Mission West Virginia, Inc.

In January, 1997 at a service of prayer and celebration preceding his inaugural, Governor Cecil H. Underwood shared his vision of a bold new approach to address significant societal issues facing West Virginians. He called upon all those gathered, representing the faith communities of the state, to launch MISSION WEST VIRGINIA. He described this venture as a “union of effort” to bring together the public and private sectors, and those motivated to be change agents through both the sacred and secular, to build upon that which we hold in common. From this vision, Mission West Virginia, Inc. was born.

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Gov. Underwood asked Rev. Dr. F. Emerson Wood of Huntington to serve as the organization’s first executive director. A board of directors numbering 21 women and men were recruited. These directors represented all areas of the state and were comprised of religious leaders, business leaders, community organizers, leaders of higher education and various other professionals. 501(c)(3) status was granted by the Internal Revenue Service in 1997. Under Dr. Wood’s leadership, Mission West Virginia began to grow and flourish. Early program successes included a statewide recruitment of adoptive and foster parents, a program called Faith and Families that linked local congregations with families receiving public assistance, and the beginning of the organization’s technology initiative.