About

A Journey Through 83 Years (1928-2011)

Mission

To provide an inclusive, safe, and fun environment for learning and recreation. Programs strengthen families by nurturing children, youth, and community members of all ages in Monongalia County and the surrounding areas. Through our initiatives, The Shack fosters personal growth and self-confidence, and promotes social responsibility.

Vision

To remain the primary community, family, and youth center in the area. We will continue to create new, and improve existing programs, which promote cultural enrichment, healthy living, intellectual and spiritual growth, and personal development.

Other Programs and Activities

  • Family Fun Nights
  • Friday Night Roller Skating
  • Tutoring
  • Adult Cooking Classes
  • Zumba
  • Private Rentals (Skating/Pool Parties and Basketball)
  • Babysitter Boot Camp
  • RAZE (Youth Anti-Tobacco Program)
  • Public Swimming
  • Swimming Lessons
  • Summer Nutrition Breakfast and Lunch
  • Summer Picnic in the Parks (Lunch and Literacy)

2008 The Shack became fiscal agent of the Monongalia County Starting Points Program:

  • Enhanced our existing Happy School Program with the addition of In-Home visits using the Parents as Teachers Program
  • Infant Playgroup moved from being housed at Mylan Park Elementary School to The Shack
  • Happy Camp – Summer programming for preschool children offered at Mylan Park Elementary and Arnettsville Community Center one day a week at each site
  • 2-week long workshop to help children transition from preschool to kindergarten
  • Supported supplemental food pantry @ Arnettsville Community Center

July 1, 2011 The Shack and Monongalia County Starting Points were collaboratively funded through the Department of Health and Human Services to become a Family Resource Center. The following programs are being developed and implemented:

  • “Take A Break” provides “drop-in” care for non-school aged children on Mondays, 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – noon
  • “A Father’s Hand” provides activities and enrichment workshops for dads and their children
  • Afterschool care for special needs children at Stepping Stones
  • FAFSA Information Sessions for high school students and their parents
  • 2-hour delay and snow day care for children
  • Expansion of Family Fun Nights

Major Accomplishments

  • Licensed through DHHR to continue providing before/afterschool and summer programming
  • Completion of our 3-year Strategic Plan
  • Installation of new windows through entire building
  • Paving our parking lot
  • Stabilization of our bridge
  • Funding and creation of a computer lab consisting of 9 laptops, 2 desk top computers and a printer.

Challenges

  • Repairing the leak in the plumbing of our pool
  • Updating/replacing our playground equipment
  • Refinishing our gym floor
  • Decreased funding from the Presbytery

What's In Our Future

  • Development of community gardens
  • Development of a Scott’s Run Farmer’s Market
  • Creation of a Shack Alumuni
  • Comprehensive programming for children 0-18.

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

At The Shack we do believe that God’s love abides in all of us; therefore, our hearts are opened to share what God has given us with our community. We are thankful for all who help us do this.