Pictured left to right:

PACF Senior Program Officer Amy Nahley, PACF Executive Director Fred Rader, Community Resources, Inc. Executive Director Michelle Barber, and Donor Advisor for the Mary M. Welch Fund Mary Anne Ketelsen

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 IMPACT grant, Community Resources, Inc. The grant will provide vital funds to support a new, 13,325 sq ft. state-of-the-art childcare center.

The IMPACT grant award was established by the PACF in 2024 with the goal of partnering with other local foundations and funding sources to create truly impactful change within the community for projects of critical need. The PACF is honored to administer this annual grant for the second year. The $50,000 2025 IMPACT grant was funded by the Virginia Hackett Memorial Fund for Education. The grant was matched at $50,000 by the Mary M. Welch Donor Advised Fund.

The IMPACT grant will fund the establishment of a new Community Resources “Bright Beginnings” childcare center within the newly renovated Innovation Technology Center, which was purchased by West Virginia University Parkersburg. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality childcare in the region, providing a safe and nurturing environment for future community leaders. The center expansion will double existing staff to increase enrollment capacity by 50%.

Michelle Barber, CEO of Community Resources, expressed her gratitude upon receiving word of the grant award. She stated, "This initiative goes far beyond just constructing a building—it’s about creating lasting opportunities for working families across our region. Reliable, affordable childcare opens the door for parents to pursue jobs, education, and training without the constant worry of who’s caring for their child. We are deeply grateful to The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation for their generous support and honored to be the recipient of the 2025 IMPACT grant." 

To support childcare needs, consider making a gift to the Childcare Support Fund.