referrals accepted through the WV Department of Human Services (DoHS) 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)
WHAT WE OFFER
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 West Virginia Schools Diversion and 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
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ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
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If you are a considering a year-end gift in support of a worthy cause then our program can maximize that gift. Qualifying donations of $500 or more earn up to 50% of the donation amount in state tax credits. Good for personal or business taxes. Email carterk@davisstuart.org or call 304-647-5577 to make your pledge before they are all gone! Or donate TODAY via the PayPal link below!
Davis Stuart still has WV Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) tax credits available.
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.
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163 Cottage Drive Lewisburg, WV 24901
Telephone: (304) 647-5577 Fax: (304) 647-5727
DAVIS STUART