DBSA IN ACTION: PHOTOS

2024 DBSA WV Annual Conference: Grow Through What You Go Through

DBSA WV’s Annual Conference took place on August 17, 2024, at Hilton Garden Inn in Clarksburg, WV. The theme this year was Grow Through What You Go Through. The line-up of Guest Speakers this year was top tier, and many attendees really enjoyed having multiple presentations that included hands-on activities. Guest Speakers included Dr. Brenda Everett Ph.D., MA, LPC, NCC, ALPS and Kayla Grogg Meador LICSW, Dr. Ahmed Aboraya MD, Dr.PH, DBSA WV’s own Carole Hoffman BA, MA, Burt Price Retired LICSW, CADC, and Margie Diekman Fiesler MA. The conference room was decorated with plants, vines, and other greenery to go along with the theme, but also Margie Diekman Fiesler tied in a planting activity to her presentation so everyone who wanted got to start their own plant and take it home with them. Along with getting to start their own plants from seeds, attendees were offered DBSA WV t-shirts, stickers, ink pens, goody boxes, and stress balls. We had a good turnout at this year’s conference and a lot of positive feedback. Looking forward to next year’s conference and hoping it will be even bigger and better!

Walking with Survivors

On April 20, 2024, DBSA WV joined RDVIC for their event Walking with Survivors. Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman represented DBSA WV during the event that took place at the Spruce Street Farmers Market in Morgantown. We had a table with a variety of pamphlets to hand out to those attending along with DBSA WV ink pens, DBSA WV flyers, 988 stickers and magnets. Many survivors and supporters joined in on the walk that went through downtown Morgantown. RDVIC provided music, food, and drinks for everyone during the event.

Although we didn’t have a big display that day, due to fighting with the wind, we were able to speak with many people who were interested in attending a support group. Also, we had people sign up on DBSA WV’s contact list to receive more information and/or to stay connected with DBSA WV to hear about upcoming events and support groups. RDVIC had a great turn out for the walk and it is amazing to see community members joining together to show their support for one another.

DBSA WV Open House Spring 2024

On May 4, 2024, DBSA WV hosted an Open House in our office located inside the Mountaineer Mall on Greenbag Road. We had a good turnout with people filling the office to show their support for DBSA WV. It was a fun day getting to talk with people who have been coming to support groups for years as well as new people who were interested in joining the support groups. We had a 50/50 drawing along with a drawing on items that were generously donated by either businesses or people who made the items themselves, and door prizes. Everyone who stopped by got a ticket for a chance to win a door prize. There were refreshments for everyone to enjoy. We all at DBSA WV want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Open House successful, from those who came, those who donated in some way, those who worked on getting everything ready, and those who helped spread the word. We truly appreciate it all! We hope future events will be just as successful if not more.

WV NASW Annual Spring Conference 2024

Support Makes a World of Difference

DBSA WV co-sponsored the WV NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Annual Spring Conference that was held at the Charleston, WV Convention Center. The three-day conference took place from April 17, 2024, to April 19, 2024. Representing DBSA WV were Board Treasurer and Peer Facilitator for our Charleston Support Group Joe Belcher, Executive Director Stacie Weaver, and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman.

The theme for our booth was “Support Makes a World of Difference”. The table was decorated with small globes, along with globe stress balls and little suitcases filled with candy to hand out. Also, on our table we had a variety of DBSA pamphlets, flyers about DBSA WV and our Open House happening on May 4^th, DBSA WV ink pens, and 988 stickers and magnets to hand out.

The conference provided the opportunity for DBSA WV to meet and speak with many Social Workers across the state about our organization and the free peer-led support groups we provide. Many were also interested in the services provided on DBSA National’s website for children and teens once they saw our display board that had print outs of the “Mood Crew” on it along with other information about DBSA. We had many people sign up on our contact sheet to stay in touch with DBSA WV and to hear about future happenings. We look forward to attending the conference next year as it is a great way to make contacts and spread the word about DBSA WV.

Mental Health Fair

DBSA WV’s Executive Director Stacie Weaver and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman were invited to attend a Mental Health Fair that was held on the Mileground in Morgantown, WV on April 20,2024. We had a variety of DBSA pamphlets as well as pamphlets on other mood disorders to hand out to the public that stopped by. We also gave out DBSA WV ink pens, flyers, 988 magnets and stickers. We were able to speak with community members about the free support groups for adults provided by DBSA WV and available resources on DBSA National Headquarters website for teens and children.

The Mental Health Fair provided an opportunity for community members to stop in and learn about Mental Health services in the Morgantown, WV area. Many other organizations joined and gave out information about their services. They are hoping they can continue to hold a Mental Health Fair annually in Morgantown or surrounding areas. It gave DBSA WV the opportunity to make connections with other organizations who also want to provide support to fellow West Virginians.

Kickin’ it for Katy/ Stomp Out the Stigma

DBSA WV co-sponsored the 3^rd annual Kickin’ it for Katy 5K race and 1.3 mile walk for suicide prevention awareness, along with raising money for the Kaitlynn Jade Forensics Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday April 27, 2024. The event took place on the campus of Fairmont State University. Representing DBSA WV were Board President Lynne Vespoint, Board Vice-President Olivia Shuttleworth, Executive Director Stacie Weaver, and Administrative Assistant Carole Hoffman. DBSA WV along with the other sponsors and organizations in attendance were located on the quad of FSU’s campus, where an after party to Stomp Out the Stigma was held. During the after party there was live music, free food, free drinks, several raffle items, and the announcement of the race winners. They also had a memory table where you could add a picture or story of a loved one you lost to addiction or suicide.

DBSA WV had donated pamphlets on Suicide in America and DBSA Support Groups to be added to the swag bags that were handed out to everyone who registered for the race/ walk. We also included the same pamphlets on our table along with the pamphlets Suicide in College Students and Depression in College Students. We gave out DBSA WV ink pens, 988 magnets, and stickers. Our display included information on DBSA WV and the “Mood Crew” which can be found on DBSA National’s website. We spoke with many people about DBSA WV and our support groups. There is interest in getting a group started at the college also. Kickin’ it for Katy/ Stomp Out the Stigma did a wonderful job on this event and they were able to exceed their goal for the scholarship fund. The scholarship will go to two students in memory of Katy.

DBSA WV 2023 Annual Conference at Euro-suites

DBSAWV ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023 was held at Euro-suites August 19th. The line-up of speakers ended up being so much for the room that it was busting at the seams with presenter knowledge & audience inclusion. It truly was a WONDERFUL event!!!