City Mission building new playground at Washington campus
City Mission in Washington has been on a serious mission for 85 years 鈥� providing hope for the homeless in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Fun and games aren鈥檛 always part of the equation for residents, especially children, but by the end of summer, the Washington-based nonprofit pledges to expand recreational opportunities for kids who call the mission home.
Christian-based City Mission is planning to build a larger, more diverse playground than the extremely modest one that now exists.
鈥淚t鈥檚 now just one swing set,鈥� said Diana Vaughan, president and CEO. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not conducive to children with development disabilities. This playground will be larger and children of every ability could use it.鈥�
And any age. She said the mission last year took a survey of children residing there, to determine the average age, and found 鈥�80% were 5 and under.鈥� That information will be included in planning for the project.
The new playground will be on City Mission鈥檚 campus off West Wheeling Street, 鈥渄irectly behind the women鈥檚 and children鈥檚 center in the courtyard,鈥� Vaughan said.
A groundbreaking date has not been determined, but will likely be within a month or so. 鈥淒etails are being worked out,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e have to have the project completed by the end of summer.
鈥淭his playground will be so important to the young children we serve. This will be an area where they can laugh, play, enjoy fresh air and be kids.鈥�
Funding is vital to this endeavor and it was abundant via two sources: The Martha Fund and Financial Fuel Services.
The Martha Fund, according to a City Mission news release, is a 501漏(3) charitable organization dedicated to preserving the memory of slain FBI Special Agent Martha Dixon, a former Mt. Lebanon resident. The fund does so by hosting family-oriented public events and funding construction and renovation of 20 playgrounds in the Pittsburgh area, the first being in Mt. Lebanon Park.
鈥淭he support from The Martha Fund represents more than just a financial investment. It鈥檚 an investment in dignity, stability and healing,鈥� Vaughan said.
The announcement was made during the fund鈥檚 April 11 Martha鈥檚 Run fundraiser, the 30th anniversary of the annual event, which features a 10K, 2-mile run and 1-mile walk. Vaughan attended the event to personally thank participants and organizers for their commitment to strengthening the community.
Kevin Dixon, brother of Martha Dixon and board president of The Martha Fund, said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to join City Mission in this special effort to deliver joy to children 鈥� carrying forward the spirit of Martha Dixon鈥檚 unwavering love for them.鈥�
Additional funding 鈥� $25,000 worth 鈥� came from Financial Fuel Services, a longtime supporter of City Mission.
Vaughan said 鈥淔inancial Fuel Services has been a faithful partner to City Mission for many years. Their generosity continues to help us expand opportunities for the individuals and families we serve.鈥�
City Mission said 鈥渢his project reflects (its) broader commitment to serving men, women and children through comprehensive programs and transformation that include housing, meals, spiritual care, medical care, mental health support, and career readiness, with a goal of guiding individuals into independent, successful members of society.