The Active SWV board welcomes Jenni Canterbury as Development Director.
Bringing talent to Active SWV
Jenni Canterbury, a native of Raleigh County, has been building relationships across the region through many professional and volunteer roles. Previously working in business sales, higher education, and as the Communications and Fund Development Director at the YMCA of Southern West Virginia, Jenni pairs these experiences with a passion for giving back to her community. She is a volunteer board member with the Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, and Raleigh County Read Aloud.
Facing Challenges in West Virginia
Jenni will be hitting the ground running this August. She will join the Active SWV team in utilizing a recently developed Comprehensive Communication Plan to make sure Active SWV’s message reaches all corners of our region.
This is a pivotal time to improve systems efficiency and measure the impacts of our programming. Active SWV is an organization rooted in in-person programs that build social supports and improve health through movement. Due to federal and state funding and program cuts, individuals and families throughout West Virginia are now expected to take more responsibility for their circumstances whether it be housing, food, and/or health. There are fewer and fewer government services available to make up the gaps in their means.
Businesses continue to feel the impacts of high healthcare costs for their employees, as well as lost work time due to sickness, lack of transportation, and lack of childcare. Increasing costs of goods coupled with reductions in consumer spending make it difficult for small businesses in West Virginia to increase profits. Having a healthier workforce can alleviate some of these challenges businesses face.
Applying Solutions
Jenni brings decades of professional fundraising experience, communication management, research, and evaluation to the position. Her kind and fun spirit is contagious from the moment you meet her.
This coming year will be an opportunity for Active SWV, with Jenni’s help, to expand and strengthen community and economic development partnerships focused on improving the quality of life for West Virginians. Individual relationships are the foundation in understanding challenges, setting goals, and working collaboratively toward success.
We are facing uncertain times with changing state and federal policies and health initiatives. Active SWV has imbedded proven interventions and evidenced based practices into our programs. This is our opportunity to share results, increase program reach, and diversify funding to support this work and stay ahead of the increasing demand for our services.
Jenni shares, “I am an adaptable professional with the ability to quickly learn and implement new systems. My family and I have participated in Active SWV programs, and I am excited to be joining this team. I have previous experience along with a passion for West Virginia and giving back to our community that I will invest in this role.”
Plan to meet Jenni soon!
Reach out with your questions, ideas, and congratulations by emailing Jenni@activeswv.com.
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