A Bold Roadmap for Our Region’s Future
The Thriving Community Plan is our long-term strategy to mobilize our community to action so all can thrive. This plan represents a shift from simply funding programs to driving measurable, community-level impact.
We are moving beyond isolated efforts toward a coordinated, data-driven approach that brings together nonprofits, businesses, schools, government, and community members around shared goals.
Why This Plan Matters
For the first time in two decades, we did not meet our annual fundraising goal. That moment became a catalyst. It reminded us that the challenges facing families in our region are evolving — and so must we.
Across our counties:
- Families are working but still struggling to make ends meet
- Childcare access remains a barrier to employment
- Youth mental health needs are increasing
- Transportation, housing, and workforce gaps limit opportunity
- Nonprofits are stretched thin and need stronger support systems
The Thriving Community Plan ensures our work is intentional, measurable, and aligned with what our region truly needs.
Our Impact Pillars
Upcoming Opportunities
Community Conversation- Randolph County
- March 26, 2026
- 5:30 - 7:00
- WV Wood Tech Center- 10 11th Street, Elkins
Community Conversation- Marion County
- April 8, 2026
- 5:30 - 7:00
- Marion County CVB- 1000 Cole Street, Fairmont
Community Conversation- Taylor County
- April 22, 2026
- 5:30 - 7:00
- Location Grafton Taylor Health Department- 718 W. Main St, Grafton
Community Conversation- Barbour County
- April 24, 2026
- 5:30 - 7:00
- Location Golden Rule Building- 122 Crim Ave, Belington
Community Conversation- Tucker County
- April 29, 2026
- 5:30 - 7:00
- Five Rivers Library- 301 Walnut Street, Parsons
Our Plan Leadership
Alysia Davis, Ph.D.
Dr. Alysia Davis is serving as the Chair of the Thriving Community Plan.
She is the First Lady of Fairmont State University, where she supports the campus community and its constituents. She has expertise in higher education, volunteer administration, community relations, nonprofit administration, and philanthropy.
Her academic research has focused on poverty and marriage policy, social movements, ePortfolio pedagogy, and civil discourse.
Alysia currently serves on the ALICE Research Advisory Council for the State of West Virginia. She previously served as Campaign Co-Chair from 2020-2022 for the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in Virginia.
Alysia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics from Mercer University, a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University. She also earned a certification in Nonprofit Management from James Madison University and the CCVA (Council on Certification in Volunteer Administration) credential in 2019.
Focus Groups
As part of the Thriving Community Plan, we are convening targeted focus groups to bring together key stakeholders, including nonprofit partners, business leaders, donors, volunteers, and individuals with lived experience. These facilitated discussions allow us to go deeper into specific challenges and opportunities within our four pillars: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Focus groups provide space for honest dialogue, shared expertise, and thoughtful problem-solving so that our future goals are grounded in real insight and practical solutions.
Community Survey
The community-wide survey is designed to gather broad input from residents across our region. We want to hear directly from individuals and families about the barriers they face, the strengths they see in our community, and the priorities they believe matter most. The survey ensures that our Thriving Community Plan reflects not just organizational perspectives, but the voices of everyday people. By collecting both data and personal insight, we are building a foundation for bold, measurable goals that truly represent our community’s needs.
Community Conversations
Community conversations are open forums that invite residents, partners, and stakeholders to come together in a welcoming environment to share ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the future. These sessions are designed to spark dialogue, elevate diverse perspectives, and strengthen collective ownership of the Thriving Community Plan. Through listening and collaboration, we are identifying shared priorities and building the trust and momentum needed to drive lasting change. United is the Way — and these conversations are where that unity begins.