KINGWOOD –- After 27 years of service, Barb Thorn, director of the Caring Council Family Resource Network, is retiring. Her last day is April 15.
The Preston County FRN is among the top five nonprofits in the resources it brings into West Virginia.
During her tenure as director, Thorn was instrumental in starting a number of programs, including Starting Points, Parents as Teachers, Energy Express, Partners in Prevention (a child abuse program) and Preston Prevention Partnership (a drug abuse program).
“I think my greatest accomplishment was the CAC (Child Advocacy Center),” Thorn said. “Helping children so they can become a productive part of society — that’s my soap box mission in life. Where would I be if someone hadn’t given up on me? The other programs are all important but that one is closest to my heart.”
She said the FRN has been partners with Food for Preston for a number of years, and also partners with the After School Program.
Thorn said FRN does not run the programs it starts. She said one of the AmeriCorps at FRN, Stacy Jennings, started Sports Camp. Its name was changed to Summer Camp, and the City of Kingwood runs it.
“We start the programs and then spin them off to someone else,” Thorn said, “We currently serve as physical agents for some of them.”
Thorn said for her, the best part of the job as director of the FRN was the people she worked with in the county and the state.
“We are all like-minded,” she said. “We want what is best for the people we serve.”
Thorn said although she is retiring, she will be working two days a week with Starting Points.
Rachelle Layman will be replacing Thorn. Layman served as treasurer on the FRN board for 10 years.
“I’m just learning what grants are involved,” she said. “I know the players and I want to serve county families as best I can.”
Tracy Shannon took over as director of Starting Points in June 2020 after Kay DeWitt retired. The Starting Points Baby Pantry provides diapers, wipes, formula, blankets and books for low-income families with babies.
They also have an annual clothing giveaway in May and October.
Another new face is Debbie Smith, an AmeriCorps member who has the Grandfamilies Program. The program provides information and resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
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