Hamlin, WV – The EdVenture Group and West Virginia Family Engagement Center (WVFEC), in partnership with Lincoln County Schools, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, and The Flamboyan Foundation, hosted the Lincoln County Family Leader Summit (LCFLS) on April 27, 2024.
Held at Lincoln County High School, staff, caregivers, students, and community organizations gathered to participate in the Lincoln County Family Leader Summit. The one-day event included interactive workshops for adults and youth, lunch provided by Saved by Grace BBQ, and an opportunity to learn about resources and organizations in the community.
Through the commitment and efforts of the families, schools, and organizations, the event successfully elevated, amplified, and empowered the voices of families in Lincoln County Schools.
“I am so appreciative to have had a part in hosting the Lincoln County Family Leader Summit! It was a wonderful day full of thoughtful conversation, rapport building, inspiration, and information sharing!” said Victoria Taylor, Program Manager at The EdVenture Group & WVFEC Family Engagement Specialist. “I want to share my gratitude for the key stakeholders who participated in planning, coordinating, and implementing the LCFLS.”
Caregivers participated in two workshops, “The What’s, How’s, and Whys of Family Engagement,” and “Communication 101.” During the family engagement session, participants reviewed family engagement, discussed involvement vs. engagement, and brainstormed how family engagement efforts can be enhanced in Lincoln County. During the communication session, participants reviewed various communication styles, explored the significance of effective communication, and engaged in discussions about different communication types within their school’s culture. Caregivers also had the opportunity to visit with community organizations to learn about the valuable local resources and initiatives.
“I have heard so much positive feedback from the families who attended the Summit. They commented how helpful the information was, how good it was to have other services there to share their information, and how great it was to get together with families who have the same issues. I felt that it was very casual, informational, welcoming, and all around great!”
Thank you to Lincoln County Schools, community liaisons, caregivers, and community organizations for partnering with us to create such a great event! We look forward to continuing our partnership with families and schools in Lincoln County.
This event would not have been possible without the support of the The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and The Flamboyan Foundation. Their contribution helps to build knowledge and confidence, and ultimately empower families to have a voice in engagement at their schools!
About The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
The Lincoln County Family Leadership Summit (LCFLS) has been made possible with the help of a grant from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s mission is to make thoughtful and proactive investments that grow the multiple forms of wealth necessary for our community to thrive. The Foundation serves a six-county region that includes Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. The Foundation’s vision is a forward-thinking and closely connected community that fearlessly works together to promote prosperity for all. Established in 1962, TGKVF is one of the top 100 community foundations in the nation. For more information, visit www.tgkvf.org.
About The EdVenture Group
The EdVenture Group is a national non-profit organization committed to creating customized solutions to educational challenges. Founded in 2001 by classroom teacher Dr. Lydotta Taylor, EdV is a nonprofit organization inspiring lifelong learning at all levels by developing and delivering innovative solutions to obstacles in K-12 education. The organization has managed over $25 million in federal, state, local, and private funding to provide proven processes, programs, and expertise to students, educators, and communities in Appalachia and across the nation. For more information, visit www.theedventuregroup.org or contact Kayla Benson, Director of Impact, at [email protected].