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A Little About Our
History
The Council of the Southern Mountains is a private, non-profit 501
(c) 3 corporation. It is a Community Action Agency in operation since 1964, and is concerned with the general welfare
of the citizens of McDowell County WV and the surrounding counties. We function to provide quality programs,
products and services for carrying out the following purposes:
1. To promote and facilitate financial, social and
psychological self-sufficiency,
2. To contribute to the revitalization and resurrection of McDowell and surrounding counties
to their highest economic and social potential, and
3. To empower the participants and/or recipients to take control
over their futures.
MCP History
Those working at the Council identified a vulnerable
population in our region and felt a responsibilty to become involved.
Children of Prisoners are often without voice
in their circumstance. They often grieve the absence of someone close to them and could benefit from an additional caring
adult becoming involved in their lives. Mentors can provide this. Mentoring is a caring relationship between a
young person and a responsible adult who spends time with them listening and sharing with them what they know.
A mentor is not a parent replacement. They do listen, share in activities, and help young people develop
the skills that promote personal success and foster resiliency.
Initially upon recognizing the needs of these
children, the Council of the Southern Mountains applied for and received a state grant through the WV Justice Department. Out of this effort the mentoring program was formed. Mentoring has been proven through research as an effective
means of helping young people improve self-esteem, learn the social skills, and become empowered to make better life choices. Over the course of time the program has been supported by Volunteers In Service To
America.
The Mentoring of Children of Prisoners Program
is currently(Oct. 2007-2010) funded through a federal grant and other donations. The program will serve eight counties: McDowell, Wyoming, Mercer, Raleigh,
Mingo, Summers, Logan, Monroe. The goal is to match 725 young people ages 4-18 who have a parent involved in the
criminal justice system with a volunteer mentor who has been screened and trained. The
mentor/mentee match are to meet a minimum of one hour, once a week, for one year. We will provide training and support through
out the match. We recognize the significance of the struggle for the entire family and will attempt to be supportive
of the young persons and their parents/caregivers/guardians as well as the volunteer mentors. We will hold
quarterly events for those involved in the program, and seek to link resources to those needing them.
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Our Staff
Our MCP staff includes a program director, two program coordinators, two recruitment specialist and
a Title V worker. Each member has a vested interest in our communities and a passion to see our young people reach their
potential. We believe in the benefits of mentoring. Our staff falls under the direction of the Executive Director.
The Council is a 501 c (3) nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer tripartite Board of Directors. The Board is composed
of individual from three areas: 1) low-income and minority, 2) elected officials and 3) community representatives. The agency
serves people in the southern part of West Virginia.
MCP STAFF
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Sharon Laxton is our program director. She is a registered professional nurse, developmental specialist and a liscenced
youth pastor. She firmly believes in the potential of young people.
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Deborah Powell is a Title V worker who comes to us through the Council on Aging and helps with day to day operations
such as mailings, filing, researching various community resources and other needed activities. She is compassionate and believes
in mentoring and the program's mission.
Ashley Hamon, a native of Wyoming county, is a wife, mother and college student. She believes in families and young
people. She loves the counties she serves and wants to ensure youth have the mentors they need. She serves Wyoming, southern
Mingo and southern Logan counties.
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Our Programs
In addition to the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program, the Council of the Southern Mountains operates these programs:
- CSBG: Community Services Block Grant which additionally oversees the Youth Exposure Series which seeks to provide meaningful
educational and recreational experiences to Area youth. Examples include: transporting African-American Youth to WVU for a
week long exposure to engineering; Trips to the Clay Center; local minor league baseball games, etc. CSGB also oversees
volunteer income tax assistance.
- Foster Grandparent Program
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program
- Weatherization
For more information on each program check out The Council of the Southern Mountains Web site at http://councilofthesouthernmountains.com
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Tammy Walker is a registered dietician who is program coordinator for Monroe, Summers, Raleigh, and parts of Mercer counties.
She...
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Augustine Lewis started with MCP as a VISTA worker and is currently program coordinator for McDowell and Mercer
Counties. She is compassionate in reaching out to youth and their families.
Amber Davis is a mother, youth lead and counseling student. She is passionate about working with young people,
families and believes strongly in the power of volunteers. She serves Mingo and Logan counties
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Our Location
We serve McDowell, Monroe, Mercer, Mingo, Logan, Raleigh, Wyoming and Summers Counties in southern WV.
Much of our work is done on the road in various communities. Our main office is located on Rt 52 the
main street of Keystone, WV in the old Keystone bank building directly across the road from Ellers gas station.
We also have a satelite office in Bluefield beside the library.
We'll put our address and directions to our office here. We might also include a map.
The Council of the Southern Mountains
"Bringing opportunities within reach"
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