“For I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Since 1913, Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. has dedicated itself to changing lives by providing hope and healing to those who are hurting. With more than 20 locations, our multi-service agency helps make a difference by fulfilling the needs of people throughout West Virginia and Western Maryland. Whether through prenatal services, helping young children, residential care, foster care, adoption services or recovery, each of the programs we offer seeks to help people break free from a cycle of struggle and discover true hope and renewal.
Continue reading to learn more about Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc.
BURLINGTON IMPACTS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. was founded in October of 1913 by Dr. F.L. Baker of Burlington, and Rev. F.C. Rollman, a Justice of the Peace and Postmaster from Elk Garden, West Virginia. The original house, called The Star of Hope Child Refuge, met the needs of children from nearby counties living in impoverished homes and farms. Over the years, our agency expanded and thus, underwent additional name changes. But in 1993, we took our present name: Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc.
Burlington has developed into a multi-service agency with more than 20 locations throughout West Virginia and Western Maryland. In addition to our Burlington Campus, we also have a campus in Beckley, both of which have on-campus schools and chapels. The first of our five off-campus facilities, Keyser Group Home, was opened in 1985. That same year marked the beginning of an intentional effort to address preventive services and establish community-based programs. Today, we offer various impactful programs that transform struggling lives in the local communities we serve.
The provision of quality services by our dedicated, qualified staff enabled Burlington to become nationally accredited by EAGLE (Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence) in 1991. This process is designed for faith-based, health and wholeness organizations to enhance the quality of services provided.
We invite you to learn more about the history of our agency here.
HEALING STARTS WITH BURLINGTON
At Burlington, our mission is to change lives by preventing harm and providing hope and healing to those hurting. This mission guides us in all that we do and accomplish. Whether it be a homeless child, a mother in need or an individual grappling with a substance use disorder, we desire to help our clients find happiness, wholeness and recovery through the programs we offer.
Adoption
If you are considering Adoption, we can help you understand the types, processes and costs involved. Families can pursue the adoption of domestic, international and special needs children. Birth-parent counseling and other services are also available.
Co-existing Disorders
We offer an eight-bed facility providing services to males and females ages 12-17 with Co-existing Disorders. Each program is individualized and includes basic living skills, a behavior support plan, treatment planning, spiritual life advisory, tutoring, recreational activities, social skills enhancement, community services and therapy.
Community-Based Therapy
We provide Community-based Therapy to children and adults in our care and throughout our local communities. Typically, this therapy program is directed towards children ages three and older than have suffered from abuse and neglect.
Community Engagement Services
We provide Community Engagement Services in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Our Community Engagement Specialists assist individuals 18 years and older with mental health illnesses, substance abuse, co-occurring or co-existing disorders who are at-risk for psychiatric hospitalization.
Foster Care
We entered the Foster Care ministry in 1985, and since then, it has grown into one of our largest programs. Children that experienced abuse and neglect or have emotional or physical challenges or circumstances that make them unable to live with their family of origin are eligible for foster care services. Our foster care team works closely with families and clients to make foster care life enjoyable.
HAPI Project
The goal of the HAPI Project is to reduce infant mortality. We hope to accomplish this by reducing the incidence of preterm labor and low birth weight babies and improving the overall health of women and their families.
Home Finding
Our Home Finding Program is designed to promote safety, permanency and wellbeing to children who require out-of-home, family-based care.
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free, evidence-based home visitation program that focuses on parent-child interaction, development centered parenting and family-well being. Our PAT program serves families in the following West Virginia counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton.
Residential Facilities
Our Residential Facilities offer group and individual therapy, behavior management and life and social skill-building. In addition, we utilize a holistic team approach to treatment that promotes the mental and spiritual wellness and the behavioral stability required for successful community reintegration.
Right From the Start
Right From the Start is a statewide program that helps West Virginia mothers and their babies live healthier lives by offering home visitation services with a Designated Care Coordinator (registered nurse or licensed social worker). These free services support mothers, their new babies and their families by helping create a safe, nurturing home.
Safe at Home
Safe at Home provides services to at-risk youth ages 9 to 17 in their local communities. We work to get what is needed to help families ensure that their children remain safely at home whenever possible.
SARAH’S House
SARAH’S House (Sexual Abuse Response And Help) is a child advocacy center that provides services to children victimized by sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug endangerment, witness to violence, sexual exploitation and exposure or depiction in child pornography. SARAH’s House strives to reduce the trauma that the victims experience and enhance the ability to respond to child maltreatment. SARAH’S House officially serves Mineral and Hampshire county while providing courtesy services to Grant, Hardy and Pendleton counties.
Social Necessities Services
Social Necessities Services workers observe visitation between parents and children to evaluate the level of interaction. The purpose is to assess and monitor the appropriateness of family interaction and possible reunification.
Spiritual Life
Spiritual life allows all of our residents to grow spiritually. Clients may participate in worship services and other activities in local United Methodist Churches or at other religious preferences. Our Burlington and Beckley campuses have chaplains at both sites who work with youth to help meet their spiritual needs.
Staggers Recovery House
The Staggers Recovery House is a 12 to 18-month residential living program for women in recovery. The program provides a safe, sober and supportive environment while working individually on long-term goals and making connections with community resources.
Student Attendance Assistance
Our Student Attendance Assistance (SAA) program services students, kindergarten through fifth grade in Morgantown, West Virginia. SAA workers partner with schools in Monongalia County to educate students on the importance of attending their classes. Additionally, SAA workers provide children with incentives for perfect attendance.
Targeted Case Management
Targeted Case Management serves Garrett County, Maryland, and assists clients with identifying and obtaining needed services such as mental health treatment, medication, federal and state benefits, housing and more.
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED A HELPING HAND? CONTACT BURLINGTON TODAY
The meaningful work we do every day at Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. provides hope and healing to individuals and families throughout communities, the state of West Virginia and beyond. If you need help or have questions about fostering, adoption, prenatal services, addiction recovery or any of our other services, please contact us at 304-260-5884 or foundation@bumfs.org.