New Initiative for Those Experiencing Food, as Well as Housing, Instability in Harrison County Now Open
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on February 14, 2025 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
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.
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.
