Many thanks to DoSomething.org and Aeropastale

February 18, 2010 - The response to this year's Teens for Jeans drive has been overwhelming. Organized by DoSomething.org in partnership with Aeropastale, the drive is an initiative to collect clothing for homeless teens. After outfitting the residents of Genesis and Alta Vista with jeans, there were still plenty to share with area agencies.

DoSomething.org is an online activist site that encourages young people to create their own vision for making a difference in their communities and provides them with resources and support. Please visit their site for information on upcoming initiatives. DoSomething.org - using the power of online to get teens to do good stuff offline.

Creating a safe haven that fosters hope - one room at a time. . . .

"There's a place where I can go and tell my secrets to,
In my room, in my room.

In this world I lock out all my worries and my fears,

In my room, in my room.

Do my dreaming and my scheming, lie awake and pray,

Do my crying and my sighing, laugh at yesterday.

Now it's dark and I'm alone, but I won't be afraid,

In my room, in my room."

The first few chords of the Beach Boys' favorite, "In My Room" return many of us to the days when our rooms, securely tucked into the home of our parents, were the center of the universe. The lyrics speak to having a place of safety, a refuge.

Unfortunately, many of the children arriving at Genesis Youth Crisis Center, Inc., have never experienced the sense of security that comes from having a safe room of their own. As construction on our new facility continues at a rapid pace, we have begun to turn our attention to those items necessary to turn a simple room into a sanctuary for a child in need.

We hope you have many wonderful memories of the safe places of your childhood and that you will help us create a place, one room at a time, where our children will finally know a safe haven that fosters hope.

More information on the Room by Room Campaign can be found on our website under "New Campus". Click on "Capital Campaign" and then "Room by Room. To make a donation through PayPal, click on "About Us" on our website and then "Donations". Checks can be mailed to Genesis Youth Center at P. O. Box 546, Clarksburg, WV 26302.

Snow, shmo, it's never too early to plan!

February 3rd, 2010 - A little snow didn't stop Genesis Board Member and Landscape Architect, Beth Hestick, from an early planning session with Matt. From paths across the field to the placement of plants and seating areas, Beth's incredible vision and enthusiasm will turn our construction site into a welcoming home in no time. Bring on Spring - we are ready to get started!