Author: dbsawvorganization

DBSA WV attended the National Association of Social Workers Spring Conference in Charleston, WV on April 23 through April 25, 2025. Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Roger Neptune represented DBSA WV all three days of the conference. DBSA WV’s Board of Director’s President joined on the third day of the conference. NASW’s conference is a massive event with people attending from across West Virginia, even some from out of state.
We had a table with many resources to hand out to attendees. Not only did we provide resources with information on DBSA support groups and information on mood disorders, but we also had ink pens, brain shaped stress balls, a variety of stickers, and fidget rings. We held a raffle for a $25 gift card also with the winner being Sarah Hart. With so many people in attendance, we were able to meet so many wonderful people who work hard every day to help their fellow West Virginian and make a lot of contacts.
We look forward to attending again next year. The more we can spread the word about DBSA and our free services, the more we can provide hope, help, and support those who need it.

DBSA WV attended RDVIC’s Walking with Survivors event in Morgantown at the Spruce Street Farmers Market on Saturday April 12, 2025. DBSA WV was represented by Executive Director Stacie Weaver and new Administrative Assistant Roger Neptune.
Even though it was a chilly, windy day; many people came out to show their support. We couldn’t keep many items on the DBSA WV table due to the wind, but we made sure everyone who visited our table left with resources and fun items such as ink pens, stickers, stress balls, and lip balm.
A huge thank you to RDVIC for putting this event on for another year, and all the work they do every day. We are looking forward to attending again next year!

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of WV (DBSA WV) is hiring! We are looking for an Administrative Assistant for the state office located at the Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown. The hours are 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday, and every other Saturday. The job duties are listed below. If interested, please contact Libby by phone at 304-629-1779 or by e-mail at wv65byrd@aol.com.

Duties:

    DBSA WV is happy to announce the availability of a Peer Support Specialist in our office located at 5000 Greenbag Rd Morgantown, WV. Services are available Tuesday through Friday and every other Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm. As always, Peer Support Specialist Services offered through DBSA WV are free to anyone 18 and over living with a mood disorder. Please call (304) 241-1862, to check availability or email staciewdbsa@outlook.com during regular office hours.

Executive Director, Stacie Weaver represented DBSA WV during the West Virginia Counselor’s Association (WVCA) Conference November 7^th through 9^th. The conference was held at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, WV. The conference was filled with wonderful presenters, who were extremely knowledgeable. During the three-day conference, DBSA WV had a display table full of resource materials, DBSA WV ink pens, mental health stickers, and DBSA WV support group flyers. Stacie was able to meet a lot of new people from all over West Virginia and share information about DBSA WV’s free peer-led support groups. Many people signed up on the contact sheet to stay connected with DBSA WV in the future, and to receive more information about DBSA WV to share with their clients. We are looking forward to attending next year’s conference.

       On October 19, 2024, DBSA WV attended the annual Out of Darkness Walk hosted by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. This year’s walk took place at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park in Morgantown, WV. Representing DBSA WV were Stacie Weaver, Executive Director; Carole Hoffman, Administrative Assistant; Lynne Vespoint, Board of Directors Secretary; Olivia Shuttleworth, Board of Directors Treasurer; as well as some wonderful volunteers who came out to help with DBSA WV’s table and show their support for a wonderful cause. DBSA WV gave out ink pens, stickers, pamphlets, flyers, and stress balls before the walk began. The Out of Darkness Walk not only helps raise funds for suicide prevention, but it also brings people together in the community. The day was filled with remembrance for those lost, comfort and support for those left behind, and hope for all. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. You can also always call 988, the suicide prevention hotline. You are not alone. We’ve been there. We can help.

      Executive Director, Stacie Weaver, represented DBSA WV during Home Base Inc.’s Mental Health Conference that took place September 23^rd through the 25^th of 2024 in Wheeling, WV. Our tri-fold display on the table included various resources available through DBSA such as the Mood Crew pages available on DBSA National’s website (www.dbsalliance.org) for children. The table also included DBSA WV pamphlets, flyers, ink pens, and stress balls along with 988 Suicide Prevention items to give out to other attendees. The three-day conference was full of learning opportunities on various mental health topics, and we hope to attend more events hosted by Home Base Inc. in the future.

On September 20, 2024, DBSA WV attended the National Recovery Month CEU: Putting Together the Pieces of a Puzzle event hosted by Clarksburg’s VA Medical Center. It was a day full of expert led presentations, stories of recovery, ways to save a life through suicide prevention, and more. The event took place in Clarksburg, WV. We met many people who were interested in DBSA WV’s peer-led support groups. Unfortunately, we do not have an in-person group in or around the Clarksburg area currently, but we have the option for joining the virtual groups via Zoom. We hope to change this in the future and can find someone to facilitate a group in this area.

On Saturday August 3, 2024, DBSA WV’s Executive Director Stacie Weaver attended the Hike for Hope hosted by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The hike took place at Cooper’s Rock State Park in Bruceton, WV. The event wasn’t as big as in past years due to being rescheduled because of the weather. Before the hike AFSP held a remembrance ceremony and you could choose your own beaded necklaces. Each necklace was a different color to represent different meanings of who you were hiking for. Stacie handed out DBSA pamphlets, ink pens, stress balls, flyers and pamphlets containing suicide prevention information. Even though it started pouring down the rain during the hike, this event was a wonderful way for people to connect and bring awareness to resources trying to help prevent suicide. DBSA WV hopes they will host another Hike for Hope next year and we can be a part of it again.