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The Source pitches expanded food, childcare and mental‑health services for west‑side youth
Summary
The Source outlined a multi‑year set of programs — weekly lunchboxes, before/after‑school care, summer camp and a pilot family‑coaching program — and said the operations are privately funded; the group also described certified mental‑health coaching for local adults.
The Monongalia County Board of Education heard a detailed presentation March 25 from Kevin Cain, president and founder of The Source, a local nonprofit that provides food, childcare and wraparound services on the west side of the Monongahela River.
Cain told the Board The Source has delivered what he characterized as “2.5 million meals” to Skyview Elementary since 2010 and is expanding services to additional neighborhoods. He said the nonprofit’s current operating budget is about $1.2 million and is privately funded, and described three program areas: weekly lunchboxes and daily feeding, before‑and‑after‑school care and a summer camp, and a mental‑health coaching pilot and family‑strengthening work.
The Source’s lunchbox program supplies weekend or out‑of‑school food and has expanded beyond Skyview to other neighborhoods, Cain said. He outlined the nonprofit’s school‑year and holiday packing schedule and said the group runs a summer camp that feeds participating children daily. Cain also described a before‑and‑after‑school program certified to serve up to 60 children, with extended hours to match local worker schedules.
On services for adults, Cain said The Source certified eight mental‑health coaches over the past year and provides coaching to roughly 80–100 residents; the program charges a nominal fee for the yearlong support. Cain also described a pilot “young families” program that places staff with cohorts of early‑adult couples for weekly coaching and shared supports.
Cain emphasized separation between church and nonprofit operations: The Source is developing a distinct foundation to own program facilities and said program operations are kept separate from church governance to avoid legal ambiguity.
Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions and thanked Cain for the briefing. The presentation did not require immediate Board action.
