Visitors at Wellspring of Greenbrier are oftentimes greeted by a reassuring presence: Diana Godbey, a nurse who completed training at the West Virginia University School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing program.
At Wellspring, a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals and families facing housing insecurity, poverty, and social isolation, Godbey’s role bridges compassionate hands-on care with powerful community advocacy. Her role helps strengthen the growing partnership between the WVU School of Nursing and Greenbrier County community organizations.
As a faith community nurse, Godbey blends clinical expertise with spiritual and emotional support. At Wellspring, this means blood pressure checks, wellness education, and helping clients navigate limited access to healthcare and social services. But it also involves listening deeply, building trust, and advocating for the resources her clients need to survive and thrive.
“I meet people on some of the hardest days of their lives, and my job is to make sure they feel seen, cared for, and supported,” said Godbey, who is also a WVU School of Nursing alum from the Class of 1980. “This work is about health, but it’s also about dignity. Wellspring gives people hope, and I’m grateful to be part of that.”
Her work extends into helping individuals access medication assistance, scheduling medical follow-ups, connecting them with behavioral health support, and collaborating with local agencies to remove barriers to care.
The WVU School of Nursing’s partnership with Wellspring reflects its ongoing commitment to community‑based health initiatives, especially in rural and underserved regions of West Virginia. Through training programs, faculty engagement, and student involvement, the School of Nursing aims to strengthen local organizations that serve as lifelines for vulnerable populations.
“Diana is a wonderful example of how faith community nursing can transform rural health access, one relationship at a time,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at the WVU School of Nursing. “Our partnership with Wellspring allows us to support organizations doing vital grassroots work in Greenbrier County, while preparing nurses to lead with compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to community wellness. This is allowing the WVU School of Nursing to carry out our land-grant mission.”
How Local Residents Can Get Involved
Wellspring of Greenbrier relies heavily on community support. Local residents can contribute in several ways:
- Volunteer on site helping distribute food, providing exercise classes and healthcare support,or assisting visitors in the Day Haven, where there is free laundry and shower services.
- Donate items, including hygiene items, toilet paper, paper towels, socks, non-perishable foods, dog/cat food and coats.
- Support health outreach efforts, by educating about medication and health concerns, providing exercise classes and offering education for disease prevention processes.
- Connection to outside resources for birth to death needs, healthcare access, housing, utility assistance, and transportation to medical appointments to name a few.
- Partner through area churches and civic groups, which play a key role in expanding Wellspring’s services and outreach.
To learn more, visit the Faith Community Nursing website or contact Dr. Angel Smothers at angel.smothers@hsc.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu