By Greg Clutter
For Chestnut Mountain Village
Morgantown — West Virginia churches, child welfare professionals, foster and adoptive families, foster alumni, nonprofit partners, and community leaders will gather on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for the 5th Annual All In Foster Care Summit, hosted by Chestnut Mountain Village at Chestnut Ridge Church. Registration is now open at https://cmvwv.org/.
West Virginia ranks among the states with the highest rates of children in foster care per capita. While awareness has increased, Summit organizers emphasize that coordinated, sustained support is essential to stabilize families. The All In Foster Care Summit moves beyond talk to collaborative action that strengthens foster, adoptive, and kinship families across the state.
“West Virginia does not need more sympathy. We need shared responsibility,” said Greg Clutter, Director of Chestnut Mountain Village. “This Summit helps churches, agencies, and community partners step into clear roles so families receive consistent, practical support. When systems are organized and sustained, families remain stable, and children are better protected.”
The 2026 theme, Building the Way Together, draws on the Biblical story of Nehemiah, in which a broken city wall was rebuilt through shared responsibility. Community members took ownership of specific sections, working side by side with disciplined leadership and resolve despite opposition. This underscores that strong foster care support requires organized effort and commitment beyond mere concern.
The event features national leaders in child welfare and faith-based engagement, including:
• Andy Cook, CEO and President of Promise686
• Brian Mavis, Executive Director and Founder of America’s Kids Belong
• Jason Weber, National Director of More Than Enough for CAFO
“Lasting change in foster care happens when local communities own the work together,” said Andy Cook. “Churches provide relational support. Agencies provide professional expertise. When those strengths align, families thrive, and children gain stability.”
The Summit includes keynote presentations, two rounds of practical breakout workshops for churches, professionals, and families, and structured time for connection to build lasting relationships.
“Chestnut Ridge Church is honored to host leaders from across West Virginia who are committed to strengthening families,” said Pastor Josh Rhodes. “This Summit builds trust, coordinates support, and ensures no foster or adoptive family navigates alone.”
Since its launch in 2022, the All In Foster Care Summit has grown into a statewide gathering that fosters collaboration among churches, child welfare professionals, nonprofits, families, and leaders. This year, it will emphasize practical training, clear roles, sustainable support, and partnerships between faith communities and public systems, serving as a catalyst for ongoing implementation.
Event Details
• Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Coffee and Connection begins at 8:15 AM) • Location: Chestnut Ridge Church, Morgantown, West Virginia
• Registration Fee: $25 per person
• Secure your seat at https://cmvwv.org/
Continuing education opportunities are anticipated for West Virginia social workers through collaboration with Mission West Virginia (Provider #490129). Certified West Virginia foster parents may also receive continuing education certificates for qualifying sessions.
About Chestnut Mountain Village
Chestnut Mountain Village, a ministry of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, guides, equips, and connects West Virginia churches to effectively care for vulnerable children and families through a Christ-centered community approach. The Village provides a proven, practical framework that helps churches move from uncertainty to organized action, building sustainable support systems that strengthen families and complement the work of child welfare professionals and community partners across the state. By serving as a bridge among churches, agencies, and nonprofit leaders, The Village fosters collaborative solutions that promote stability, resilience, and lasting hope for vulnerable children and families.
About Chestnut Mountain Ranch
Chestnut Mountain Ranch is a Christ-centered home and school on nearly 300 acres just outside Morgantown, West Virginia. The Ranch restores hope for children and families by cultivating and sustaining Christ-centered, structured, loving communities. Through its residential and educational program, the Ranch provides personalized care, academic instruction, and discipleship in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes healing, growth, and family restoration.
For more information, visit Chestnut Mountain Village, here.
