Workforce Development 

At Keep Your Faith Corporation (KYFC), workforce development is central to our mission and threaded through each program area.

We are dedicated to growing West Virginia’s workforce by implementing national best practices guided by SAMHSA, helping individuals and employers overcome barriers to sustaining employment, build professional skills, and achieve long-term success.

With support from our partners, KYFC has completed a groundbreaking study on culturally sensitive workforce development—a vital step toward strengthening rural and recovery-to-workforce pathways in Appalachian communities. The study looks at workforce challenges in our region, exploring why they happen and offering practical solutions to help people move from recovery into steady employment—while also helping employers better understand the workforce landscape.

Building on this work, KYFC is now leading a state-led clinician pipeline initiative, creating new pathways for qualified clinicians to serve local communities—boosting access to care and reinforcing the workforce through trauma-informed approaches.

👉 [Click here to read the full study] and learn how this work is shaping a stronger, healthier West Virginia.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE initiative, the Just Transition Fund, and our partners at Kingery & Company for making this possible.

Building on this work, KYFC now provides Trauma-Informed Workplace Trainings for employers. These trainings strengthen employee well-being, improve retention, and create healthier work environments—outcomes especially vital for Appalachian communities.

For more information or to bring trauma-informed training to your organization, contact us at info@kyfc.org.

  • KYFC offers internships for aspiring and early-career mental health and social work professionals. Our focus is on developing clinical interns into independently-licensed clinicians by providing supervision, training and professional development opportunities, and licensure support.

  • Classes are announced by availability. We do not have any currently scheduled for the upcoming year.

  • The newest KYFC initiative is a lot more than a grocery store! It’s also a place where folks in recovery can gain valuable work experience. We’re committed to leading the nonprofit sector (and beyond) in the adoption of recovery-friendly workplace practices.

  • Trauma-Informed Workplace Training

    Trauma-informed workplace aka trauma informed community development training helps employers understand how past experiences can affect today’s work environment. By recognizing signs of stress and trauma, organizations can create safer, more supportive spaces that improve communication, reduce burnout, and strengthen employee retention. In Appalachia, where many workers balance recovery, economic challenges, and generational stress, trauma-informed practices not only support individual well-being but also build healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Resources + Referrals

Since 2019, we’ve partnered with various innovative organizations, including Coalfield Development, Jobs and Hope West Virginia, to expand job access and training tailored to meet the specific needs of all members of our community across Appalachia.

If you’re seeking employment or interested in growing your professional skills, we can help set you on the path to success.