Empower and Link

09/01/2026

When crisis hits, it often comes for the people we least expect.
Yesterday, we received a referral for a woman sleeping in her car in a local fast food parking lot. She was completely out of gas and hadn't had a hot meal in weeks. Thanks to the kindness of the restaurant’s staff, she at least had a safe place to park.

Navigator, Kim Hixenbaugh jumped into action to gather the necessary information and made sure she would be looked after.

Uncovering her full story broke our hearts.
This 68-year-old widow spent 47 years married to her late husband and should never have been on the street. She earns over $3,000 a month in benefits, but a devastating scam hacked her bank account, caused an automatic rent payment to fail, forcing her eviction. After securing $1500 for a new apartment last month, a "friend" she met in a shelter stole her savings, leaving her with stranded in her car.
When we arrived with a gas card and food, she opened her car door to show us her severely swollen leg. With gas in her car, she agreed to drive straight to the hospital.

This morning, we received an update: her blood sugar was a dangerous 538 upon arrival at the hospital, and she was immediately admitted for critical care.

Because of the structure of Empower and Link and our unrestricted funds, we were able to respond immediately and provide the necessary help. There was a desperate need, and we were able to fill it. No delays, no red tape.

Our most vulnerable neighbors are targeted every single day by scams and people taking advantage, but compassionate community action can change the outcome. Because of your support, she is safe, warm, and getting the medical treatment she urgently needed.

Thank you for backing Empower & Link so we can keep showing up the moment help is needed most.

09/01/2026

The American Red Cross of Central Appalachia Region is looking for homes that need smoke alarms installed as part of the United Way's Sandy O'Haver Day of Caring on Wednesday, September 9!

If you are a home in the Wheeling area in need of a smoke detector please scan the QR code on the flyer below, or call 1-844-216-8286.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Join DBSA this evening at our Wheeling Drop In Center location from 6-7pm for their support group! This group is for individuals who are living with Depression, Bipolar, or other mood disorders who are 18+. 💚

08/31/2026

What is the Disability Tax? Research suggests that disabled individuals need to spend approximately 28% more than their non-disabled peers on living expenses. Whether a disabled person works or not does not change the fact that being disabled is very expensive.

Image description: an educational infographic with a pale green background. At the top, large black text reads:
“What is the Disability Tax?”

Below the title, black text reads:
“The ‘disability tax’ is not an official tax imposed
by a government but instead refers to the extra
costs associated with being disabled.”

Farther down, black text reads:
“Examples of the disability tax include:”

At the bottom are three illustrated examples.
Under the wheelchair illustration, the green text box reads:
“Extra money disabled people need to spend on mobility aids and medical supplies.”

Under the house illustration, the pink text box reads:
“The costs associated with adding necessary accessibility to a home or vehicle.”

Under the heart illustration, the green text box reads:
“The emotional, physical, and time-related cost of being disabled in an ableist society.”

Along the right edge of the image, the vertically oriented green text reads:
“”.

08/30/2026

If you’re ready to take a step toward healing from alcohol addiction, we invite you to join us at the House of the Carpenter.

Our AA meetings are open three times per week:
Monday: 12 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM
Saturday: 10 AM

Everyone is welcome here, no matter where you are on your journey.
Come to 200 S. Front Street, Wheeling, WV 26003. Use the door under the covered parking and take the elevator to level 3.

Support is here when you need it.

08/30/2026

Empower and Link stands with those in recovery, those struggling with addiction, and the families who walk beside them. We believe recovery is possible, lives are worth fighting for, and no one should have to face the journey alone.

Today, we remember those we’ve lost and recommit ourselves to breaking barriers, bridging gaps, and saving lives. 💜

On International Overdose Awareness Day, West Virginia remembers those we have lost to overdose, stands with those in recovery and recognizes the families, communities and professionals working every day to prevent overdose and save lives. https://bbh.wv.gov/

08/27/2026