Media Contacts:
Greg Clutter, Director
Chestnut Mountain Village
304-612-6265
greg@chestnutmountainranch.org
Angel Hightower, Communication Specialist
West Virginia Department of Human Services
304-558-0684
angelica.q.hightower@wv.gov
What:
A public launch and celebration event introducing CarePortal to Preston County—only the second county launch of CarePortal in all of West Virginia. CarePortal is a technology platform that connects local churches with real-time needs of vulnerable children and families, empowering communities to provide tangible support and prevent unnecessary foster care placements.
This event will include a live demonstration of how CarePortal works, showing how local churches can respond in real-time to meet urgent needs in the community.
When:
📅 Tuesday, May 13, 2025
🕑 Begins at 2:00 PM
Where:
🏛 Kingwood Community Center
115 Brown Avenue, Kingwood, WV
Why This Matters:
CarePortal is transforming the way communities care for children and families in crisis by empowering local churches to be a meaningful part of the child welfare response—connecting them directly to the needs of children and families in their neighborhoods through local child serving professionals.
Nationally, CarePortal is active in 38 states and is having a measurable impact across the country. The platform has met 135,575 requests, served 358,943 children, and generated an estimated $133.9 million in economic impact.
This launch, made possible through collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and Chestnut Mountain Village, represents a major step toward strengthening families and supporting at-risk children in Preston County. Prior to this event, CarePortal was launched in Monongalia County on April 10, 2025 at a public event in Morgantown.
Event Highlights:
The program will feature remarks from a distinguished group of state and community leaders, a live demonstration of CarePortal in action by the CarePortal Demonstration Team, and opportunities for interviews. Following the formal program, attendees are invited to stay for informal networking and discussion. Light refreshments, including soft drinks and desserts, will be available.
Speakers and Presenters:
Greg W. Clutter – Director, Chestnut Mountain Village
Senator Randy Smith – West Virginia Senate President and Senator Representing West Virginia’s 14th District
Pastor Eric Gren – Kingwood Southern Baptist Church
CarePortal Demonstration Team:
Ashley Shaffer – Child Protective Services & Youth Services Supervisor, Preston County Bureau of Preston County, WV Department of Human Services
Jane McCracken – CarePortal Ambassador, Chestnut Mountain Village
About CarePortal:
CarePortal is a technology platform that brings the needs of children and families in crisis to the attention of local churches and community members who want to help. By bridging the gap between child-serving agencies and community responders, CarePortal enables real-time, meaningful support that strengthens families and prevents unnecessary foster care placements. Learn more at www.careportal.org.
About the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS):
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is committed to strengthening families, promoting child welfare prevention, and ensuring the well-being of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs like CarePortal, DoHS works to keep families together, prevent unnecessary foster care placements, and provide essential services to children and families across the state. Learn more at humanservices.wv.gov.
About Chestnut Mountain Village:
Chestnut Mountain Village, a ministry of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, is dedicated to mobilizing churches to care for vulnerable children and families across West Virginia. As the sole implementing partner for CarePortal in the state, Chestnut Mountain Village equips churches with training, resources, and community collaboration to support foster, adoptive, and at-risk families, creating a network of care that strengthens communities and shares the Gospel in action. For more information, visit cmvwv.org.
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