West Virginia’s first crisis nursery set to open in 2026
by: John Lynch

Posted: May 29, 2025 / 10:46 AM EDT
Updated: May 30, 2025 / 03:37 AM EDT

Holy Family Child Care and Development Center is set to launch the Village Crisis Nursery.

The first-ever crisis nursery will be located at 141 Key Avenue in Wheeling, on the property owned by the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which also houses St. John’s Home for Children and the Ohio County Family Resource Center.

The Village Crisis Nursery is set to open early in 2026.

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Village Crisis Nursery is expected to provide emergency, short-term shelter and care for children whose parents or caregivers are facing overwhelming situations, including health crises, mental health emergencies, recovery needs, respite, or gaps in available childcare. Often referred to as “crisis respite” or “relief nurseries,” crisis nurseries serve as an effective prevention tool against child abuse and neglect, especially for families at high risk of involvement with the child welfare system.

“There are moments when families need immediate, trusted care options to prevent a difficult situation from becoming a tragedy,” said Village Crisis Nursery Founder and Executive Director for Holy Family, Terra Crews. “Village Crisis Nursery will give parents a safe and supportive alternative during times of crisis. The project is designed to strengthen families and protect children.”

“Until now, West Virginia has lacked a dedicated crisis nursery. The nearest facilities are located in Pittsburgh, PA, and Cleveland, OH. Village Crisis Nursery will fill a critical gap in services, offering relief and protection for vulnerable children in the Wheeling area and surrounding communities,” continued Crews.

Holy Family Child Care and Development Center was founded in 1984 by Sister Barbara Campbell, CSJ. Today, Holy Family serves approximately 90 children per month, providing full-service childcare and early learning opportunities, including Universal Pre-Kindergarten in partnership with Ohio County Schools and childcare subsidies through WV DHHR.

In 2024, the Crews and the Holy Family team expanded its vision to address emergency childcare needs not served by traditional providers. After consulting with national experts and local service providers, the concept for Village Crisis Nursery was born.

Holy Family Child Care and Development Center, and its new project Village Crisis Nursery, will maintain nonprofit status and be under the umbrella of Catholic Charities West Virginia.

“Village Crisis Nursery represents the kind of compassionate, community-driven response that reflects our mission at Catholic Charities West Virginia. By providing a safe place for children during moments of family crisis, we are helping to preserve dignity, prevent trauma, and strengthen families across our region,” stated Mark Phillips, President and CEO of Catholic Charities West Virginia.

“We cannot do this alone. It is going to take a Village to open Village Crisis Nursery,” exclaimed Crews. “We need help to open the doors to safety, stability, and hope.”

To make this vital service a reality, Holy Family is seeking donations, sponsorships, and grant funding for Village Crisis Nursery to:

• Renovate the facility at 141 Key Avenue to create a safe, welcoming space for children.
• Cover startup costs including staffing, supplies, licensing, and outreach.
• Sustain operations as we begin serving vulnerable families across the reg

Kathy Barton, The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston – kbarton@dwc.org
Michael Baum, Edmond & Baum, PLLC – mbaum@edmondbaumpllc.com
Amanda Cummins, PA-C, FARMacyWV & Project HOPE – ajecummins@gmail.com
Susan Harrison, CASA for Children, Inc. – executivedirector@wvcasaforchildren.com
Mikisha Lee, WVU Wheeling Hospital – lee.mikisha@yahoo.com
Andrew Moretz, Bel-O-Mar Regional Council – amoretz@belomar.org
Dr. Judy Romano, MD – drjtromano@gmail.com