Connect Bridgeport
Ad
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Community News
    • Anniversaries
    • Announcements
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Calendar
    • Churches
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Directory
    • Farmer's Market
    • File Complaint
    • Greeting Cards
    • Library
    • Lost And Found
    • Obituaries
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Sponsorships
  • Trading Post
    • For Sale
    • Local Deals
    • Services
    • Yard Sales
  • Visitors
  • Relocation
  • Education
  • Jobs
  • Alumni
Ad

New Initiative for Those Experiencing Food, as Well as Housing, Instability in Harrison County Now Open

By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on February 14, 2025

The Resilience Collaborative (ResCo) of United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, in partnership with First United Methodist Church of Clarksburg (FUMC) and the Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of The Circle: A Community for ALL! This initiative has been three years in the making, providing weekly meals, housing, healthcare coordination and navigation, and fellowship to individuals experiencing food and housing instability in Harrison County.
 
Located in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church in downtown Clarksburg, The Circle is a low-barrier space designed to cultivate healthy relationships and social connectedness, improve access to social support services, with an emphasis on housing and healthcare services, and offer meaningful daily activities alongside a healthy meal. The space is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 2pm.
 
Marissa Rhine, ResCo Director, expressed her excitement: “The opening of The Circle is a significant step forward in our mission. When bouncing back from the trauma of homelessness, housing is the foundation. Supportive relationships, purposeful activity, a sense of belonging, being able to: meet your basic needs each day, take care of your health, access opportunities for growth– that’s the glue that makes it stick. The Circle will bolster the vital protective factors that ensure people heal and succeed in housing. In the long run, my hope is that this space plays a role in repairing the social fabric that binds our community together.”
 
Pastor Michael Atkinson of First United Methodist Church added: “The Circle is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. We are proud to offer a place where individuals can access essential services, build connections, find support, and ultimately, a place where people can get their lives back.”
 
Dr. Jess Scott, Co-Director of the Center for Restorative Justice, shared her thoughts on the role of restorative justice: “Through restorative justice practices, we can foster a sense of belonging and understanding, creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. By emphasizing the importance of relationships and mutual respect, we can build an inclusive, more resilient community.”
 
Community Center Highlights:
  • Circle of Friends: Hosted by the Center for Restorative Justice, these circle conversations provide a space to be heard, seen, and valued, fostering growth, resilience, and dignity.
  • Healthy Meals: Enjoy a nutritious meal served at 1:00 pm.
  • Service Connection: The center will serve as a hub for vital social services, including vital records recovery, housing services, healthcare coordination/navigation, addiction treatment linkage, educational activities, and more.
  • Meaningful Activities: Participate in a variety of interactive workshops and activities designed to promote overall wellness.
  • Social Connectedness: Combat loneliness and build a healthy, supportive community network.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers from Clarksburg and Harrison County to share their skills, teach classes (yoga, art, writing), cook, or contribute meals for approximately 35-40 people. Organizations and businesses are also welcome to participate.
The Circle: A Community for ALL officially opened its doors on Monday, January 27, 2025, and offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our community. For more information, please contact Marissa Rhine at mrussell@unitedwayhdc.org.
 
Editor's Note: Photo shows, from left, volunteers Niki Riley and Lacey Wolfe, CRJ Co-Director Dr. Debra Murphy, and Kitchen Manager Cheryl Wilmoth.

Share


Sign up/stay connected

Create your profile to start adding photos, posting comments, and more.

SIGN UP

Ad
Ad
Ad

Blogs [ view all ]

  • Photo

    From the Bench: Recalling My Friend D.D....

    It was mentioned in the obituary. In fact, it was very concise and to the point in a memorial so loaded with good deeds an...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

  • Photo

    Time Travel: Johnson Avenue "Pre-Sheetz"...

    Look familiar? If it doesn't, it's because today this area of Johnson Avenue is completely built up. Th...

    Posted by Dick Duez

  • Photo

    Crisis Chronicles: It Takes a Village

    Around 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30th, my phone started buzzing with weather alerts. This spring has been particularly int...

    Posted by Tim Curry

  • Photo

    It's Happening: Baylor Comes Home

    Many have been following the journey of 2-year-old Baylor Waggamon since early-2025 when he was awaiting a heart transplan...

    Posted by Julie Perine

  • Photo

    The Grapevine: Enjoying the Wheeling Sym...

    Once again, the residents of Harrison County will have the opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with a performa...

    Posted by Rosalyn Queen

  • Photo

    ToquiNotes: Unlucky 13-Year Anniversary ...

    It was August 20, 1970, when what many will consider the worst storm in Bridgeport’s history took place. A torna...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

Calendar [ view all ]

Tue
8

Kidding Around Yoga (Bridgeport Public Library)

Tue
8

NARFE MONTHLY MEETING

Thu
10

Tech Savvy: Rebooted (Bridgeport Public Library)

 



Bridgeport, WV
Editorial Board Advertise Privacy Policy Contact Us
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS

©2014 Connect Bridgeport.