Family First Initiative returns to Cranberry with vital services for all ages
CRANBERRY TWP — From mental health support to veteran services and child welfare resources, the second annual Family First Initiative brought critical information and assistance to the community on Thursday morning, May 15, at the township’s municipal center.
The event, hosted by Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, was designed to connect families with necessary services from local, state and federal agencies — as well as private organizations and nonprofits — that they may have not known about otherwise.
Don and Linda Wazenegger, of Evans City, said they were informed of the event through a family member and decided to stop by. The retired couple ended up learning about more affordable health plans and prescriptions through UPMC.
“It’s great,” Linda said. “We learned a lot about several options that we didn’t know were available. We also learned how to properly use a fire blanket and extinguisher, which was also a nice experience.”
The event featured more than 100 interactive tables and resources for topics such as adoption, senior care, substance abuse recovery and fire safety training.
Scialabba said the initiative aims to make it easier for residents to access support and education all in one place.
“Today is about helping people get out of the rut, giving them resources that they might need now or in the future,” she said. “The focus isn’t just on seniors. It’s including every person in the family and every way that they could be affected. It’s a one-stop shop that everybody can come through and get the help they need.”
Amid backdrop of the new Armstrong Great Lawn, members of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company’s Fire Safety Education Group gave the public an opportunity to put out fires using an extinguisher and fire blanket.
“The more people that we can see and tell them about the fire extinguishers and what they can do and can’t do — that’s really important,” said longtime member Jack Carney. ”
Meanwhile, beyond the doors of council chambers, the Miracle League of Southwestern PA set up a pop-up canopy to inform attendees about its charity initiatives and overall mission.
The organization serves as a baseball league for special needs children and adults throughout the township.
“Anytime the Miracle League has an opportunity to be out in the community and interact with folks who are responsible for our growth and our existence is outstanding,” said founder and president Mike Sherry. “This event in particular gives us an opportunity not only to see Cranberry residents come through and explain what we’re all about, but a lot of the other vendors come up as well and we build relationships with them. Those are the things that make us successful as we go into year 17 of the Miracle League.”
There were also several entertainment booths, including representatives from Moraine State Park, Steel City Ukuleles, Butler County Symphony Orchestra and even pickleball lessons.
“They said my display was one of the most requested,” said Denise Tabacchi, a certified pickleball instructor who teaches around the county. “It’s been one of the favorites during this event and I was happy to come back again.”
Scialabba said she hopes the event can continue to assist local families and bring the community a healthy dose of optimism.
“It’s benefiting constituents that come here and get the resources. People look forward to this every year,” she said. “The vendors are also excited because they’re getting to do what they want to do. They are able to touch so many lives and impact people in three hours what might otherwise take three weeks.”
