Current WISH Award Recipients

Women’s leadership in philanthropy - whether high-profile or quietly strong and informal - is a powerful force in solving the challenges facing our families, our communities and our world.
Maureen O’Gara Hackett, Shaw-Hardy Taylor Award for Advancing Women’s Philanthropy Recipient

2024 Grant Award Recipients

The 2024 WISH grant awards were presented Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Erma Ora Byrd Hall to three nonprofits and three Shepherd Learning Projects. Each grant totaled $26,750.

Community Nonprofit Winner- Boys & Girls Club of Eastern Panhandle

Nonprofit winner Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle is committed to providing the safest environment possible in all three of its clubs. A recent safety audit conducted identified issues in the Martinsburg– Berkeley County Club and the Jefferson County Club. The WISH grant will provide funding for the installation of: five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for all three clubs and provide training; an outside door currently without an exit at the Jefferson County facility, 11 fire-rated doors with windows and blinds for the Martinsburg-Berkeley County club; and a resurfaced outside play area at the Jefferson County club.

“Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) has been a generous partner to our organization along with so many others in the community. The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle prioritizes the safety of our children everyday, and we are grateful that WISH is supporting our efforts to ensure our facilities remain safe havens for the children who need us most. As a 2017 and now 2024 recipient, we are thankful for this generous investment in our children.” – Stacie Rohn, Chief Executive Officer

WISH Grant Committee Co-Chairs Carol Kable (l) and Harriet Pearson (r) pose with Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle Chief Executive Officer Stacie Rohn (c)

Community Nonprofit Winner- CASA of Eastern Panhandle

In order to better support the transition period of children in the foster care system to a permanent caregiver, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is establishing a “Family Bridge Program” to provide support for six months to ensure a better outcome for those children in their new environment. WISH grant funding of $26,750 will help fund contracting and training fees for a parenting coach, materials and fees for software to maintain and collect data for program evaluation, and a Family Support emergency fund.

“We are incredibly grateful for the WISH grant supporting the creation of the Family Bridge Program. This program is designed to provide critical support to ensure placement permanency for children exiting the foster care system. With your generous investment, we will deliver essential services such as parent coaching, resource connections, youth mentorship, and ongoing advocacy. These services are key in preventing system re-entry and ensuring that families have the tools they need to create stable, loving homes for children.” – Michelle Sudduth, Executive Director

(l to r): WISH Grant Committee Co-Chair Carol Kable, CASA Board Director Kim Himes, CASA Board Director Marellen Aherne, Michelle Sudduth, Former CASA Board President Pam Curtis, and WISH Grant Committee Co-Chair Harriet Pearson

Community Nonprofit Winner- Literacy Volunteers of Eastern Panhandle

Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle lost all of their materials following a devastating lightning strike to the office in July 2023. The $26,750 WISH grant will allow for the replacement of materials for the Citizenship, English Language Learners, High School Equivalency, Workforce, and Low Literacy students and volunteer tutors as well as create a resource library with workbooks, tutor guides, several laptops, a printer/scanner and designated tutoring/learning spaces.

“The Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle is honored to receive a 2024 WISH grant award. We want to thank the WISH membership for recognizing the value of our program and supporting our rebuilding efforts after the fire. The grant will allow us to continue to provide state-of-the-art literacy, educational, citizenship, and workforce support to adults seeking to improve their lives. On behalf of our volunteer tutors, community partners, and, most of all, our adult learners, ‘thank you’ WISH! ” – Marianne Howard, Board Director and LVEP tutor

(l to r): WISH Grant Committee Co-Chair Carol Kable, Board Director Beth Ayling, Jennifer Donaho, Marianne Howard, Holly Robinson, Board Director Vanessa Clay, Cassie Tiffner, and WISH Grant Committee Co-Chair Harriet Pearson

Shepherd Learning Project Winner- Accessibility Services

Following a 2021 audit, the Shepherd University Accessibility Services office upgraded to the Accommodate software to manage disability accommodations more effectively, efficiently, and confidentially for all users (students, faculty, staff). However, funding from an original federal grant only covered the initial hardware investment and software rental through December 2024. The WISH grant funding of $26,750 will secure another 3-year software subscription to not only cover budget constraints but to continue this vital service for current and potential new students.

“Accessibility Services is honored to be chosen for a 2024 WISH grant award. This support will allow us to continue to have a modern, streamlined system and let us proceed with our efforts to promote disability inclusion and understanding. Thank you for your commitment to the disability community at Shepherd University” – Jessica Anders ’23, Director

WISH Grant Committee Co-Chairs Carol Kable (l) and Harriet Pearson (r) pose with Accessibility Services Director Jessica Anders ’23 (c)

Shepherd Learning Project Winner- Chemistry Program

The chemistry program, in an effort headed by Dr. Jacquelyn Cole, sought funding to equip a new Forensics Science laboratory that will be used for students enrolled in a two-semester lab course. The $26,750 WISH grant will purchase four forensic comparison microscopes specifically for the lab, two additional hand-held microscopes, and items necessary to assemble individual forensic investigation kits. The kits would include a series of tools and measuring instruments that students would use to analyze “evidence” such as (fake) blood samples, bullets, hair, and pharmaceuticals.

“Shepherd’s chemistry program is so appreciative to have been selected for a 2024 WISH grant for funding a Forensics Science lab, an exciting new direction that we are taking to help serve the humanities and social sciences, particularly criminal justice majors. This equipment will create a very modern lab experience for the students and pave the way for future courses briding between criminal justice and the sciences. Thank you, WISH donors, for supporting the sciences at Shepherd and giving our students this incredible opportunity.” – Dr. Jacquelyn Cole, Co-Chair of Department of Natural and Physical Sciences, Associate Professor of Chemistry

WISH Grant Committee Co-Chairs Carol Kable (l) and Harriet Pearson (r) pose with Dr. Jacquelyn Cole (c)

Shepherd Learning Project Winner- Student Affairs/Little House

The final 2024 Shepherd WISH grant award of $26,750 was given to assist the Student Affairs office in the remediation and renovation of the Little House, the beloved Shepherdstown historic landmark owned by the University. Built for use by students and faculty in 1928, the house was intended to be a experiential learning laboratory by Shepherd education majors but has also been available to the public and has delighted generations of children and adults. The WISH grant will provide funding for the safe removal of deteriorating lead paint and will allow it to be re-opened for its intended use.

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of this year’s WISH awards. It has been heartbreaking to tell families that they cannot visit the Little House due to necessary repairs, but with this funding we will be able to make it safe- and magical- again.” – Holly Morgan Frye, Vice President for Student Affairs, Community Relations Director