NYAP Awarded Initial Opportunity Grant from West Virginia First Foundation
Fairmont, WV (February 3, 2025) – National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the West Virginia First Foundation’s (WVFF) inaugural Opportunity Grant.
The grant, totaling $417,850, will be used to implement the Strengthening Families Program in Marion, Monongalia, Harrison, Preston, Taylor, and Barbour counties. The money will allow us to hire and train a new team of employees. It will also help us to market the program and develop community interest. This project aligns with NYAP’s mission to be an energetic instrument of compassion and change in the lives of children, youth, and families and the systems, structures, and practices that impact them.
“We are deeply grateful to the West Virginia First Foundation for believing in our vision and supporting our work,” said Stephanie King Strickland, Executive Director of West Virginia. “This grant allows us to provide families with evidence-based tools and resources to strengthen bonds, foster resilience, and reduce risk factors that lead to substance use and other challenges. By empowering parents and caregivers with skills to support their children’s well-being, we are creating stronger, healthier families and a brighter future for communities across West Virginia. Together, we are making strides toward a healthier and more hopeful West Virginia.”
Jonathan Board, Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation, praised the work of NYAP: “Organizations like NYAP are at the heart of our mission to empower communities and combat the effects of substance use disorder. Their dedication to creating positive change is inspiring, and we are honored to support their efforts through the Initial Opportunity Grant.”
The WVFF Initial Opportunity Grant underscores the Foundation’s dedication to investing in organizations and initiatives that address the opioid epidemic and its far-reaching impacts across the state. NYAP is honored to be part of this mission and is committed to using this funding to drive meaningful change.
To learn more about West Virginia First Foundation, visit wvfirst.org. To learn more about NYAP, visit www.nyap.org.
About West Virginia First Foundation: The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is a nonprofit organization established to address the opioid crisis and its lasting impact across the state. Created under the terms of the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), WVFF was designed to receive and distribute opioid settlement funds. Guided by the principles outlined in the MOU, the Foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) entity to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts. Through strategic funding and community collaboration, WVFF is committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. For more information, visit wvfirst.org.
About National Youth Advocate Program: Since 1978, National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) has provided culturally informed community-held services to children and youth with specialized behavioral, developmental, emotional, and physical needs. NYAP is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity that supports child, youth, and family service organizations. It has a strong reputation for delivering person-centered, strengths-based, innovative services and treatment. Visit www.nyap.org to learn more.