News release from Golden Girl Group Home
Huntington, W.Va. -- The American Electric Power Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Golden Girl Group Home to assist with construction of The Golden Minds Center for Learning and Development and Golden Treasures Retail Shop. The AEP Foundation’s gift will provide furnishings for the project. Construction on the center is slated to begin in late summer and conclude by the end of the year.
The Learning Center will provide teachers to help residents of Golden Girl stay on task and complete high school on time. Foster youth are often behind in their education due to abuse and neglect. The Center for Learning will give the residents of Golden Girl the additional assistance needed outside of school to “catch up” with their peers and stay on track. There will be a second classroom to provide entrepreneurial skills for residents over 17.
The Golden Treasures Retail Shop will offer an opportunity for Golden Girl residents to gain valuable workforce development training. Donations given to the group home will be used for residents’ needs and anything in excess will be sold in the retail shop to create a continuous stream of revenue for the girls. While working at the Retail Shop, Golden Girl residents will develop skills to make them valuable employees in our community following graduation.
“Golden Girl would like to thank the AEP Foundation for recognizing the value of this upcoming project,” said Nikki Thomas, Development Director. “The generous gift from the Foundation will help furnish the project upon completion. Items such as computers, desks, whiteboards and a point of sale system will be purchased to provide education and workforce training.”
“We are a big admirer of the work of Golden Girl Group Home,” said Appalachian Power President and COO Chris Beam. “We’re happy to be able to bring the support of the AEP Foundation and Appalachian Power to this new project. I’m confident it will benefit the young women at the home for many years to come.”
This project is made possible by the AEP Foundation as well as many other generous donors and businesses in our community. Together with support from private donors and charitable corporations and foundations, Golden Girl can continue to “give hope to young girls in their care by counseling, educating, and mentoring them in a safe, nurturing environment.” Golden Girl is grateful to reside in Ceredo, WV and have the support of West Virginia businesses and residents to continue their mission.
If you would like to know more about how you can help with this project, please contact Development Director Nikki Thomas at 304-939-5726 or by email at nthomas@gggh.org. More information regarding Golden Girl Group Home can also be found on their website at gggh.org.