Community

Faith Hicks Retiring From Gabriel Project

The Gabriel Project's local chapter will soon have a new leader after the coming retirement of its coordinator, Faith Hicks.

Hicks, who has served as coordinator of Northern Programs Chapter, Gabriel Project of West Virginia for more than 10 years, is retiring officially at the end of this year.

Hicks noted she has worked in the social services field for more than 40 years and it is time for her to relax.

"I am not going to another job, it is time for me to retire. ... It is time for me to turn over the reins to a younger person with more energy," she said.

Hicks said she has loved her role at the Gabriel Project, which is an organization that helps families and mothers in need with the items necessary to care for their babies such as diapers, formula, car seats and more.

"It is wonderful to serve the babies and families in the Northern Programs Chapter. I work with the best volunteers in all of our locations," she said.

"Our volunteers share the passion and mission of serving the needs of our community. The networking agencies in our Chapter are great.

"We share resources and work together. I often say it takes all of us to see progress; this means NPGP volunteers, our guests, and our networking agencies. When we all want to make a difference it can and does happen."

She noted one important item the Gabriel Project provides that other organizations do not is full-sized cribs.

"That is a tangible item; however, our commitment to our guests, our understanding and support is the best thing I think we provide," Hicks said. "We respect everyone and serve with love of one another."

The chapter has already started advertising Hicks position as open for employment. She plans to help with the transition. The project anticipates having a new coordinator in place and working by year's end.

Hicks has some advice for her successor.

"Love what you do and love one another. I feel showing respect to everyone and understanding that everyone has a different story lets us accept everyone for who they are," she said. "This then gives incentive for everyone to make changes to better themselves."

Hicks said she has "been blessed" to work for the organization.

"I want to say goodbye to all the wonderful people I have met on this journey," she said.

The Gabriel Project was founded about 25 years ago and its services continue to be needed by families across the state, according to statistics from the project:

"Thirty percent of West Virginia's children under the age of 3 years live in poor families, defined as income below the federal poverty level. Sixty-two percent of these children live with a single parent.

"In the counties currently served by the Gabriel Project, the percent of young children living in poverty is even higher, at 32%.

"In 2019 there were nearly 7,000 client service visits to local Gabriel Project sites. Among the services we provided during those visits were the following:

6,484 packages of diapers and 2,587 cans/bottles of formula were distributed to infants and toddlers; 515 babies were laid in a new crib, giving them a safe place to sleep; and 569 young children were buckled into a new car seat to keep them secure on our roadways."

The Gabriel Project takes donations and also conducts fundraisers. Its current fundraiser happening through Oct. 23 is a virtual run/walk called Diaper Dash 5k. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/DiaperDashVirtual5K2022.