OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A new wave of funding is set to transform child care access in Fayette County and beyond. The One Foundation has awarded Phase II of its strategic grant to support the Together We Grow Southern WV Task Force, a regional initiative tackling the growing child care crisis in Southern West Virginia.
The three-year grant will support efforts to expand early learning opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and engage local employers in building family-friendly solutions. Led by Melissa Colagrosso—owner of A Place To Grow Children’s Center—the task force brings together community leaders, educators, and residents to drive long-term, grassroots solutions.
“This funding empowers our community to take bold, united action,” said Colagrosso. “Child care is essential—not just for families, but for economic stability and the future of our state.”
Launched in late 2024, the task force is supported by national consulting firm Child Care Biz Help and fiscally backed by the Fayette County Family Resource Network (FRN), with special recognition to FRN Executive Director Diane Callison for her leadership in securing the grant. The One Foundation, based in Beckley and founded by Marz Attar, continues to be a key partner in the region’s development.
Key goals of the initiative include:
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Expanding child care availability across Fayette and neighboring counties
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Partnering with local employers to support working families
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Raising awareness of early education’s impact on social and economic health
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Advocating for stronger state-level child care investment
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Building a sustainable child care infrastructure for lasting change
The initiative comes as West Virginia faces mounting pressure to address a child care system stretched thin by staffing shortages, underfunded programs, and growing demand. A recent West Virginia Watch report underscored the absence of a clear statewide response—something this task force hopes to change with actionable recommendations.
Get Involved
Community members, business owners, educators, and concerned citizens are encouraged to join the movement.
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Sign up at togetherwegrowchildcare.org
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Volunteer to support outreach efforts
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Raise awareness by displaying yard signs or distributing materials
With collaboration and community-led action, Together We Grow aims to close the child care gap and create a stronger, more resilient future for Southern West Virginia families.
