BUTLER TWP — The Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center is “Building for Recovery.”

That catch phrase was selected as the theme for the nonprofit mental health facility's $1 million fundraising campaign for two reasons, according to executive director Natalie Ross.

First, the building itself on Hillvue Drive suffered damage in a Feb. 19 fire. Because of that, there's a brick and mortar recovery underfoot.

And secondly, Ross said, May is mental health recovery month. Irene Stacy literally is a building for recovery for more than 3,700 clients each year.

Ross said with the money raised, officials plan to freshen paint, update carpet and improve other aesthetics that will make clients feel more at ease and focused on the therapy at hand.

“We want to put on a new face,” Ross said. “Be more inviting and comforting.”

Also on the list of projects is a roof, air conditioners and improvements to the parking lot.

Ross said the center actually kicked off a fundraising campaign and raised $3,000 in the weeks before the fire. But the damage to the facility, noted to be in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, caused a pause in the effort and shut down the center for a couple days.

Since then, the center has fully reopened, and insurance is expected to cover most of the damage.

Community members made donations of toys and games that were lost. And the community also rallied $15,000 into a fire fund.

“We have enough toys now to supply all the children's programs,” Ross said. “What we need now is money.”

The campaign will kick off May 13 at the organization's annual luncheon at the Butler County Club. Seats are $35.

At the luncheon, Lynn Beck, a financial consultant who volunteered her time, will be presented with the Father Ayoob Humanitarian Award for continued support of the agency. And Carmine Scotece, Butler County's human services director, will be honored as the Rosellini Man of the Year award.

“Because he has been so supportive of the agency and everything we went through,” Ross said.

Also, Miss Pennsylvania Annie Rosellini of Butler will emcee the luncheon. The center's man of the year award is named for Rosellini's father, the late Jaime Rosellini.

Donations to the agency, which are tax deductible, can be made at any NexTier Bank.

For information about the luncheon or campaign call 724-287-0791.