Aaaaand we’re back! After a long period of "Covidus Interruptus," we are back to shooting our monthly show, "Volunteering in West Virginia". Producer Mark Lanham and his crew are taking every precaution to keep guests and hosts safe from Covid-19. We weren’t allowed into the studio until the set was thoroughly cleaned from the previous taping. The sets have been arranged to be socially-distant-friendly. And masks are worn until the cameras roll.
Our first episode of the fifth season was shot on July 23rd. Nikki Thomas, Development Director of the Golden Girl Group Home stopped by to tell us about her program. Golden Girl Group Home is a nonprofit group home for girls, licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Offices of Social Services and Behavioral Health to serve 24 girls from ages 12 to 21. The home specializes in working with dependent, neglected and pre-delinquent girls who are not able to make a successful adjustment in their natural homes or foster care homes.
Between the opioid epidemic that is ravaging families throughout the state and a global pandemic wreaking its own havoc on lives, many girls are caught, stuck in cycles of severe abuse and addiction. Some are physically abused. Some are emotionally abused. Some are sold into sexual slavery by their parents. Golden Girl Group Home teaches girls who live there how to protect themselves from being trafficked and abused.
They operate from their original location in Ceredo, West Virginia, located close to schools, recreational facilities, cultural events and medical services. The Home needs volunteers for mentoring, tutoring, and even cutting grass. As the pandemic continues, many volunteer opportunities can be fulfilled virtually. This keeps both the girls and the volunteers safe from exposure to Covid. If you would like to donate time or money, please check out their website at https://www.gggh.org/ for details or call Nikki at 304-939-5726.