The WVPRC's Community Development Specialists (CDS) are trained prevention professionals who live and work locally throughout WV's 55 counties. They work in teams of four with each team responsible for approximately 12 to 16 counties in four different regions in the state. A CDS's job is to work collaboratively with grassroots community organizations and individuals, providing a continuum of technical assistance on topics such as assessing community strengths and challenges, strategic planning, team building, formulating goals and objectives, grant writing, coalition building, and developing and implementing evidence-based programs, practices and policies. CDS also assist communities in using evaluation to improve their efforts. Locate the Community Development Specialist serving your county by clicking on the map below.