WVU Nursing supports baby pantry in McDowell County
Both through her work and through personal experience, Annetta Tiller is passionate about providing resources and support to southern West Virginia families in need.
Tiller, a UniCare employee covering 11 southern counties, was born and raised in McDowell County. Today, she lives less than a quarter of a mile away from where she grew up.
A few years ago, when Mountaineer Food Bank was looking for a location for a food pantry, Refuge in Christ Church in Raysal offered to support the effort. Tiller also learned about the need for a baby pantry, so she worked with UniCare to sponsor the food bank, as well as what became known as Noah’s Ark Baby Pantry.
Families in need can register for supplies, such as diapers, wipes, formula, clothes, larger items like strollers or cribs, as well as education and resources. In 2021, the pantry served 38 families and 55 children and by the next year, those numbers nearly doubled.
Providing support to families in need is also a personal mission for Tiller. Just before the birth of their second child, her husband had lost his job and they lost their home.
“We had nothing to start with,” Tiller said. “People gave us used baby items. I remember getting a bassinet with a missing leg. But even beyond the tangibles, I wish the education and resources available now were available back then. My experience makes this even more of a passion of mine.”
Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement for the WVU School of Nursing and a southern West Virginia native, connected with Tiller to offer support to Noah’s Ark Baby Pantry.
“The work that Annetta is doing is exceptional,” Smothers said. “The WVU School of Nursing is honored to support her work in any way we can.”
Smothers has also connected Tiller with two faith community nurses — Melissa Coleman and Stephanie Lusk, both of whom have been able to provide nurse-led access to care and educational opportunities for the families served by the pantry. Lusk, a faith community nurse at the Church in Raysal, received training and support through funds made available by Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Foundation. Their contribution was awarded via the WVU Foundation, a non-profit organization that receives and administers donations on behalf of the University.
For Tiller, the educational component of her work is especially impactful. Experts and guest speakers like the nurses and other volunteers offer educational workshops, such as autism awareness or post-partum support, to provide parents and caregivers with the tools they need to best care for their little ones and themselves.
“The moms are so appreciative. I don’t want them to ever feel like they’re asking for a handout. I try to make them feel comfortable and at ease getting the supplies they need,” Tiller said. “Knowing the community, knowing the people because I’ve lived here so long, I see the struggles and I know the need. I’m glad to be a small portion of that help.”
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CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu