WV Community Development Hub

THRIVE Corps Summer Associate Cohort will lead the completion of short-term capacity building projects that will lay a meaningful foundation for long-term capacity building in projects that work to end generational poverty in West Virginia and Central Appalachia. A variety of opportunities will be available for the THRIVE Corps Summer Associate Cohort in geographies across West Virginia. This is a great way to enter the nonprofit and Economic Development workforce! Members receive a stipend of $4000 for 9 weeks of service, as well as a prorated Education or Cash Award for successful completion.

☀ Apply today!

https://bit.ly/3PZia7M

Dream big for your town! Responsive Coaching helps communities set goals, engage residents, and plan for a vibrant future. Start the conversation today. 💪

Learn more at https://wvhub.org/responsive-coaching/

The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Centers are invaluable partners! Their work makes a huge difference in our communities across West Virginia. Our friend, Mark Buchanan is an important piece of that work!

⭐ What is your favorite part of working with SBAC?
Aside from the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, my favorite part of working at the WVBAC is my coworkers. We are spread across the state in separate offices but manage to work together seamlessly when the situation dictates. Everyone brings a different set of skills/strengths to the table. Knowledge and experiences are shared freely AS IS THE OCCASIONAL RIBBING.

⭐ Why are you interested in economic development in West Virginia?
While the majority of my work has been in the environmental/conservation field, working in the brownfield arena has made me more aware of the economic struggles West Virginia communities face. Brownfields are a unique opportunity for communities to pursue economic development by recycling properties and land; ultimately protecting the communities’ natural resources. I love that our work supports that part of the process.

⭐ What are you most excited about working on right now?
There are a couple projects that stand out for me right now… the work we are doing in Mason County at Krodel Park is intriguing because the site offers great reuse potential if the environmental concerns can be mitigated. I’m also closely involved with the opening of a public recycling drop-off facility in Huntington. The site is an old, abandoned brownfield that will become the permanent location for the county’s recycling/sustainability efforts when it opens in March.

⭐ How do you like your coffee?
I like my coffee the way I like my mornings – dark, strong, and capable of solving the problems I created the day before…Haha but I’ll settle for cream and sugar.

The Hub is accepting Letters of Intent from March 4–27, 2026 for organizations interested in hosting a project through THRIVE Corps, its AmeriCorps VISTA program. Up to seven new projects will be selected to receive capacity-building support from dedicated service members working to end generational poverty in West Virginia communities from 2026–2029.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and local or state agencies seeking to grow sustainable programs that expand economic opportunity and strengthen communities. Organizations working in economic opportunity, healthy futures, education, veterans and military families, or environmental stewardship are encouraged to apply, particularly in regions already served by The Hub. Interested sites may consult with THRIVE Corps staff before submitting a Letter of Intent, which is due March 27 at 5 p.m. EST, with invited applicants notified by March 30.

For more information please contact Heather Shifflett, THRIVE Corps VISTA Leader, at [email protected] or 304-533-1077 ext 1014.