Daymark, Inc.
Taking Action to Make a Difference in Local Children’s Lives

Daymark, Inc. has been serving youth within the Greater Kanawha Valley for approximately 35 years.  Founded in 1974, Daymark is a children’s services agency which was developed by members of the Junior League, the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston, and the Kanawha County Commission. These supporters believed the city had a responsibility to take care of children on the street and decided to develop an organization to help them.

Daymark’s mission has remained the same since its creation: to advocate and provide services for at-risk youth and their families in the community.  The organization aims to provide children with a refuge when they don’t have a home to go to or if they are afraid to go home.  Daymark seeks to understand why children end up on the street and strives to find methods of prevention.

Daymark Programs

Daymark operates three programs – Patchwork, Turning Point and New Connections.  Participation is voluntary for all the programs offered. 

Patchwork is a shelter that serves runaway and homeless youth ages 11-18 in crisis situations.  Youth are encouraged to come in or call Patchwork at any time, day or night. Two counselors are always on staff at Patchwork.  The youth are provided with food, clothing, shelter, security and counseling.  Individual, group, and family counseling is available for youth by certified counselors. Youth may stay at the crisis shelter for up to 15 days.  Parents are welcome to stop by and contact the staff at Patchwork for advice and/or referrals to other community services.  In 2008, Patchwork served a total of 503 youth.  Approximately 122 youth stayed in the shelter and 1,392 meals were served during the year. Patchwork is located at 1583 Lee Street, Charleston, WV. For more information, please call 304-340-3670.

Turning Point is designed for youth ages 15-21.  Two group homes located in Charleston are available for youth who are in the custody of the state of West Virginia. Turing Point is designed to prepare youth to live independently. While in the Turing Point program, youth attend school, maintain a part-time job, and learn basic independent living skills. After participating in the program, youth attend college, join the military, live independently, or return to a family setting.  In 2008, approximately 40 youth were served in the Turing Point program.

New Connections provides youth with a variety of services, including GED training, independent living skills, and a drop-in center.  The New Connections Independent Living program is designed for older youth ages 17-21.  Youth have an opportunity to rent one of five onsite apartments.  Tenants are required to attend school and maintain a part-time job.  New Connections staff provide 24-hour support, supervision and guidance.  When residents are ready to move into their own apartment in the community, staff provide start-up funds and help the individual find and set up an apartment.  After the individual moves out into the community, New Connections staff continue to provide support and guidance through three weekly visits.

Youth interested in obtaining their GED who are not enrolled in traditional school are encouraged to participate in the New Connections GED program. This program is designed for youth ages 16-21.  The GED lab is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday.  During the hours of operation a life/job skills counselor is available to help youth develop career and job placement skills.  Each student is assigned a case manager who assists the student in any other area necessary.

Recently Daymark began offering a new program, the New Connections Drop-In Center.  The center is designed to be a “hang out” location for youth ages 16-21 on Fridays.  At the New Connections Drop-In Center, youth have access to computers, gaming and other recreational activities. Because many of the youth who visit the New Connections Drop-In Center don’t have regular access to affordable healthcare, a nurse is available free of charge to assist the youth.  For one hour each week, youth and staff discuss hot topics that are affecting the youth. 

Daymark hopes the New Connections Drop-In Center will provide youth increased self-esteem, awareness and self-worth. New Connections is located at 1592 Washington Street East, Suite 2.  For more information, please contact 304-340-3690.

Getting Involved

Businesses have a variety of ways to get involved. Check out the list below for examples.

1. Basic Hygiene Products - Youth staying at Daymark shelters are often in need of basic hygiene products that include shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant.  Hosting a drive for such items is a perfect way for businesses to get involved.
2. Culture Outing Sponsorships - Youth staying in the shelters often do not have an opportunity to experience cultural activities. Therefore, Daymark is always appreciative to companies who are willing to sponsor cultural outings for the children. 
3. Fundraising Participation - Each year Daymark hosts several large fundraisers.  One fundraiser, A Night to Remember, is coming up soon on May 7. Tickets can be purchased for $75.  Individuals, organizations and businesses that are unable to attend the fundraiser but still want to help can donate items for the silent auction. 
4. Tennis Tournament - A yearly tennis tournament in June is also another great opportunity to make a difference at Daymark.

Daymark encourages the business community to spread the word.  Daymark can only be successful if parents and youth know what kinds of resources are available.  To find out more ways for your business to get involved with Daymark, contact Dennis Pease at (304) 340-3675.