Photo provided Patrice Pooler, director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home, stands with donations from students at Bodies in Rhythm Physical Therapy. The Fellowship Home launched its annual giving campaign last week with proceeds going toward a resource library for clients.

PARKERSBURG — The Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home launched its annual giving campaign last week with a goal of $8,000 to purchase books for a resource library.

The 36 clients at the Fellowship Home will have access to books that will help in their recovery journey. Patrice Pooler, director, said clients will work through the books together and will get to take them home after they’re finished.

“There’s so much change a person has to go through to become sober. It’s very similar to learning how to write with a different hand that you’re not usually accustomed to writing with,” she said. “The resource library is a lot of information for them to be able to access and to strengthen their recovery, spirituality and sense of purpose. It helps them to confirm that sobriety is their goal.”

The books purchased from donations will cover topics such as meditation, relapse prevention, a 12-step study and texts to help people in recovery maintain long-term sobriety.

Last year’s giving campaign helped to stock the shelves of the food pantry and over $10,000 was raised. .

“It’s going wonderfully. It’s been really nice to have those two spaces. With the potential of any kind of limited quantities, we’re able to stock up,” Pooler said.

The Fellowship Home was recently certified by the West Virginia Association of Recovery Residents which will allow for the organization to receive grants. Previously, it wasn’t necessary to be certified but requirements changed and it is now necessary for the organization to be certified.

“It’s very rewarding to be certified. We continue to be the resource the state recommends for people who are needing services such as ours. It also ensures that we have a safe and solid program for people who are wanting and needing sober living,” Pooler said.

The upcoming holidays are usually associated with giving and Pooler said several people in the community extend their generosity to the Fellowship Home.

“People are just so generous to our agency during this time of year. It’s very humbling and it’s very beautiful. We had a very generous donor help with some of the clients with their kids’ Christmas needs,” Pooler said. “The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church helps the folks who haven’t gotten their needs met.”

Donation items are also accepted. Paper products, personal hygiene items, tissues and household cleaners are always needed and can be dropped off the Fellowship Home at 1030 George St. in Parkersburg.

For a full list of items needed or to make a monetary donation for the giving campaign, visit movfh.org.

“(We are) grateful to the community for their continued support to our mission to change and save lives. They matter and they’re making a difference,” Pooler said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.