Watch the Video of Our Conversation
On Friday, June 12th, we were joined for a virtual reception by three groups whose work continually supports and improves the lives of many West Virginians. With the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, many local charity groups have been forced to temporarily suspend their services.
Both Manna Meal and Mountaineer Food Bank have had to take on the added burden of those who could no longer receive support from other organizations. While the Charleston Catholic High School HOPE Project has had to postpone their annual summer work, the effects of their volunteerism have continued to improve the lives of the people in their communities.
We were also joined by Westfield Insurance, whose incredible generosity and dedication to community support enables these groups to further their missions.
Each of these groups is important to Mountain State Insurance Agency in different ways. MSIA President, Ross Johnson, first became familiar with Manna Meal when he served as a mentor for a confirmation class at Christ Church United Methodist and had the opportunity to spend a Saturday volunteering at Manna Meal.
Over the years, Ross became more interested in the mission of Manna Meal, and Mountain State Insurance Agency has had a charitable relationship with them for many years. With their location right down the street from our office, Ross gets to witness the work they do first hand and he knows how vital it is to the Charleston, WV, community.
Mountaineer Food Bank is also a critical source of food for many local organizations throughout West Virginia. Their services continue to ensure that many struggling families in West Virginia have food security on a regular basis.
Manna Meal and Mountaineer Food Bank are both instrumental in supporting those in our community who are food insecure. As we have seen with this most recent pandemic, food insecurity can happen to anyone at any time. We are fortunate to have these two groups to support those who need help, and the efforts of their volunteers truly impact so many lives.
The Charleston Catholic High School HOPE Project not only works to improve the quality of life for individuals and families, but also provides a wonderful experience for the students who participate. The hard work of the teachers and volunteers sets an example for the students to follow throughout their lives.
Ross Johnson’s sons, Taylor and Will, went through the Catholic School System from pre-k through 12th grade. Both of them played baseball for Coach Mehle and were students in his theology classes. Will, was an active participant in the HOPE Project for three years, and through this group had the opportunity to work in the Clay County community, building wheelchair access ramps and re-roofing homes. The Johnson family has benefited greatly from the both the experience and the mentors that make this project possible for the students.
Although they have not been able to participate directly in the HOPE Project since their sons graduated from CCHS, the Johnson family and Mountain State Insurance Agency has continued to support the program financially over the years and greatly admire Coach Mehle’s dedication to the program.
Through both the Legacy of Caring grant, the Beacon of Excellence donations, and the donation matching contributed by Mountain State Insurance Agency, these groups will receive funding to continue their missions within the community.
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to thank our partners at Westfield Insurance for their continued commitment to community support, and their incredible generosity during this time of uncertainty and struggle. Westfield sets an example for the entire insurance industry with their dedication to community involvement.
While the news stories may have died down, there is far more work yet to be done. We are confident that this contribution will serve a great many West Virginian families, and that these organizations will continue to shine in our community and our state.
To learn more about these groups, please visit their websites: