Necco has named Teresa McCourt, MS, as the new Program Director of its Elkins office, strengthening the agency’s commitment to foster children and families across the region.
McCourt brings a distinguished career with more than 25 years of leadership experience in human services and public health. Her career has been focused on ensuring quality supports and services for vulnerable West Virginians.
She steps into this role with clear priorities to deepen community partnerships and expand support for foster families. The goal is to encourage more families to open their homes and hearts to kids — specifically teens and tweens, ensuring that older youth in foster care have the same opportunity for safe, stable and loving homes.
“We can’t afford to let our West Virginia teens and tweens down,” McCourt said. “Every child deserves a safe and loving family. And right now, many of our young neighbors are really struggling. Teens need homes with loving people who can offer safety, stability, consistency, and care.”
McCourt’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the number of teens and tweens entering foster care continues to rise. Her leadership marks a renewed investment by Necco in strengthening local support for older youth. She is issuing a heartfelt call to community members across the region to consider opening their homes — and their hearts — to teens in need of stability and support.
“Teens in foster care are often overlooked — but they’re also some of the most resilient, creative, and determined kids you’ll meet,” McCourt said. “What they need most is someone who shows up and stays. We need people who are willing to be present, provide structure, and remind these kids that they matter.”
Under McCourt’s leadership, Necco–Elkins is focused on expanding the region’s safety net of available homes for older youth by deepening community partnerships and ensuring full support for foster families. Operating under its Social Contract — to be responsible, respectful, reliable, and real—Necco-Elkins plans to build lasting community trust through every placement and relationship.
McCourt added that, “We understand why people might hesitate. Fostering teens can seem intimidating,” McCourt said. “But with Necco-Elkins on your family’s team, you won’t ever be doing it alone. We plan to be walking alongside families every step of the way as we create a strong, stable network of homes for the youth who need us most.”
To learn more about fostering a teen or partnering with Necco-Elkins, visit www.necco.org or call 304-553-7063. Necco-Elkins currently serves Randolph, Barbour, Upshur, Tucker, Grant, Hardy, Pendleton, and Pocahontas counties.
