CHANGE, Inc. (Christians Helping Arrange New Growth Enterprises) Community Action Agency was formed in 1983 by a handful of clergy members who wished to aid families affected by layoffs from Weirton Steel find new employment. Since that time, we have grown into a full-circle agency, addressing many of the needs of the economically disadvantaged. With over 30 years of operation, the belief of empowering families is still strong within the agency.

The concept of “community action” was originally conceived as part of the War on Poverty Program launched by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Community Action objectives focused on enabling people to achieve self-sufficiency and providing them with the resources to achieve that goal, and the concept of community action, people working together to help people, became widely known throughout the Northern Panhandle. As the concept grew, additional services were developed and interest continued to grow in the community.

The Promise of Community Action: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.  We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

CHANGE, Inc. is expanding its Board of Directors and seeking new members with diverse perspectives and backgrounds to join our collaborative leadership team. CHANGE, Inc. is a community action agency that serves northern West Virginia (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall Counties) and Jefferson County, Ohio as well as surrounding communities providing various programs and services to those in need.

Our mission is “to build partnerships, consolidates resources, and integrates services to empower families to overcome the causes of poverty and live healthy lives.”

We are currently seeking candidates for the Board of Directors who are strategic thinkers and community minded individuals with a passion for community action. The Board is comprised of community members who represent the individuals our agency serves, in terms of demographic factors, patient status, economic status and connection to the service area. This model ensures that board members represent the needs and voice of the community.

Board members must represent the Public, Private and Low-Income sectors.

• Public Members, are those who are public officials or appointed by public officials.
• Low-Income Members, are those who are considered low-income (living under 200% of the federal poverty line), live in a low-income designated area, represent a low-income neighborhood or population, or have been elected by an agency serving a low-income population, such as PTA, faith-based group, policy council or general election to represent a low-income neighborhood or population.
• Private Members, represent the community and demonstrate expertise in fiscal management, social service or other business areas.

At Least 51% of members must be patients served by Family Medical Care. (Or the parent of a patient). Board Members must represent the population served by the agency in factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and economic status.

Time Commitment:

• Each Board Member is elected to fill a 3-year term.
• Each Board Member is expected to regularly attend 12 general board meetings a year.
• Meetings are scheduled for the 4^th Monday of every month at 11:30 AM.

If interested in joining please call 304-797-7733 for more information or complete the Potential Board Member Application and return to 3158 West Street, Weirton, WV 26062 to the attention of Lisa Mowry.