The Grace Youth and Family Foundation in Butler has been recognized with a public service award for its work helping homeless people find relief during the winter.

It has been recognized with the Jefferson Award's “Outstanding Public Service” in Pittsburgh.

Bill Halle, the organization's CEO, said the dedication of volunteers is responsible for the group to help the lives of thousands of homeless people.

“The only way Grace Youth and Family Foundation is able to serve so many is through the heartfelt efforts of our committed volunteers and the ongoing financial support we receive from individuals, churches and businesses throughout our community,” Halle said.

The organization has about 140 volunteers and employs 16 paraprofessionals. It directs about 94 percent of its funds to clients.

One of the organizations biggest and most well-known programs is its homeless Winter Relief Center, which was recognized with the award.

Over the past five years the organization has provided 3,561 people with a hot dinner, a safe and warm place to sleep, breakfast in the morning, and other needed items and resources.

The organization plans to expand the program into an year-round effort called the Family Stability Center, and will include services for homeless teens, a financial education program, counseling, emergency resources and other training efforts and programs.

As part of the expansion the organization is renovating a 14,000-square-foot building at 430 S. McKean St., and plans to install a new roof on it by the end of June.

The organization was honored at a May 5 ceremony at Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.