Scott's Run Settlement House

In the Beginning

The Scotts Run area of West Virginia had become a booming mining community in the late 1910s and 1920s. Immigrants and southern blacks migrated to the area to fill the workforce. A great influx of non-English speaking people created a communications barrier between the new migrants and the native residents. The members of the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Wesley Methodist Church in Morgantown saw the opportunity to help the new families in the area by offering English classes and health education. As the first World War ended, the demand for coal declined drastically, mines began to close, and residents lost their jobs. Most were confronted with money shortages, health problems and sub-standard education. The Women's Home Missionary Society continued to serve the community during this time and started other programs that provided spiritual education, expanded health services, and even recreation to the residents of the area. Nestled right outside of Morgantown, WV, in the small community of Osage, the building that stands today was built in 1927 as a permanent structure for the people of the community to turn to in times of need.

Scott's Run Settlement House

The Women of the Home Missionary Society modeled their program after those that had been created in larger cities. The Settlement House was formed to help with the "Americanization" of newly arrived immigrants by promoting English literacy, citizenship, hygiene and other basic life skills. Women from the Methodist Church created a bible school to help teach the children. The original setting for the Settlement House was located in several rooms above Possner's Store in the town of Osage. After several years, SRSH added additional programs, such as classes on cooking, and motherhood. The Woman's Home Missionary women were confronted with several challenges, including people who did not welcome their presence and a fire that destroyed the SRSH original building. After much fundraising, the ladies were able to construct the permanent structure in Osage in 1927.

Today

Scott's Run Settlement House (SRSH) has grown tremendously over the years. In the 1960's and 1970's, SRSH added more activities and programs to their agenda, including a day care center and senior citizen activities. Many volunteer programs are now available for high school and West Virginia University students as well as tutoring in all subjects. In the 1980's a food pantry was added along with a Meals on Wheels program, sessions for young and single mothers, and a juvenile delinquency program. After the 1980's, Scott's Run Settlement House did not function as an organized church, but Christian philosophy continues to be practiced throughout all of the daily activities. SRSH takes pride in enriching and strengthening individual and family life by providing experiences of growth in the lives of participants of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities, beliefs, and capabilities.