Recently, The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley held its “The Key to the Community is You” fundraising dinner and silent auction. During the event, WVU Parkersburg Wellness Center Program Coordinator Pamela Santer received the first-ever Key to the Community award for her collaborative spirit to aid the community.

“Pamela has spent countless hours connecting and volunteering in the area and throughout the state,” Liz Ford, The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley executive director said. “From developmental disabilities and substance abuse to health and wellness, Pamela’s insight, support and involvement are something to be commended. She is truly a key to our community!”

Santer’s many community roles include Mindful West Virginia, What’s Next Mid-Ohio Valley, Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer, Community Recovery Center board member, Hope Manor and Recovery Point advisory board member, and participating on the Wood County Prevention Coalition and Wood County Board of Education Prevention Council.

These organizations convene community conversations on substance abuse, homelessness and safe and inclusive communities, as well as work on the prevention of substance abuse in youth.

“I was very humbled and honored to receive the Key to the Community award; however, I accepted on behalf of many individuals who contribute to the area,” Santer said. “What I do, I do not do alone. I have many friends and family who also give endless hours to making our community a healthy and peaceful place to live.”

“We all are keys to unlocking the potential in our fellow community members,” she continued.

Since 1955, The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley has been dedicated to ensuring a satisfying and productive life for children and adults with intellectual, cognitive and related developmental disabilities by providing programs and services that enable, empower and encourage them to live, learn, work, worship and play in their community along with their peers and neighbors.

The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is currently accepting donations for its Secret Christmas program. Donations of $40 will provide Christmas gifts, cookies, housekeeping and toiletry packs to adults and teens 13-years and older with intellectual, cognitive or related developmental disabilities in Wood County.

For more information about the Secret Christmas program, contact Liz Ford at Liz.Ford@thearcmov.org or 304-422-3151 ext. 106.