This is why the group has been named Youth Service System’s 2022 Good Samaritan of the Year.

The announcement was made Monday during a press conference at the YSS headquarters in East Wheeling by Tammy Kruse, interim CEO of YSS.

Kruse introduced three of the circle’s members, Susie Nelson, Wendy Scatterday and Sue Molnar, who all said they were happy for the group to receive the recognition.

The Women’s Giving Circle was an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, which Nelson leads as its executive director.

photo by: Photo by Shelley Hanson

Tammy Kruse, interim CEO of Youth Services System, announces the Women’s Giving Circle as YSS’ 2022 Good Samaritan of the Year on Monday.

The group began with 17 members and now has 120. Each year the members donate $500 each, or $250 each if younger than 40 years old. That money is then halved with one portion being placed into an endowment and the other portion being used for grants.

Nelson said between $40,000 and $60,000 is granted each year.

Kruse noted YSS formed the award to “celebrate the work of those who go unnoticed.” Nelson said early on the group wanted to help support women who were aging out of the foster care system. YSS’s McCrary Center on Wheeling Island helps such women and the group continues to give grants there.

“We’re honored to be a recipient,” Nelson said. “We’re thrilled and grateful. We’re excited to continue this work for many years to come.”

Molnar said the group has worked hard to make sure all of its members are comfortable with how the money is handled and the granting process.

“We’ve never had a problem. … I’m very proud to be part of the original Giving Circle,” she added.

Scatterday said since its inception the group has tried to give to a variety of causes. The group takes and reviews applications.

“We’re proud to be a part of the Good Samaritan legacy,” she said.

A dinner to honor the recipients is being planned for September.