News & Articles
I Came to Serve. I Found Healing.
Contributed by Teresa, a FAM Volunteer.I signed up as a volunteer for the Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) at my church almost two years ago because I was looking for something to help me heal from the loss of my son. I started by providing a meal for one foster family, and then another, and even…
Pie, People, and a Taste of The Kingdom
Article by Melissa Cargill, Village Community Coordinator. About 30 years ago, before our wedding, my husband and I were gifted a beautiful ceramic pie plate and a recipe book titled “Pies and Tarts”. I remember thinking, “What a lovely gift! If only I were the kind of person who baked pies!” I enjoyed pie, but…
The Match Is Met. The Mission Moves Forward.
A Challenge to Multiply Impact In November 2025, we invited others to join the Be The Village Match Challenge. Through this effort, every gift was matched dollar for dollar, up to two hundred thousand dollars. The goal was clear. We aimed to double the impact, strengthen the work, and expand the reach. Now, we are…
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From One County to Many: CarePortal Momentum Builds
Momentum continues to build across West Virginia as CarePortal expands and connects local churches with real, immediate needs of children and families in crisis. What began with a single launch in Monongalia County in April 2025 has grown into a multi-county movement. CarePortal is now active in Monongalia, Preston, Harrison, and Marion Counties. This month,…
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REGISTER NOW: 2026 All In Foster Care Summit
This Summit is more than another date on the calendar. Instead, it serves as a focused gathering that encourages clear action. At Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, pastors and church teams will connect with child welfare professionals, foster alumni, foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and community leaders. Through that connection, participants will strengthen collaboration across…
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How It started. How It’s Going. And Why It Matters.
In April 2024, Chestnut Mountain Village, two Monongalia County churches, and a local family serving organization launched a small but ambitious “proof of concept” to see whether CarePortal could help meet the real needs of children and families in crisis. Through CarePortal, local child serving agencies are able to enter needs such as beds, clothing,…
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Passing Through the Waters Together: FAMs Give Hope
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:2a When a family steps out in faith and opens their home to foster care or adoption, they need to know they are not walking the journey alone! Family Advocacy…
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Be The Village: A Vision Worth Doubling
We were excited to announce the launch of our Be The Village Match Challenge in November 2025. For six months, every financial gift to The Village will be matched dollar for dollar, up to two hundred thousand dollars. The generosity of donors will immediately double in impact and help strengthen and expand The Village’s work…
Bridging the Gaps for Children and Families
Recently, there was a family who needed a bridge. Their small home sat in a rural part of West Virginia, and the only way to reach the road was by crossing a narrow footbridge over a creek. The bridge had fallen into disrepair, and the condition was quietly brought to the attention of local Child…
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When the Church Answers the Call
Psalm 10:14 says, “But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.” That truth is seen every time the Church notices the pain of others and chooses to step in with compassion and care. Not long ago, a foster family supported by their local West Virginia…
Chestnut Mountain Village Launches $200,000 “Be The Village” Match Challenge to Strengthen Foster Family Support Across West Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Campaign offers dollar-for-dollar match to provide churches with training and resources for foster, adoptive and kinship families Morgantown, W.Va. – [DATE] – Chestnut Mountain Village (The Village), a ministry equipping West Virginia churches statewide to support foster, adoptive and kinship families in their communities, announced the launch of a $200,000 matching gift…
Foster Care Placement Stability Through Church and Community Support
New research in the Journal of Public Child Welfare confirms what West Virginians are witnessing through local ministries every day. When churches and communities surround foster families with support, foster care placement stability improves and children experience the consistency and love they need to heal. The study, “Examining the Impact of Participation in a Foster…
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Chestnut Mountain Village and DoHS Expand CarePortal to offer community-based solutions to more West Virginia Families
9/17/2025West Virginia Department of Human Services After serving more than 270 children in Monongalia and Preston counties, Chestnut Mountain Village, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), is expanding CarePortal into Harrison, Marion, Taylor, and Barbour counties. The technology platform connects caseworkers with local churches and community members who can respond directly…
How CarePortal Works
CarePortal is a care sharing technology that drives action for local children and families in crisis. Watch this short video to see how CarePortal connects local churches and community members to meet the urgent needs of children and families. Contact The Village today to learn how your church can be part of this life-changing work.…
When Foster Parents Feel Undervalued, Misled, and Isolated: What the Research Tells Us—and How Communities Can Respond
When Foster Parents Feel Undervalued, Misled, and Isolated: What the Research Tells Us—and How Communities Can Respond
MAN UP! Event: Answering the Call to Be Men of Impact
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025 men from across North Central West Virginia are invited to gather for “MAN-UP: Men of Impact!!!” at Trinity Assembly of God Church in Fairmont. This men’s event is designed to inspire, encourage, and challenge—while also giving men a chance to enjoy great food and fun together. The evening kicks off…
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About Us
Chestnut Mountain Village (‘The Village’), a ministry of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, is dedicated to creating Christ-centered communities to provide hope and homes for vulnerable kids and families. To do this, the Village guides and equips church partners to care for vulnerable children and families by providing a proven, step-by-step ministry model …