Prestera Health Services Awarded Momentum Initiative Grant from West Virginia First Foundation
Huntington, WV (December, 2025) – Prestera Health Services is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Momentum Initiative Grant (MIG) from the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF).
The grant, totaling $125,000.00 will support reducing substance use initiation among youth ages 10–18 across ten counties in region 5 of West Virginia. This grant will utilize the evidence-based Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) alongside proven curricula. The program offers structured afterschool activities that increase protective factors such as parental involvement, youth engagement, and positive peer connections. This will strengthen efforts related to prevention in region five. This investment aligns with Prestera Health Service’s mission: Devoted to serving our communities by inspiring hope and growth to achieve wellness.
“By expanding our afterschool prevention programming, we can give youth positive alternatives, trusted mentors, and the tools they need to make healthy choices. This support strengthens not only our youth, but families and neighborhoods as well, Prevention starts with opportunity, and we are deeply grateful for this investment in our community’s future.” said Kimberly Shoemake Region Five Prevention Lead of Prestera Health Services. “With support from the West Virginia First Foundation, we can combine innovative prevention strategies with community collaboration, this program seeks to create lasting behavioral change and healthier environments for youth, ultimately contributing to safer, more resilient communities throughout the region.and better serve our community.”
The Momentum Initiative Grant reflects WVFF’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds and to supporting projects and organizations that strengthen systems of care across West Virginia.
“The Momentum Initiative Grant was designed to support organizations that are ready to scale, collaborate, and deliver lasting results,” said Jonathan Board, WVFF Executive Director. “The work of Prestera Health Services reflects the kind of leadership and local insight needed to move this effort forward.”
Through MIG, WVFF is advancing nearly $18 million to support projects across the state that address prevention, treatment, recovery, and workforce needs; building on lessons learned and focusing on accountability, sustainability, and long-term impact.
To learn more about West Virginia First Foundation, visit wvfirst.org. To learn more about Prestera Health Services, visit www.prestera.org
About West Virginia First Foundation: The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is a nonprofit organization established to address the opioid crisis and its lasting impact across the state. Created under the terms of the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), WVFF was designed to receive and distribute opioid settlement funds. Guided by the principles outlined in the MOU, the Foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) entity to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts. Through strategic funding and community collaboration, WVFF is committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. For more information, visit wvfirst.org.
About Prestera Health Services: Prestera Health Services is the largest nonprofit behavioral health organization in West Virginia, serving communities across Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties. Founded in 1967, Prestera is devoted to serving its communities by inspiring hope and growth to achieve wellness through a comprehensive, integrated approach to care. Services include child and family services, crisis services, outpatient and primary care, substance use treatment for co-occurring diagnoses, residential and recovery housing, homeless services, ID/DD services, and health and wellness programs. Guided by the belief that healing and wellness start with us, Prestera remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality care that supports individuals and families at every stage of life.