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United Way Announces Two New Member Agencies

The United Way of the Laurel Highlands has accepted two new Member Agencies beginning in May, 2010. With these additions, the number of agencies has reached 25 who provide critical programs and services throughout Cambria and Somerset Counties for people in need. The new agencies are:

Alternative Community Resource Program, headquartered in Johnstown, PA. Founded in 1989, ACRP responds to the needs of children who struggle with abuse, neglect or psychological and emotional disorders that keep them from living a normal happy life. This agency works as an alternative to placement while providing comprehensive programs and treatment to address emotional, behavioral and academic issues. There are currently approximately 13 different programs in place, serving approximately 3,000 children in Cambria County and approximately 250 in Somerset County.

The Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County, chartered in 2003, is located in Somerset, PA. They provide youth ages six through eighteen a safe place to go for afterschool and summer programs. Homework assistance and a variety of other programs are offered to achieve their mission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Boys and Girls Club provides programming in areas of character building and leadership, education and career, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation.

United Way of the Laurel Highlands is an independent, nonprofit organization, which has served the community for more than 75 years by creating long lasting change in the Cambria/Somerset County region. They recruit people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to make positive impact in the community. The United Way addresses critical community needs and provides valuable community services that strengthen families, promote self-sufficiency, help youth and children succeed, improve health and wellness, and support the vulnerable and aging population.

The United Way advances the common good through supporting the community impact programming of more than 25 local charities providing services throughout Cambria and Somerset Counties.

Nonprofit group transforms picnic grove into rec area

Mike This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

JOHNSTOWN — When Alternative Community Resource Program Inc. bought a former church picnic area three years ago, the West Taylor Township property was in disarray.

frankrecpark

But the nonprofit, with plenty of help from grants and volunteer labor, since has transformed the site into what’s been dubbed ACRP Rec Park complete with renovated buildings and athletic fields.

In addition to serving a valuable function for ACRP programs, the park also is available for community functions and private rentals.

“I had a five-year plan (for the property), and we’re probably almost done with that plan in the third year,” said Frank Janakovic, ACRP executive director. “So we’re well ahead of schedule.”

Continue this story at www.Tribune-Democrat.com

Family Center & Family Based Mental Services have changes site

The Johnstown-based nonprofit agency, which serves disadvantaged youth in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford and Blair counties, relocated its Family Center from the Russell House in Moxham & Family Based Mental Health Services from the main office on Market Street to the ACRP West End Site at 317 Power St.

The move took effect July 1.

Frank Janakovic, ACRP executive director, said the action was twofold.

“With economic budget cuts, we were looking to reduce the number of sites we have, and we also wanted to consolidate some of our programming to make them more accessible to our clients,” he said.

The Family Center offers a variety of support to anyone in the community who requires help navigating “the system,” whether with a juvenile or educational matter or assisting with personal needs.

The Family Based Mental Health Services incorporates intensive home therapy, casework services, family support services and 24-hour/7-day-a-week availability for crisis stabilization.

Janakovic added that the larger facility will be a one-stop shop for therapy and counseling.

The plan is to continue to offer programs and services based on available funding, grants and donations.

“We hope to maintain the current status quo at the new location and continue to help families in need,” Janakovic said.

For more information, call the center at 536-1555.

ACRP's Summer Treatment Program

ACRP would like to thank everyone who participated & volunteered to make this years Summer Treatment Program a big success.

This unique program provides treatment for children and adolescents ages 5-15, who are diagnosed with ADHD. This camp is tailored to provide a positive social and learning environment to meet the individual needs of each child. The ultimate goal of the camp is to develop a child's social and functional skills.

SAAC member finishes with a flourish

Pitt-Johnstown’s Abby Gearhart, who represents the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, concluded her senior year in style this spring.

First, she was selected as the “Person of the Week” by the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat for the role she played with the local Alternative Community Resource Program. Pitt-Johnstown student-athletes, along with other youths, installed more than 700 smoke detectors in Johnstown, rejuvenated a baseball field in nearby Tanneryville, built a fire pit in a park in Sidman, and decorated Kernville at Halloween and Christmas. Student-athletes from all of the university’s 12 sports also participated in an Earth Day cleanup of sections of Johnstown in April.

Gearhart told the newspaper that she and other athletes have enjoyed the experiences and making friends along the way.

“The ACRP staff and students have come to our games,” she said, “so the fact that they are there rooting for us has had a positive effect on us. It’s been a win-win collaboration.”

The student-athletes’ contributions also were noted in another local online publication.

To wrap up a successful spring, Gearhart spoke on behalf of the class of 2010 at Pitt-Johnstown’s commencement in May.