As we near the one-year mark of Project Dignity, we want to extend our deepest thanks to each of you who signed this petition, shared it with others, and took a stand for something that has been ignored for far too long.

From the beginning, this has been about dignity, for those buried in the cemeteries tied to the former Weston State Hospital, and for the descendants still searching for peace, answers, and acknowledgment.

Since the petition launched, we formally requested that ownership of the three cemeteries be transferred to a legal trust composed of capable, mission-driven organizations. While the State of West Virginia declined that request for now, that did not close the door, and it certainly did not end our commitment.

Our ask has shifted, in part to meet the moment. We are now actively seeking licensed access: to maintain, restore, and offer limited, respectful visitation to descendants and families. That is what this work is about. And that is what we are fighting for. The original goal still stands, but we will not sit idle in the meantime.

Throughout this past year, some have gone to quiet lengths to challenge or undermine this work. We won’t name names, we won’t respond in kind, but we are aware of what has been said. We will not match rumor with rumor, we’ll meet it with truth, consistency, and purpose.

We’ve read every single comment left on this petition. We’ve heard from family members across the country who only recently learned they had loved ones buried in these cemeteries. We’ve seen your words of support, heartbreak, and resolve. This petition is for you. This work is for you. It’s for them.

You deserve this. They deserve this.

And if it’s not unfair to ask, who else is putting forth this level of targeted, persistent effort on behalf of the people buried there? Who else is trying to bring access, care, and historical truth to these spaces with no agenda other than to do what should have been done long ago?

This is not about credit. It’s about action.

If you’ve already signed, thank you. We now ask you to share this petition again, and invite others to join you. If this is your first time hearing about it, we welcome your name and your voice.

Over 160 people across 31 states have already stood behind this call. Together, we can carry it further.

With respect and resolve,
West Virginia State Hospital Initiative Inc. / Riverstone Community Services