Monday, September 27th. A first look at the forecast that morning was not promising. The entire State was blanketed by a dark green band of rain, with no break in sight. And yet, around 11:00, registration time for the Third Annual Genesis Fall Golf Tournament, the sun began to shine over the Bridgeport Country Club.

Having a successful event depends on a great deal more than fair weather. Taking a leadership role were MCM Business Systems as the Event Sponsor and Midwest Energy and Jaclyn Elsey Rominger, DDS, as Lunch Sponsors. Our thanks go to them, as well as the seventeen Corporate Sponsors and twenty-eight Tee Sponsors that made our day! (For a complete list of our sponsors, take a look below. Highlights of the day are posted on our Facebook page.)

The Emergency Shelter Providers Network Annual Conference was held September 15-17 in Parkersburg, WV. The focus for this year's conference was "Finding Opportunities: Advocacy for Children in Out-of-Home Care". Topics ranged from advocating for children in the juvenile justice system to ensuring an equal education for children in shelter care. Our own Tiffany Sharp, Case Manager, and Derika Bowyer, Case Aide, presented case studies to the group. The sharing of stories and anecdotes was a popular segment of this year's conference and highlighted the challenges and joys common to our work.

For everyone that was part of Genesis Summer Camp this year, the magic remains. Camp is more than squirt guns and slip n'slide. It's an opportunity for the children at Genesis to "just be kids", if only for a few days. Because we are dedicated to preserving the privacy of the children that need us, we can't share their smiles but can allow a glimpse of what is nothing less than our best effort to restore hope. And so, for all those kids that spent that special time with us, this is "My Wish" . . . . . . .

Reminder: The monthly Genesis staff meeting will be held at 8:30 A.M. on August 19th in the Genesis visitation room. Please bring your employee handbooks.

Many thanks to Sam's Club for approving a grant for school supplies just in time to prepare our residents for their return to the classroom. Over 150 students were enrolled in the Harrison County School System last year from the Genesis Youth Center and the Alta Vista Children's Shelter, making school supplies always in high demand.

Here, Bridgett Syrews, Sam's Club Member Champion, and Cari Stutler, Marketing Team Lead, present the check to Shannon Bragg, Genesis Human Resources Director.

Calling all golfers . . . . . .

The Third Annual Genesis Youth Crisis Center Fall Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, September 27th, 2010, at the Bridgeport Country Club. Special thanks to our event sponsor, MCM Business Systems, and our lunch sponsors, Jaclyn Elsey Rominger, DDS, and Midwest Energy, Inc.

The fall golf outing has become an important part of Genesis efforts to provide wider opportunities for the at-risk children in our care. Without our help, and yours, these kids often "fall through the cracks".

Click this link to download a brochure and join the growing list of people and companies supporting the Genesis mission, to provide a safe haven for children that fosters hope.

http://www.genesisyouthcenter.com/Golf_Tournament_%20Brochure_2010.pdf

Event Sponsor

MCM Business Systems, Roger Lehosit

Lunch Sponsors

Jaclyn Elsey Rominger, DDS

Midwest Energy, Inc.

Corporate Sponsors

Dominion

Huffman Corporation

J & J Drywall

KCI Aviation

Larry Myers Subaru Hyundai

Mylan

Omni Associates - Architects, Inc.

Poland Concrete

Thrasher Engineering

Time Warner Cable, Media Sales

U.S. Foodservice

Waste Management of West Virginia

Weatherford

Wells Fargo

Wesbanco

West Union Bank

Individual Sponsors

Mary Lou & Jerald Jones

Eric Spatafore

Tee Sponsors

BCBank

Batman's Trophies & Awards

Bridgeport Conference Center

Burnside Funeral Home

The Family of Gary Gould

Graham Simon Plumbing Co., LLC

Lee & Martha Gustafson

Interiors by Design, LLC

Cynthia M. Iquinto, FSC Securities Corporation

David A. Lattanzi, DDS

Medbrook

Delegate Tim Miley

Murray, Murray & Groves

Pediatric Associates

Photos by Design

Prescription Lawn & Pest Control

Mr. Michael J. Romano, Attorney at Law

Matt & Pam Rudder

Service Plus, Inc.

Spa Policano

Specialty Groups, Inc.

Steptoe & Johnson, Inc.

Stout Company, Inc.

Summit Electrical Construction

This End Up Furniture Company, Inc.

Dan Thompson Wrecker Service

Wild & Wonderful, LLC

"POSITIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS" was the theme for the 2010 Genesis Staff Retreat. The importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace, most especially with the children we serve, was emphasized. In addition to break-out sessions dedicated to brainstorming activities for the upcoming summer camp, there were team building exercises that included a little friendly competition.

Everyone left the retreat refreshed and eager to "PASS ON A POSITIVE ATTITUDE". Next month's summer camp for the kids is shaping up to be the best one ever.