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 with a meal worth showing up for: pulled pork sliders, cowboy beans, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and cobblers—all homemade and delicious. After food and fellowship, the night will feature a powerful panel of men who are living out what it means to be a Man of Impact.
World Changers on the Front Lines
The panel brings together leaders who have stepped into the foster care crisis with courage and conviction:
- Adam Burkhammer – A member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and long-time foster dad, Adam blends public service with fatherhood, showing how one man’s influence can ripple through family and community.
- Steve Finn – Executive Director of Chestnut Mountain Ranch and a foster/adoptive dad, Steve leads a Christ-centered residential program for boys in crisis. His work demonstrates how one man’s vision can restore families and transform futures.
- Justin Gaull – A church leader of family advocacy and foster care ministry, and a long-time foster dad, Justin is passionate about equipping congregations—and especially men—to move from the sidelines into active service.
- Ruston Seaman – Executive Director of New Vision Ministries, Russ builds community for youth aging out of foster care, including tiny homes that offer stability and dignity. His leadership shows how a man of impact invests in lasting change.
Why This Matters in West Virginia
West Virginia has one of the highest rates of children entering foster care in the nation. Each of these children carries the weight of instability, loss, and trauma that threatens their future. Yet, many men hesitate to step into the world of foster care—often feeling unqualified, unsure of their role, or believing the responsibility belongs to someone else.
But research shows otherwise. A study from Mathematica Policy Research found that when fathers are engaged in the lives of children in foster care, those children spend less time in care and are more likely to be reunified with family. Similarly, as noted by Intercept Health TFC, many foster children have lacked healthy male role models in their lives. Foster fathers play a unique role in showing children that there is another way to be a man—one marked by love, consistency, and strength. That influence can leave a lasting legacy, shaping the future well beyond the foster care experience.
Not Everyone Will Foster—But Everyone Can Do Something
The truth is, not every man will become a foster dad. But every man can do something to support vulnerable children and families. Some may use their hands to build or repair a home. Others may offer their time to mentor a teen in need of a positive role model. Still others may share their professional skills, contribute financially to support foster families, or mobilize others in their church community. Whatever your gift, there is a place for you.
Men of Impact Shape Generations
When men step into foster care—whether as foster dads, mentors, advocates, or simply by standing alongside families in need—they not only impact the lives of children today, they also shape the trajectory of generations to come. That’s what Man of Impact is all about: ordinary men stepping up in extraordinary ways to provide strength, stability, and hope.
Event Details
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27 at 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Trinity Assembly of God Church, 70 Maranatha Dr, White Hall, WV
🍴 Food & Fun: Pulled pork sliders, cowboy beans, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and cobblers—all homemade
💲 Cost: Free (an offering will be received)
🙌 Who: This is a men’s event—come as you are
✅ Registration: Not required. Just show up and be part of a night of food, fun, and inspiration.