In a powerful display of community collaboration, three major organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley have joined forces to tackle one of the region’s most pressing issues—affordable, accessible child care.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP), WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, and Community Resources have come together to significantly expand the Bright Beginnings Child Care program.
This expansion is more than just about adding more slots—it’s about providing a vital resource to families and strengthening the local economy.
The new child care center will be located at the former Ohio Valley University campus, now home to WVUP’s Innovation and Technology Center. With this strategic use of space, Bright Beginnings will grow its capacity from 60 to 130 children.
WVUP President Torie Jackson emphasized that the decision to fund the project up front was driven by the needs of both the student body and the wider community.
“The college has decided to do the upfront costs for this project because we know that child care is one of the issues that our students face, in addition to the community at large,” Jackson said. “If we can help provide that support, we’re investing in student success and in community stability.”
WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center also sees the value in this initiative. With so many health care workers trying to balance their careers and families, access to convenient and reliable child care can be a game-changer.
“This collaboration aligns with WVU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to support our staff in achieving work-life balance by offering convenient child care services for their families,” said Sean Smith, President and CEO of Camden Clark.
The partnership is also a win for Community Resources, an organization deeply rooted in improving the lives of working families in the region. Michelle Barber, the group’s executive director and CEO, sees this effort as foundational for long-term economic development.
“This project is not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about building a stronger future for working families in our region,” Barber explained.
“Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a game-changer for parents striving for economic stability. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this transformative effort with WVU Parkersburg and WVU Medicine Camden Clark.”
The expanded child care facility isn’t just a benefit for those who use it—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when community organizations align their goals. It demonstrates that meaningful change can come when institutions think beyond their individual missions and work together to meet the community’s broader needs.
Residents across the Mid-Ohio Valley can take pride in this achievement. It shows that when institutions invest in families and support systems like child care, the entire region grows stronger. With 130 children soon to benefit from a nurturing, educational environment, and countless parents gaining peace of mind, the future looks a little brighter for everyone.
This project could very well serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. And as Barber said, it’s not just about buildings—it’s about creating opportunity, one child and one family at a time.
