DIRECTOR'S NOTE

What a quarter it has been. In our last newsletter, I shared that Scott’s Run Settlement House was entering a new era. Over the past three months, that vision has begun to take shape in ways we can see, feel, and celebrate throughout our community.

From our Christmas in July fundraiser and the launch of family nights to our new delivery program, our bluegrass Jam and Brie event, and the Hazels House of Hope open house, the Settlement House has been bustling with activity. More importantly, these efforts are creating new opportunities for people to find resources, build relationships, and connect with their community.

Expanding our community programming has truly been a labor of love. I could not be prouder of our staff and volunteers, who have embraced this work with remarkable energy, creativity, and dedication. Seeing everyone rally around our shared vision has reinforced what we already knew in our hearts the Settlement House is at its best when we bring people together.

We also have some exciting news to share. First Energy has awarded Scott’s Run Settlement House $10,000 in sustaining support for our food pantry. We are deeply grateful for their investment in our work and in the families and neighbors we serve.

That same spirit of growth and reflection guided our Board of Directors during its recent annual retreat. Together, we took a thoughtful look at what is working, where we can improve, and how Scott’s Run can continue growing in a way that is sustainable, but never stagnant. We came away with several priorities for the future, becoming a more comprehensive support agency, doing a better job of sharing the Scott’s Run story, and bringing both of our facilities to full capacity five days a week.

These are ambitious goals, but they reflect our commitment to building an organization that responds to the needs of our community today while preparing responsibly for tomorrow.

We are also especially proud to share that, even with a full-time staff in place, 81% of donations to Scott’s Run go directly toward supporting people in need. That number matters to us because stewardship matters to us. We want every donor, volunteer, and community partner to know that we take seriously the trust you place in us and work hard to ensure your support has a meaningful impact.

Whether you give your time, make a financial contribution, attend an event, donate food or supplies, or simply help spread the word about our work, you are part of what makes this mission possible. This has been a season of tremendous momentum, and we are grateful to everyone who is moving forward with us. There is much more ahead, and we are excited to continue building a stronger, more connected community together.

Brian Butcher,

Executive Director

Photo features: Volunteers Loading orders into a Neighbors car.

Photo features: Quinn B. supporting SRSH in the NEW DEAL FESTIVAL watermelon eating contest.

Photo features: Discussion during the SRSH Strategic Plan Community Meeting

Photo features: Thank You Signage for the Community Dinner sponsors.

Photo Features: Donations being sorted at the Osage Office

Photo Features: Donations being brought in at the Cheat Lake Office.

Photo features: Staff stocking hanging on stair railing.

Photo features: new commercial refridgerator donated by Avery UMC

JAM N BRIE

Jam N Brie puts the “fun” in fundraiser. This event brings together local organizations, musicians, friends, and families from the greater Morgantown area for an evening of food, music, and connection. Hosted by the Co-op, the event will feature dishes from our 1980s heritage cookbook, inspired by the diverse immigrant communities who settled in the Scotts Run area. Individuals can enjoy these historic recipes while learning about local community resources and joining in on our open jam session. Come for the food, stay for the music, and connect with the community!

Photo features: SRSH staff Brian and Janet attending the 2026 Hunger Summit

Janet and Brian recently had the opportunity to attend the Mountaineer Food Bank Hunger Summit, joining others from across West Virginia who are committed to fighting hunger and strengthening food access in our communities. The summit provided a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas, build connections, and explore new ways to better serve our neighbors facing food insecurity. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Scott’s Run Settlement House and bring new knowledge and inspiration back to the communities we serve.

Photo features: SRSH staff Brian at the 2026 New Deal Festival

Janet and Brian recently attended the New Deal Festival, enjoying the opportunity to connect with members of the community and celebrate the history and spirit of the area. Events like the New Deal Festival are a wonderful reminder of the importance of community connection, bringing people together to celebrate, share experiences, and support one another.

Photo features: SRSH staff Brian at WV Blackbears Baseball game for the Empty Bowls Reward Ceremony

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Empty Bowls for their continued support of Scott’s Run Settlement House. Their generosity and commitment to our community make a meaningful difference and help us continue providing essential services to our neighbors in need. We are truly grateful for their ongoing partnership and support.

Photo features: SRSH staff Hope at Edison Electric

We were so happy to be able to share 350 backpacks with other local programs and organizations this year! Backpacks were donated to Edison Electric/Morgantown Mall, Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, Preston County Family Support Center, and Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department. By working together, we can help make sure more children in our community have the supplies they need to start the school year feeling prepared and confident. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support these amazing organizations and the families they serve!

BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TO THE SETTLEMENT HOUSE

At Scott’s Run Settlement House, we are incredibly grateful for each and every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and heart to help our community. From packing food boxes and stocking pantry shelves to assisting with distributions, organizing donations, and supporting our many programs, our volunteers make a tremendous difference in the lives of the families we serve. Simply put, we could not do what we do without you!

We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Cheat Lake office and Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Osage office. Whether you can volunteer regularly or just occasionally, your time and support can make a meaningful impact.

We are also looking for volunteers interested in becoming delivery drivers for our Nourishing the Hollers program. Delivery drivers help bring food and pantry services directly to neighbors who may not have reliable transportation or may be physically unable to visit our offices. This program is helping us reach families who might otherwise go without the support they need, and volunteer drivers play an essential role in making that possible.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for being the heart of Scott’s Run Settlement House. Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to serve help make our community stronger every day. If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to welcome you to our team!