History
In late 1974, the St. Theresa Church of Morgantown West Virginia formed the Christian Service Committee at the request of the Parish Council. During November of 1974, Sister Thecla Shiel, principal of St. Francis De Sales Elementary School, initiated a committee discussion studying the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church. The group observed principles from such documents as Rerum Novarum, 
Quadregesimo Anno, Pacem in Terris, Call to Action, Justice in the World. These discussions led to an awareness of the poor in the area of Preston and Monogalia Countries and the need for assistance.
- Mrs. Frances Cremer, Association President
- Dr. Charles Cremer, Treasurer
- Sister Thecla Shiel, Chairman of the Board
- Mrs. Evelyn Prager
- Mrs. Beverly Laurita, Vice President in charge of Volunteers
- Mr. Vincent Gargarella, Knights of Columbus representative
- Mr. George Markusic, Legal Advisor
- Mrs. Louella Crynock, Secretary
- Mrs. Marge Foster
- Carolyn Mudd, WVU representative of the School of Social Work
- Cookie Cooms
At the suggestion of Evelyn Praeger, a county health nurse, the needs of a large number of local school children was brought to light; lacking the necessary clothes, these children did not attend school. After much talking, the conclusion was reached that "doing" was more important than "talking". A vacant storeroom located at 9 Beechurst Avenue was rented at $40 a month.
Charles and Frances Cremer began the task of painting the interior. Sister Thelcla got a friend from Granville to make clothing racks out of piping. Money, clothing, and food were solicited from the community. To help, parents of the school children whom Sister Thecla Shiel knew from PTA volunteered to work in the store. And so, on March 25, 1975 Christian Help, Inc. opened its doors to the community, the organization provided free clothing, emergency assistance, a food pantry, and a furniture exchange program.
In Sister Thecla's second newsletter of March 1976, she guestimates the amount of donations during the first fiscal year for 1975-76:- We received donations of used clothing valued at $7,650 and in distributed to needy people more than half of these donations.
- We received gifts of food valued at more than $800 and distributed virtually all of it.
- Cash donations were just under $3,200; a little more half of than half of that we used to keep the center open and the remaining balance was used to help those in need.
- We severed approximately 388 families.
- CHI had 65 volunteers donate their time and services.
- To research the needs of persons in Morgantown and to surrounding area-the needs of youth, of women, the unborn, the aged, the ill, the unemployed, ethnic minorities.
- To cooperate with other social agencies and to attempt to respond to needs not being answered by any agency.
- To offer alternatives to abortion for pregnant women.
- To offer direct and immediate services to those in emergency need such as illness, fire, bond, the unemployed, transients.
- To offer awareness programs (such as study groups, seminars, workshops, conferences, publications) on the helping role of A Christian in building a just society.
- To apply the results of study and research in a Christian manner by becoming more involved in the community to which we belong. This may mean working through the political process, giving leadership in self-advocacy programs, etc.
- Its deepest aim is to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ who commanded us to love one another.
New York: Park Publishing Company, 1976
After Sister Thecla left in 1982, Sister M. Brendan Conlon took her place as director, the only full-time paid employee. In 1984, Christian Help, Inc. moved to its present location in a four-story building on 219 Walnut St.; growing from a small storefront operation to a large United Way service provider. Sister Brendan stood at the helm of Christian Help, Inc. for 12 years, through its growth and development. In June of 1994, David McQuain presented Sister Bredan Conlon with the Mary L. Williams Award for her contribution in the field of human relations through Christian Help, Inc.. Sister Brendon was and still is well known in the community for the work that she had done in developing Christian Help, Inc., as it is today. In 1994, Sister Brendon was inspired to start Christian Help II, a local emergency care organization in Mingo County, West Virginia.
During the search for a new director, Dennis Overman, the Christian Help board vice-president, was quoted saying, "The first directors have been Catholic nuns, but the new director is not a nun. Christian Help is non-denominational. We are looking for someone who is committed to the ideals of the organization. Christian Help is the hands of Christ at work in Morgantown." (Dominion Post Monday June 27, 1994).
Rich Schlameuss became the new director of Christian Help, Inc. on July 1, 1994. A West Virginia University policy graduate student, Rich brought a fresh voice to the organization.
At the time Christian Help, Inc. housed not only a free clothing store, food pantry, financial assistance, and furniture exchange program, but also a literacy volunteer room, and a sewing room which made quilts to benefit Christian Help. During, Schlameuss seven-year tenure, Christian Help, Inc. expanded and updated its look. In creating the concept for the Women's Career Clothing in 1997, Rich helped to make it a reality in February 1998. Rich also organized the food pantries in the Monongalia County so they could better provide services throughout the county. Towards the middle of 2001, the first floor of Christian Help was renovated to provide easy access to the free clothing store for customers and volunteers. In July 2001, Rich moved to Boston, MA with his wife, so she could attend law school.
Frances Conrad took over the directorship on August 1, 2001, after serving on the board of directors for several years. During her tenure the 3rd floor was remodeled to make the Women's Career Clothing Closet more attractive and to provide a meeting room and kitchen. Work was started on a room for the board of director's bookeeper also. Frances worked with WAJR/WVAQ on a food collection drive right after 9/11. The food pantry was expanded during her time as director.
Her history with CHI was a family affair, beginning with her father, Vincent Gargarella, one of the founding board members. Her mother, Kay Gargarella, also served as a board member, taking her husband's place.
In 2002, Cheryl Stout was hired as the Executive Director. Under her time with the organization, Christian Help has faced growing needs from the surrounding community. In 2003, the Working Men's Closet was created and to this day continues to expand on the fourth floor of Christian Help. Christian Help, Inc. still continues to grow and meet the needs of the poor in north central West Virginia, and will persevere into the future.