If we as community members become involved in local programs, change for the better is not only possible but nearly impossible to avoid.
The Oak Hill Hub Communities of Achievement Program (HubCAP) team hosted an outstanding kickoff event at City Limits on March 14, then held a productive core group meeting at The Bellann, and attended an inspiring community group event in Buckhannon. What does this even mean? When the term “HubCAP” was first tossed around we had no idea what anyone was referring to. However, over the last few months, the program has presented opportunities to work with a passionate group of people to explore how this program could positively impact our community.
The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub) is a nonprofit organization that provides coaching, access to resources, and technical assistance funding to ignite and sustain community development. HubCAP catalyzes community-led revitalization efforts through volunteer and community leadership development. In 2023, Oak Hill, as well as Smithers, Montgomery, Weston, and New Martinsville, were selected to participate in HubCAP for the fifth round of the program. This is our opportunity as a community to make a positive, lasting impact for generations to come. This is our chance to make a difference by learning from other communities who have already begun to achieve success.
Although we each see the world differently, there is no doubt that we agree on many core pillars on which our community should be built. Safety, security, opportunity, infrastructure, cleanliness, affordable housing, and accessible resources (in no particular order) would likely be some of our priorities if we collectively discussed meaningful community attributes. This is where “the rubber meets the road.” We want to hear your voice… everyone’s voice. The more our community is involved, the greater our impact will be. No effort is too small and no idea will ever be too insignificant or grand.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved with the Oak Hill team and impact your community. The group meets monthly at the Bellann Building at 137 Main Street Oak Hill, WV. Don’t worry, we are just getting started so you haven’t missed out. We want to hear what you have to say.
Please, come as you are. There is no dress code and no need to RSVP.
For more info on how to get involved please contact an Oak Hill team member:
Alison Ibara at aibarra@oakhillwv.gov
Lindsay Etheron at ltherton@ferrum.edu
Damita Johnson at djohnson@oakhillwv.gov
James Birt Hillbilly_murph@icloud.com
McKenna Wallin at Wallin.mckenna@yahoo.com
Kevin Willis at dterepair@gmail.com
Or Oak Hill’s Coach, Stacy Thomas at s.thomas@wvhub.org