Introducing . . . . "Safe Haven Drive"

Choosing a new street name can be a little tricky. We found out from the Harrison/Taylor Addressing and Mapping Coordinator that any new road name must be unique to all Harrison County. Since there is already a Genesis Boulevard in the area, the search was on for another name. The number is based on a frontage scale and is assigned according to the distance from the main road.

We wanted a name that described the essence of our programs. One that lets children know they are entering a secure and welcoming place and we turned to our mission statement: Genesis Youth Crisis Center, Inc., providing a safe haven for children that fosters hope.

And so, 192 Safe Haven Drive, here we come. Hopefully, this summer will see us providing services in our new facility. Here, our hard-working Executive Director shows his enthusiasm for the move.

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!

Smiles at the Summer Cookout

Thursday, October 8th, 2009 -- A little rain didn't dampen the fun or limit smiles at the annual end of summer cookout for Genesis staff and their families. Everyone had an opportunity to see for themselves the progress made on the new facility at #5 Eagle Way as they trekked the path to the pavilion. Board members Dan Ferrell, John Aman, Jr., Matt Hansberry, Lee Gustafson, Roger Lehosit, and Jaclyn Rominger joined the crew for dinner.