Sign Up For News And Updates

Your Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
E-mail Address:
Sign up for the following:


Your Address
Address:
City:
State:
ZIP:
Mobile Phone:
Learn more about opt-in
By checking this box, you agree to receive email and text message updates from us. By checking this box, I consent to receive event and news updates via email and SMS. Unsubscribe anytime via provided links. Your information is safe with us and used solely for providing our News and updates. Standard Msg & Data rates may apply.

Subscribe to Stay Informed

Subscribe

Back to News

Youth Services System Announces Chris Figaretti and Vineyard Church as 2020 Good Samaritans

Posted 07/25/20

For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Bethel-McFarland, bmcfarland@ysswv.com

WHEELING, W.Va.  —  July 26, 2020 — The Youth Services System Inc. Board of Directors has named Chris Figaretti and the Vineyard Church as its 2020 Good Samaritans.

The 2020 Virtual Good Samaritan Tribute Dinner will be broadcast at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on West Liberty University’s WLUTV-14, on Facebook and on YouTube. Ticketholders will have a choice of three gourmet meals prepared by Charlie Schlegel, available for pickup at West Sports Bar or free home delivery.

“COVID has stalled events or canceled them, but this event is highlighting service, kindness and commitment to bettering lives of others, and I think we need it now more than ever,” said Terra Crews, YSS special events coordinator. “YSS isn’t just an organization, we are a family and community of people who love without boundaries, and we are honored to have Chris and the Vineyard Church as part of our family.”

A Wheeling native, Figaretti was active in YoungLife, attended college and graduate school in New York and Minnesota, respectively, and ran a wilderness adventure ministry in West Virginia before becoming a pastor at the Vineyard in 1999. He became lead pastor in 2010.

YSS officials revealed the honor to the congregation at the beginning of the Sunday worship service today at Wheeling Heritage Port. The church typically holds worship services at the Capitol Theatre with an average of 750 congregants. In all, Figaretti said the church has about 1,500 active participants. The church facility on Warden Run Road is still used for meetings, offices and youth activities.

“The Vineyard’s commitment to serving people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, no matter their station in life, is visible in the church’s many outreach ministries. For Youth Services System, the Vineyard members have cooked hundreds of meals for our Winter Freeze Shelter guests who are homeless. In 2019, they cooked over 500 pounds of beef to include in the meals,” said Robert Dobkin, YSS board chair.

“Their outreach goes beyond YSS, through mentoring programs at Madison Elementary School, free summer football and cheer camps for youth, the enormous annual Egg Hunt and the Be the Blessing campaign that shows the love of Christ to our neighbors in need throughout the Ohio Valley,” Dobkin said.

“Chris Figaretti and the folks at the Vineyard are the hands and feet of Christ in Wheeling and beyond. The Board of Directors and I appreciate all they’ve done for the ‘least of these’ and are thrilled to honor them as the 2020 Good Samaritans,” YSS CEO John Moses said.

Figaretti and his wife, Kristy, live in Wheeling and have two children, Deuce, 15, and Josie, 12.

Tickets for the 2020 Virtual Good Samaritan Tribute Dinner are available by clicking this link or by calling Crews at 304-218-2834.

About Youth Services System, Inc.
Youth Services System, Inc.’s mission is “to create better futures for children, families and our community.” YSS is committed to responding to the complex needs of youth at serious risk. For 46 years, Youth Services System, Inc. has reached thousands of youth and their families with our shelter, residential, community-based and professional services. Together with youth and their families, we work to improve their physical and emotional well-being, to address the debilitating effects of abuse, addiction, and trauma, and to build the skills and connections they need to be successful. Accredited by CARF International, YSS is supported by our volunteer Board of Directors, dedicated staff and faithful community, allowing us to make a measurable impact in the lives of youth. For more information, visit www.youthservicessystem.org.

 

 

###