WHEELING, W.Va. – West Virginia’s first crisis nursery is set to open in early 2026 at 141 Key Avenue in Wheeling, offering emergency short-term care for children during family crises.
The Village Crisis Nursery, a project of Holy Family Child Care and Development Center, will provide safe, temporary shelter for children whose parents face emergencies such as health or mental health issues, substance recovery, or gaps in childcare. Often called “crisis respite,” these services are proven to prevent child abuse and neglect—especially among high-risk families.
Until now, West Virginia has lacked a dedicated crisis nursery, with the nearest facilities located in Pittsburgh and Cleveland but Village Crisis Nursery Founder and Executive Director for Holy Family, Terra Crews. said the new facility will fill a critical gap in services by offering relief and protection for vulnerable children in the Wheeling area and surrounding communities.
“There are moments when families need immediate, trusted care options to prevent a difficult situation from becoming a tragedy,” said Crews. “Village Crisis Nursery will give parents a safe and supportive alternative during times of crisis. The project is designed to strengthen families and protect children.”
Located on property owned by the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the facility will operate alongside St. John’s Home for Children and the Ohio County Family Resource Center. The project will fall under the nonprofit umbrella of Catholic Charities West Virginia.
To open its doors, the nursery is seeking community support for renovations, staffing, licensing, and operational costs.
“It’s going to take a Village to open Village Crisis Nursery,” Crews said.
The property for the crisis nursery is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-
Charleston and also houses St. John’s Home for Children and the Ohio County Family
Resource Center,
To support the project, contact Terra Crews at t.crews@holyfamilywv.com or 304-242-5222, or visit holyfamilychildcarecenter.com.
