Founded in 2009 in a Wayne County apartment by West Virginian Brandon Dennison, Coalfield Development is a nonprofit rebuilding central Appalachia through workforce training, community-led construction and entrepreneurship. Its person-first programs help people facing barriers to employment gain paid, hands-on experience while abandoned places are put back to work. Headquartered in Wayne County, the organization says its efforts have helped attract more than $100 million in regional investment.
501(c)(3) nonprofit
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New Vision Renewable EnergyNew Vision Renewable Energy is a West Virginia nonprofit that builds tiny homes and produces solar-powered Ray of Life lights while creating housing, job training, and mentorship for young people. Founded as a mentoring and job-training initiative in 1998 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2012, it grew from Appalachian community work into the New Vision Village, where young adults aging out of foster care can find a home and hands-on work in tiny-home manufacturing. Its Ray of Life lights, made in the USA, have reached more than 40 countries.PHILIPPI, WV
X-MAT CCCFounded in 2020, Bluefield, West Virginia’s X-MAT CCC develops coal-derived building materials that turn an abundant regional resource into components for construction. Working from the Bluefield Commercialization Station with partners including the Center for Applied Research and Technology and Semplastics, the company is moving its X-MAT technology from research toward manufacturing while pursuing carbon sequestration and new jobs in coal communities. Its development has included a $500,000 Department of Energy contract to design and develop a carbon-based building.BLUEFIELD, WV
Preston County Workshop IncFounded in a Kingwood basement in 1977, Preston County Workshop is a Reedsville nonprofit rehabilitation facility that provides supported employment while carrying out contract manufacturing and service work. Its workforce includes people with and without disabilities, with training built around meaningful jobs and community participation. The Workshop also operates the 32.14-acre Hickory Ridge Farm, where employees gain seasonal agricultural experience and harvested produce is graded and packaged off site.REEDSVILLE, WV