About Us
Faith in Action of the River Cities, Inc. is a volunteer-based, non-sectarian organization that has been serving older adults and chronically disabled individuals in Cabell and northern Wayne Counties in WV, and limited areas in Lawrence County Ohio since 1996
Our Story
In 1996 a small group of individuals applied for and received a Faith in Action® grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop an interfaith volunteer and caregiver program. The grant was awarded in May of 1996. Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Network began providing non-medical services to seniors and the chronically disabled in December of 1996. In 2002 the organization changed its name to Faith in Action of the River Cities to reflect its affiliation with the growing Faith in Action movement.
In the past 30 years Faith in Action of the River Cities has provided over 27,000 hours of service to seniors and chronically disabled population in our area.
More than one quarter of Americans over the age of 60, approximately 16 million people, struggle with daily activities such as shopping, transportation, and living in isolation. Nearly one-half of these who have difficulty do not receive any help from family or others.
We assist the community by bringing together those who need help and those who want to help others. Many of those we serve live alone and want to remain in their homes. Our goal is to help them maintain their independence while preserving their dignity and quality of life at home. Volunteers complete small tasks that can mean the difference between a person being able to age in place and being forced to move in with relatives or to an assisted living facility. These tasks include door to door transportation, assistance with shopping and errands, paperwork assistance, reassurance calls, and small chores.
Faith in Action of the River Cities is a member of the National Volunteer Caregivers Network.
Our Team
Dr. Bay with the Faith in Action display table
Dr. Bay with the Faith in Action display table
Executive Director: Rev. Dr. Kristy L. Bay
Rev. Dr. Kristy Bay grew up outside Chicago, IL and moved to Nashville, TN to attend Belmont University for her undergraduate studies, earning two degrees: one in Music and one in French. While in college, she stumbled upon her love of student ministry and began to explore her calling as a minister, preacher, writer, and musician. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, GA. This is also where she met her husband, Zach. In 2023, Dr. Bay successfully completed her Doctorate in Higher Education. She has worked with or volunteered at nonprofit organizations for her entire career and has a heart for serving others.
Recently, the Bay family relocated to Huntington with their two children—Eleanor and Elliot— and two cats! Dr. Bay absolutely loves helping people grow holistically as they discover the intersection of life and faith and is committed to helping others thrive. Her passion for music, leadership, creativity, community, and service are all brought together to forward the mission of Faith in Action. Dr. Bay is looking forward to putting down roots in the Huntington community and connecting people with vital services provided by Faith in Action.
Board of Directors
President: Dr. Todd Green
VP: Suzanne Ellis
Treasurer: Dr. Stephen Young
Secretary: Peggy Brown
Executive Director: Rev. Dr. Kristy Bay
Lois Broyles
Deborah Chapman
Debbie Conley
Rev. Mark Conner
Pastor Warren Lahammer
Dr. Leslie-Dawn Quick
Vernon Reichenbecher
Peggy Saunders
Christina Young