The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network is honoring five | from news, sports, jobs

From left are Susan Scharf, Donna McKenna-Blood, Bethany Ross and Cathy McAlister representing the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health and Lt. Steven Sommers. Not pictured is Joseph Thornton. (photo provided)

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network (WVCAN) recognized five recipients with One With Courage Awards for their commitment to preventing child abuse and healing child abuse victims in the Mountain State. The awards were presented at the One With Courage Awards reception in October. 8 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston.
* Susan Scharf – someone with courage
Scharf has led and grown the Lighthouse Child Advocacy Center for over a decade, providing exemplary services to children in Wetzel and Tyler counties. During that time, she was a steadfast force for positive change in her community and a visionary for what the center could be. Most recently, she appealed to the district commission that expanded trauma-focused therapy services were needed for the children cared for in her center. Thanks to her genuine commitment to the work and the people around her, she has been able to secure ongoing funding for on-site therapy at The Lighthouse.
* Joseph Thornton – Partner with courage
Thornton recently resigned from his position as Director of Administrative Services (DAS) at the WV Department of Homeland Security. DAS oversees the administration of state and federal grants for WV Child Advocacy Centers. During his tenure, he demonstrated a sincere heart for the state’s most vulnerable citizens and played a key role in ensuring that CACs (and many other victim advocacy organizations) stayed on top of the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding shortfalls. were able to survive. He was appointed by then-Gov. Joe Manchin was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the WV Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety (DMAPS) in 2010 and worked for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and in the Rural Health Division of the Bureau for Public Health.
* Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health – Funders with courage
Since 2021, the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health has been dedicated to improving health outcomes for children in West Virginia. Thanks to them, more than half of WVCAN’s Child Advocacy Centers recently received funding to improve their mental health services for children and families served at the centers. Countless more children affected by abuse are now receiving trauma-informed care, helping to reduce the risks of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and lead happier, healthier lives.
* According to Steven Sommers – Professional with courage
Sommers has worked with the Mercer County Multidisciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT) for over a decade. While his roles within the department have changed and shifted over time, his involvement has not; He is currently a member of the Crimes Against Children Unit, the WV Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI Criminal Investigation Division Task Force. Sommers humbly lends his expertise to new investigators, approaching each case with critical thinking and passion for the child victims he serves. He cares about the well-being of the children as much as he cares about the outcome of the case. He always takes the time to meet with child victims, speak with them, and connect them with healing services.
* Donna McKenna Blood – Trudy Laurenson’s courageous advocate
Having come to the Marion County Child Advocacy Center following a long career with CASA, she has spent years professionally and mindfully advocating for children and their families in a way that resonates with the Marion County community and beyond received respect and appreciation. During her time with the Marion County CAC, she advocated for over 1,300 child abuse victims and ensured they received the services they needed to heal.
“These incredible people have had a tremendous impact on the lives of West Virginia’s children.” said Kate Flack, Chief Executive Officer of WVCAN. “Each honoree has, in their own unique way, advanced the mission so that more children survivors of abuse can heal, find hope and receive justice.” For more information about the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network, visit www.wvcan.org.