WHEELING, W.Va. – The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Breaking Barriers for a Better Community (BBBC) grant. This year, a total of $30,000 has been awarded to two impactful organizations working to remove barriers to employment and support workforce development in the greater Wheeling area.

Zanesville Welfare Organization and Goodwill Industries received $15,000 for its Transitional Youth Pre-Employment Training program in Ohio County. This initiative provides in-school training to high school students who have struggled within the traditional school system. The program consists of five key modules, including work-based learning and job exploration counseling, to empower students and emphasize the importance of employment as they transition into adulthood.

HoH-Share Inc. was also awarded $15,000 for its Uplift OV program, which helps individuals overcome obstacles preventing them from entering or remaining in the workforce. This program provides critical support such as securing identification, purchasing necessary job equipment or clothing, assisting with transportation needs, and more. Uplift OV staff work closely with participants to establish and achieve their employment goals, creating a pathway to sustainable futures.

Since its inception in 2020, the BBBC Fund—formerly known as FACTS Impact—has awarded a total of eight grants, distributing $165,700 to local organizations dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering economic stability through philanthropy. BBBC members prioritize collaborative projects that streamline resources among nonprofits, ensuring the most effective and efficient support for those in need.

For photos from the grant reception, click here.