Crittenton Services Renovating Wade House to Help Address State Problem

According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, there are 255 West Virginia youth currently placed in out-of-state residential or psychiatric facilities. In Richard Royse’s opinion, that is 255 too many.

Royse, the President and CEO of Crittenton Services, said that moving a child out of state add to a child’s trauma. West Virginia takes care of its own and Crittenton is committed to creating alternatives to serve our children in West Virginia.

 As a result, Crittenton Services is, with the help of the Sister’s of Charity of Nazareth (KY), local volunteers and businesses, renovating a single-family home located on its campus in Elm Grove - to make a difference in the lives of West Virginia’s children.

 “We are grateful and honored that Sister Luke Boiarski and her loyal construction crew of volunteers, began Monday, November 8 to make extensive renovations to this home” said Royse. “They came in from Kentucky, Maryland, and Ohio, and joined with people from the Wheeling area, to hang drywall, sand the floors, remodel the bathrooms, to create a warm, supportive, safe environment for children to begin to confront the traumas that have occurred in their short lives.”

 Sister Luke, who grew up in Bellaire and graduated from St. John, was glad to be home.  “I am so pleased that we were able to organize an experienced crew of construction professionals to make a positive impact at Crittenton Services in support of their vision of helping children and families throughout West Virginia,” she said. “Of course, this trip was extra special for me, as I was able to see my family and introduce our volunteers to the Ohio Valley.”

Royse estimates the project will cost around $200,000 to complete and enable Crittenton to serve girls with greater needs. Royse said, “From a humanitarian perspective, this project is a top priority. West Virginia’s children, which includes a high percentage from the northern panhandle, are being sent to out-of-state locations, far removed from their families. The Wade Home renovations are a first step for Crittenton Services to help West Virginia address this humanitarian crisis.”

Royse was also thankful for the local community support. “Wheeling is such a wonderful and caring community,” he said. “Everyone that we have asked to help thus far, has embraced the project and jumped in without hesitation, which has enabled us to complete much of the prep work in advance of Sister Luke’s arrival. The growing list of supporters includes the Knights of Columbus, Lowes, Republic Services and members of the Wheeling Central Catholic football team.”

According to Royse, those interested in learning more about the project or making a donation are asked to contact E. J. Schodzinski, Director of Marketing & Development, at ejschodzinski@crittentonwv.org or 304.242.7060.

CONTACT:  E. J. Schodzinski, Director of Marketing & Development, at ejschodzinski@crittentonwv.org or 304.242.7060.