While our response to COVID-19 has changed the way we are doing things, our services to our MODIFY youth continue. All interactions with staff are done remotely via phone, email, or social media. All new referrals will be followed up in a timely manner. Staff work cell numbers and emails remain the same. For questions or additional information please feel free to contact Debra Huff at debra.huff@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-288-4130 or Crystal Hudnall at crystal.hudnall@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-356-4589. You can email or call us during regular business hours Monday-Friday.
MODIFY with CED provides on-going services to youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. The program also provides technical assistance to the Department of Health and Human Resources, group foster care residential facilities, specialized foster care agencies, youth, foster parents, and the community on independent living services and transitioning services for youth aging out of foster care.
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#MODIFYSUCCESS
Chase, 17 High School Student
Dual enrollment in high school and college courses
Pursuing major in academic training
Runs Track
"MODIFY has helped me start up in college while in high school and get a head start in front of other people. '[It's helped me] get a vehicle and made it possible for me to imagine myself getting a college degree and not have to worry about finding the money."
Major: Mechanical and Aerospace with a BioMed minor
Goal: To be a foster parent one day
"I didn't have this big family support when I got out of foster care and they [the MODIFY program] were there. Not just with financial support but also with advice. I got into an accident once and the first person that I called was my MODIFY worker. It's like having a big family to support you."
Advice: "Don't ever tell yourself that you can't. If you put your mind toward something and actually work toward it, there is nothing you can't do. Everywhere you look there's support around you, you just have to look for it."
Attends Fairmont State University Football player Criminal Justice major Best known for optimistic attitude
"My goals are to become successful, find my career and support my future family."
Advice: “Take advantage of this and know that you are lucky to be in this position and get this kind of help. Don't blow it away. Stay focused on what you really want and it will all even out perfectly.”
Obtained Master's degree and is working as an Outpatient Therapist Worked as a MODIFY specialist after graduation
"The only way that I was able to not quit school and make enough money to survive was by having the MODIFY [funding] supplementing my income."
"I knew that I wanted to be a social worker because I had a fabulous social worker. She made me want to help people. I wasn't willing to quit college and I wouldn't give up."
To ensure that children who are likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age are provided education, training, financial support, and other needed transitioning services;
To support and serve these former foster care recipients between 18 and 23 years of age to complement their own efforts toward self- sufficiency and to assure that program participants recognize and accept their personal responsibility for preparing to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
To provide youth who exit foster care at 18 or older with Educational and Training Vouchers for the purpose of attending a post-secondary educational program. The funds may be used to cover the costs of attending college, or vocational training, including all expenses related to a course of study such as computers, special clothing, shoes or boots, books, housing, transportation, and other related educational expenses.
MODIFY is being presented with financial assistance as a grant from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
