& Me: Because every voice matters and every strength counts
Support & Resource Hub
Connecting families in Mercer County, West Virginia📍and surrounding areas to the support, services, and community they need. Created by the Special Needs Collaborative, this guide is designed to help families navigate disability-specific resources with clarity and confidence. Whether you are just beginning this journey, looking for support, or planning for what comes next, our goal is to make it easier to find the right resources—without the overwhelm—and to help you feel connected to a community that understands.
We are continually growing this resource to better reflect the needs of our community.
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🚧 This Page Is a Work in Progress
We are actively building and updating this page. Some resources may be incomplete or missing as we continue to build and update this guide for Mercer County and surrounding areas 🛠️
We welcome your input—if you know of a local resource to add or see something that needs updated, we’d love to hear from you.
Common Questions
💬 Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from families.
The best first step is to stay connected with the Special Needs Collaborative—we’re your hub for local resources, community events, and support. By following us, you’ll stay informed about opportunities and ways to help your child get involved. Once you’re connected, the best place to start is with the "Core Systems" section listed below in our resource guide.
Yes! The Special Needs Collaborative is passionate about creating inclusive experiences for all. We host our own sensory-friendly community events, and we partner with other organizations to bring even more accessible fun to our area. For the latest updates on upcoming activities and opportunities, follow our Facebook page and visit our events page on our website.
Wait, there’s more! Along with SNC events, be sure to explore these other inclusive activities:
- Special Abilities Sports (SAS)
- Bluefield Rail Birds ABO
- Mercer County Special Olympics
If you’re worried about affording therapy, equipment, or services, you’re not alone, and there are resources to help. Some programs offer grants for equipment, like assistive technology or items not covered by insurance. Financial assistance may also come through waivers that cover therapies or support services. Additionally, free services, like Legal Aid, can help advocate for benefits or accommodations. Below, in our resource guide, you’ll find these categorized by what you need.
Start Here: Core Systems
Birth to Three
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Mercer County Public Schools: Special Education 📍
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I/DD Waiver Program
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WV Division of Rehabilitation Services
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Financial Assistance & Equipment Support
The Skylar Henkes Foundation 📍
The Skylar Henkes Foundation provides grant support that helps individuals living with developmental disabilities access adaptive tools, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to live fuller lives.
Website: theskylarhenkesfoundation.com
Facebook: The Skylar Henkes Foundation
Joshua Harr Shane Foundation (JHSF)
The Joshua Harr Shane Foundation (JHSF) provides direct financial assistance to families of children with special needs and serious medical conditions. Support may include help with medical bills, therapies, and specialized equipment not covered by insurance, as well as assistance with essential household expenses such as utilities and housing during times of hardship. The foundation also helps fund adaptive and enrichment opportunities, including sports, dance, and recreational activities, and offers programs for students ages 14–21 that focus on independence and life skills. In addition, JHSF provides holiday and birthday support for families in need. All assistance is coordinated directly with service providers and vendors, ensuring funds are used to meet the specific needs of each child and family.
Website: https://www.joshuaharrshane.org/
Email: JoshuaHarrShane@gmail.com
Social Security (SSI)
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Sports & Inclusive Fitness
Bluefield Rail Birds ABO 📍
The Bluefield Rail Birds, a local chapter of Alternative Baseball (ABO), offers an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults (ages 15+) with autism and other disabilities in the Mercer County area, fostering inclusion and empowerment. ABO uses baseball as a vehicle for personal development, community education, advocacy, and social connection. They welcome players of all experience levels to join their movement for positive social change.
Email: bluefieldrailbirds.abo@gmail.com
Phone: 304-308-3500
Facebook: Bluefield Railbirds ABO
Mercer County Special Olympics 📍
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.
SAS (Special Abilities Sports) 📍
This organization provides a fantastic way for individuals with disabilities to get moving and have fun through their adaptive and alternative basketball program, as well as a variety of other sports. They offer inclusive exercise and fitness classes designed to provide opportunities for physical activity in a supportive and understanding environment. More than just a workout, these programs provide a space that promotes confidence, teamwork, and meaningful social connections among peers. For those looking to stay active, build lasting friendships, and be part of an inclusive community, they provide a great option to grow and play together. It is a wonderful opportunity to build skills and be part of something truly special.
Email: specialabilitiessports@gmail.com
Phone: 304-308-3500
Facebook: Special Abilities Sports
Employment & Transition (Ages 14+)
Mercer County Opportunity Industries (MCOI) 📍
Mercer County Opportunity Industries (MCOI) is a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) for individuals with disabilities seeking competitive employment, serving the southern West Virginia and bordering Virginia counties. Referred by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, MCOI assists high school students through adults with disabilities facing employment barriers in counties including Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, Summers, Greenbrier, Raleigh, and Tazewell.
Phone: (304) 425-3810
Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
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Adult Services & Day Programs
Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center 📍
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ResCare
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Right at Home
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Links
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Advocacy & Legal Support
Legal Aid of WV
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Additional Resources
Click below to see resources organized by topic!
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