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PARKERSBURG - The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has established a new endowment fund benefiting Escape Community Ministries, a local faith-based nonprofit that primarily serves middle and high school students.
The Escape Community Ministries Endowment Fund will be a permanent financial resource to support the organization as it works to provide a safe space in the community for youth to gather, connect and worship, according to a release from the foundation.
Escape Community Ministries became an independent, nonprofit organization in 2025 and has since expanded its outreach to local youth. The ministry hosts weekly gatherings where students connect with their peers, participate in worship and share a meal.
The organization also offers community service projects and youth leadership opportunities that encourage personal growth and meaningful community involvement.
"The endowment fund is going to enable us to provide opportunities for kids at little to no cost," said Eric Tucker, co-executive director of Escape Community Ministries.
Tucker said the organization plans to expand its reach by collaborating with other organizations to address unmet needs in the community.
"Investing in us means investing in the community," he said.
Naomi Kanios, co-executive director of Escape Community Ministries, expressed appreciation for those considering a gift.
"We literally cannot do what we do without your support," she said.
Created by a group of Escape volunteers, the new endowment fund is designed to grow over time, providing a consistent and reliable source of funding that can be used to support the organization's ongoing work.
"We're in this for the long run," said Tucker, adding that an endowment fund will be there to support future organizational leadership to continue meeting the needs of the community.
Contributions to the Escape Community Ministries Endowment Fund may be made by mailing a check payable to PACF, with "Escape Community Ministries" noted on the memo line, to PACF, P.O. Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102. Donations also may be made online at www.pacfwv.com/give.