MHY Family Services receives $25,000 grant
ADAMS TWP — A grant from PNC has brought MHY Family Services one step closer to an important building project.
Amy Smith, director of development at MHY Family Services, announced Oct. 1 the PNC Foundation donated $25,000 toward MHY’s outdoor learning pavilion.
Lisa Schiller, MHY executive director, applied for the grant after being introduced to the foundation through the Leadership Butler County Class of 2015.
“Through the generous support of the PNC Foundation, MHY youths now have greater opportunities to heal and recover from various traumas, which greatly impacts their potential to succeed as adults,” Schiller said.
MHY Family Services, formerly the Mars Home for Youth, provides residential and nonresidential services to at-risk youth.
Smith said the estimated cost of the outdoor pavilion is $99,650 with construction and equipment costs.
“We are happy to report a total of $83,379 has been raised,” Smith said.
She said MHY officials hope to break ground on the project this fall or next spring. She said the pavilion plans are at the township planning level.
“We are currently awaiting permitting approval from Adams Township,” Smith said. “(Township officials) have been very supportive of this construction project.”
The pavilion is planned for an area on the campus behind Longmore Academy, which provides alternative education for at-risk youth in grades 5 through 12.
In addition to education, it will also be used for family visits, recreational and group therapy, social activities, community and other gatherings.
Donations are being accepted through sponsorships of benches, tables or pavers at the MHY campus on Route 228.
More information on donating is available at www.mhyfamilyservices.org or by calling Smith at 724-625-3141, Ext. 228.
