NELLIS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a historically coal-rich community, a smallĀ building sits on a hill overlooking the community of Nellis in Boone County, WV. This building, known as the Nellis Elementary School for decades, served to educate children for years while the community flourished and coal jobs were plentiful.
Due to the decline in the coal industry, communities like Nellis have become all but vacant as residents have moved elsewhere looking for employment. As families left, the number of local students enrolled in the elementary school plummeted, leaving the county board of education no choice other than to close the school permanently.
The news of the closure and consolidation of Nellis Elementary School was announced in 2016. Many folks, including local volunteer, Anita Perdue, were devasted. Perdue felt as if a piece of her childhood and the community she held dear had been dealt a fatal blow in an already struggling time.
Recognizing the importance of a school to a small-town, Perdue intended to re-envision a plan for the Nellis Elementary School building that would fill the void in the community. She wanted to bring renewed hope to Nellis and create a place where residents could spend their time giving back to others. This vision came closer to reality in 2018 with the founding of the BARN Community Center.
āThe idea for the BARN Community Center developed after the former Nellis Elementary school was closed due to the economic downturn in Boone County,ā said Anita Perdue, Founder and TreasurerĀ of BARN Community Center.
āThe building was almost an absolute shell after the county came in and removed all items of any value. After the school’s closure, the property was deeded back to the original land company, Penn Virginia. After reaching out to Penn Virginia, they donated the building and property to the BARN organization.ā
BARN incorporates the first letter of the four non-incorporated communities in the surrounding area; Bruston, Ashford, Ridgeview, and Nellis.
Opening its doors on June 2, 2018, the center began expanding its services and drawing attention from various organizations.Ā Perdue gives credit to dedicated volunteers for the extent of the expansion. Spending months acquiring necessary paperwork, establishing a board, and finding volunteers, she discovered that the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together.
āWithout fundraising, grants, and much volunteer work, there is no way we would be where we are today.ā
The building contains a fully-equipped kitchen capable of producing large dinners for events or to serve as a concession stand during fundraising activities.
A gymnasium, previously used for athletic events for students, is now available for the public to enjoy. Throughout the year, local children’s sports teams compete on the court. In addition, nearly a dozen classrooms are scattered throughout the hallway. As of May 2021, the BARN Community CenterĀ had nearlyĀ 75% of its capacity in use.
āThe need for something in our community was so great. Access to life-saving services was almost non-existent. To have accessible programs and services in a poverty-stricken rural area gives hope and immediate basic needs to anyone in our area and beyond. We do not turn anyone away,ā said Perdue.
BARN currently offers a library with a diverse collection of literature for all ages, comprised of donations by community members. Accompanying the library is a computer lab with free internet access for public use. In rural Boone County, high-speed internet access can often be a struggle to obtain, and cellular service is usually scarce. BARN believes accessible internet is key to helping people.
Substance Abuse addiction treatment, as well as family counseling services, are available by appointment. In addition, in a converted classroom, a free community clothing closet for people of all ages stands fully stocked.
In partnership with Rumble Community Baptist Church located in Ashford, WV, a food pantry stocked with USDA items, canned goods, and many non-perishable items are available. Monthly food drives are held where dozens of community residents receive well-packed food boxes prepared by Rumble Community Baptist Church volunteers. In addition to the food drive, volunteers also deliver food boxes to senior citizens who are unable to travel to pick up the boxes. Ā
āSeeing people in need getting help with food to feed and nourish their families is nothing short of humbling,ā said Perdue.
In the latest addition, the Boone County Sheriffās Department has set up a small station in the building and hopes to work with BARN to bring assistance to any needs they may face.
The mission of the BARN is two-tiered. āThe immediate or emergency needs of people in the community can be found here, without judgment. We also want to see people get long-term help through substance abuse recovery, financial assistance for education, and help with things like utilities and transportation until they can get back up on their feet.ā
People are taking advantage of this positive addition to their community by participating in various activities, donating, and spreadingĀ the word about BARN-related activities via social media.
While she is thrilled with BARN’s progress in recent years, Perdue is dedicated to seeing it through to its fullest potential. āPlans for the future include a daycare, an emergency shelter, a Health and Wellness Initiative for the elderly as well as an apple orchard on the property for free sustainable fresh fruit for the community.ā
Perdue credits the many organizations and volunteers that have contributed countless hours and thousands of dollars towards the renovation and operation of the center. Compass Counseling; EnAct, Facing Hunger, Rumble Community Baptist Church; Boone County Commission; Boone County Community Foundation; United Way; Mother Jones Community Foundation; One Foundation; Appalachian Council of Churches; Ā BB&T Community Foundation; Salvation Army; WVDHHR.
āThis is God’s plan,ā Perdue said, āWe are just His hands and feet making it a reality. Together we are making a difference.ā
You can contact, volunteer, or donate to BARN Community Center by visiting their Facebook Page BARN Community Center for more information. Ā