Pressley Ridge Hosts B~Hope Conference to Enhance Family-Centered Support Initiatives in West Virginia

Pressley Ridge Hosts B~Hope Conference to Enhance Family-Centered Support Initiatives

Between September 15 and 18, 2026, the Bridgeport Conference Center served as a crucial gathering point for professionals dedicated to advancing kinship care and family-centered support in West Virginia. The B~Hope Conference and Summit, organized by Pressley Ridge, brought together more than 50 community partners, advocates, and child welfare experts from various sectors to discuss pressing issues in family support.

This year’s conference focused on innovative strategies for supporting kinship caregivers and enhancing family-centered care, spotlighting the Family Centered Treatment Foundation® (FCT) model. In addition to presenting established frameworks, Pressley Ridge introduced their new B~Hope Embracing Kinship Caregivers curriculum, designed to equip caregivers with essential tools and resources necessary for fostering effective family support systems.

The conference sessions highlighted the importance of providing caregivers with not just knowledge but actionable strategies that enable families to thrive. Speakers and panel discussions offered insights into best practices and collaborative approaches that can further strengthen the ties that bind families and caregivers. The atmosphere buzzed with collaboration as participants exchanged ideas and techniques aimed at navigating the complex landscape of child welfare.

Importance of Community Collaboration

At the heart of the B~Hope Conference lies a commitment to community integration, as emphasized by Pressley Ridge’s gratitude towards the West Virginia First Foundation for sponsoring the event. By encouraging cooperation, fostering creativity, and sharing knowledge among stakeholders, the conference aimed to solidify the foundation upon which family units can thrive. The collaboration between various professionals exemplified the need for a united approach to support those in kinship care, ensuring children maintain supportive relationships with their caregivers and family units.

Pressley Ridge's Mission

Pressley Ridge is committed to providing hope and support through a comprehensive range of services, which encompass mental health support, foster care, residential treatment, and specialized education. Their innovative programs create safe and nurturing environments for children, youth, and families, enabling them to flourish and realize their potential.

The B~Hope Conference not only placed emphasis on theoretical frameworks but also passionately connected with the real-life implications of kinship care. Participants left empowered with new knowledge and a stronger network of peers, ready to implement what they learned back home. This initiative reaffirms Pressley Ridge’s dedication to enhancing family support and ensuring that children grow up in nurturing environments.

In a rapidly changing social landscape, gatherings like the B~Hope Conference are essential for building a future where family structures are fortified and children can thrive surrounded by the love and support of those who matter most. The momentum generated at this event is set to translate into meaningful changes within West Virginia’s kinship care system, aligning with the ongoing mission of developing robust family-centered care throughout the community.