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“Christopher Mullett has served as President and CEO of Burlington United Methodist Family Services since April of 2020. His passion is simple––to make a difference.  Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. was founded in October of 1913 by a dedicated physician, Dr. F.L. Baker, and his friend, Rev. Mr. F.C. Rollman, a Justice of the Peace and Postmaster. For years they worked tirelessly to procure funding for the new project.  Originally known as “The Star of Hope Child Refuge,” the organization began by meeting the needs of local children living in poor housing conditions and nearby farms.

Although they’ve continued to grow and the diversity of services offered has expanded ten-fold, they remain committed to their original mission strategy.  The mission of BUMFS is to change lives by preventing harm and providing hope and healing to hurting children and families. Mullett boasts an impressive tenure in the nonprofit sector, including work with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, the Clarksburg Mission, and World Vision Appalachia. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Mullett moved on to Emory University, where he received his master’s.  Reflecting on his best moment as the CEO of Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Mullett mentioned one story in particular. “To know their stories, and where they’ve come from––to watch them put on a wonderful Christmas play and take it seriously,” started Mullett, “where would each of them be if we didn’t exist.”  One high-schooler in the play approached Mullett to share with him that he was in the process of pursuing a job, a new apartment, and a better life. Encouraged by the young man, Mullett asked him, “Have you learned what you need to learn here?”  The young man replied, “Absolutely.”

The organization offers various services, ranging from home and community-based therapy, family reunification, foster care, housing, schooling, and much more.  With more than 7,000 children in state custody in West Virginia, the need is great, and the problem isn’t getting better. But with the efforts of organizations like Burlington United Methodist Family Services, the hope is that every child in need of foster care receives foster care when they need it.

If you’d like to keep up with Chris and BUMFS, you can visit https://bumfs.org/

PWV QUICK BITS | CHRISTOPHER MULLETT

  • RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Nonprofits are Messy by Joan Garry and Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
  • PIECE OF ADVICE: “Start the conversation about Foster Care,” advised Mullett.