By Greg Clutter and Melissa Cargill
For Chestnut Mountain Village
Churches, Child Welfare Professionals, Foster Families, Foster Alumni, and Community Leaders Unite Around Shared Responsibility for Vulnerable Children and Families.
What:
The 5th Annual All In Foster Care Summit is West Virginia’s premier gathering of churches, child welfare professionals, foster alumni, foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and community leaders committed to strengthening support for vulnerable children and families across the state.
Hosted by Chestnut Mountain Village, this one-day Summit is designed to move beyond awareness and into alignment by helping churches, agencies, and communities identify clear roles, practical next steps, and lasting partnerships.
This year’s theme, “Building the Way Together,” draws from the Biblical story of Nehemiah, where damaged walls and an unprotected city were rebuilt through shared responsibility, organized action, and sustained commitment. The work was not accomplished through concern alone. It required clear roles, coordinated effort, and people willing to stay the course.
When:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Coffee and Connection begins at 8:15 AM
Main program begins at 9:00 AM
Event concludes at 4:00 PM
Where:
Chestnut Ridge Church, 2223 Cheat Road Morgantown, WV 26508
Why This Matters:
West Virginia continues to carry one of the highest per capita rates of children in foster care in the nation.
The need is real. The complexity is real. But so is the opportunity.
The All In Summit exists to move beyond awareness and into alignment by strengthening collaboration between churches, child welfare agencies, nonprofits, foster families, and local leaders so children and families receive consistent, practical, and sustainable support.
As Chestnut Mountain Village Director Greg Clutter explains:
“West Virginia does not need more sympathy. We need shared responsibility. This Summit helps churches, agencies, and community partners step into clear roles so families receive consistent, practical support.”
Event Highlights:
• National and statewide leaders in child welfare and faith-based engagement offering practical insight and proven strategies
• Breakout sessions and workshops tailored to churches, professionals, and families with actionable next steps
• Foster care alumni voices and lived experience perspectives
• Meaningful collaboration across sectors, building relationships that extend far beyond one day
• Continuing education opportunities anticipated for West Virginia social workers and certified foster parents
• Opportunities for media coverage throughout the day
Featured National Speakers:
• Andy Cook, CEO and President, Promise686
• Brian Mavis, Founder and Executive Director, America’s Kids Belong
• Jason Weber, National Director, More Than Enough at CAFO
Key Sessions Include:
• Building the Way Together: A Blueprint for Success
• Building a Foster Friendly Community: Mobilizing the Whole Community for Lasting Impact • The Cornerstone: Mobilizing the Church to Care for Vulnerable Children
• Breakout sessions focused on church mobilization, collaboration, foster friendly communities, and support for older youth, young adults, and foster care alumni
About Chestnut Mountain Village:
Chestnut Mountain Village (“The Village”), a ministry of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, guides, equips, and connects local West Virginia churches and their people to care effectively for foster, adoptive, kinship, and vulnerable children and families through community-based ministry. Using a proven, step-by-step ministry model, The Village helps churches build sustainable support systems that strengthen families and create lasting hope.
We envision communities across West Virginia where vulnerable children and families are surrounded by consistent support, practical care, and lasting hope that leads to stability and healing. The Village also serves as a bridge between churches, child welfare professionals, and community partners, helping communities move from good intentions to lasting action.
Registration and More Information:
Registration remains open at: https://cmvwv.org/
Registration fee: $25 per person
Media Invitation:
Members of the media are invited to attend, cover the event, and coordinate interviews with organizers.
Advance coordination is appreciated to assist with interview scheduling and event logistics.
