Mission Statement

The majority of our young people face the stressors of poverty, inadequate or inaccessible mental health supports, high rates of trauma, destabilization of the education and child welfare systems, and the opioid epidemic’s devastating impact on families and communities. Within this challenging landscape, ACE works to help young West Virginians grow into supported and stable citizens and leaders. Through a variety of evidence-based approaches, we create opportunities for youth to pursue their educational, career, and life goals, better their communities, move out of poverty, broaden their understanding of our world, and step into their power. We apply the core belief that every individual has intrinsic worth and the ability to chart their own path to a stable, fulfilling life given adequate support and opportunities for growth and learning. By strategically implementing programming that further connects youth to the resources and assets of their state, community, school, and peer group, they will also become more resilient and equipped to productively cope with the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.