New learning pavilion dedicated, provides fresh-air environment
ADAMS TWP — Lisa Schiller remembers the day she realized her dream.
Nearly five years ago, having just taken over as executive director of MHY Family Services, she turned onto the Adams Township campus and imagined an outdoor gathering space.
That space, she envisioned, could help strengthen the community at the nonprofit organization, which offers education programs for at-risk youth through its Longmore Academy, as well as residential services for those with behavioral and emotional issues.
“A place where our kids, our staff, our families, our school could be outside in a structured, enjoyable, safe space,” she said.
That dream became a reality Thursday, when the PNC Learning Pavilion was officially dedicated during a ceremony and reception.
Schiller said she never imagined the project was possible, until she was approached by the Leadership Butler County Class of 2015. As part of the program run by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, each class chooses a project, with proposals solicited from area nonprofits.
Schiller and her staff submitted two proposals: one for a renovation of the organization's donation center and another for the “dream project” of constructing the outdoor learning center.
According to Mark Buchek, a member of the leadership class, the choice was easy.
“It involved children, it involved the community, so it was kind of a no-brainer for us,” he said.
The 23-member class held several fundraisers, ultimately raising more than $70,000 toward the $100,000 project goal. A large portion of that came from the PNC Foundation, which decided to back the project after initially being asked to donate a basket to be raffled during one of the fundraising events.
“We wanted to do something bigger,” said Laura Swiss, vice president and community consultant for PNC.
Buchek said the remainder of the campaign was an easy sell to members of the community.
“Once everybody understood what the project was ... it wasn't very difficult at all,” he said, adding in-kind and time donations from class members also helped guide the project.
Schiller said MHY also did internal fundraising campaigns, including one lead by the organization's board of directors. After hitting the goal, the pavilion structure was built, as was a patio area that allows students and others to gather and study, play and enjoy being outdoors.
“Lots of kids may not want to have a book in front of them, and may learn better outside,” she said. “They may be able to apply a science idea conceptually outdoors. Sometimes, its just a quieter, prettier, better smelling place that helps us control our feelings. Our mood elevates when we're outside.”
Schiller and Buchek said the project also allows for fundraising sustainability, as pavement markers and other signage can be sold in the future. Still, Schiller said she is already pleased with what has been accomplished.
“When I say you made a dream come true, you really made my dream come true, but also for our children and our staff, and for that I am enormously grateful,” she said.
