On November 16, seven SCI Fayette employees, who helped to collect donations from their co-workers and nearly 30 other local businesses, churches and private citizens, visited the Crabtree-Kovacicek Patriot House in Washington, Pa. The house, which was newly constructed and opened in July 2018, is a veterans homeless shelter that is part of the City Mission. It has a 22-bed capacity, but currently has 18 individuals residing there.
The visit was the culmination of a donation drive that was held at SCI Fayette and that spilled over into the community. In addition to the prison staff, coordinators Corrections Counselor Gina Perry and Unit Manager Rebecca Palmer also reached out to their own families, friends, churches and local businesses.
"The effort really hit home with a lot of people and that's how we got community outreach involvement. I wanted to get involved because I knew Veterans Day was coming up and we needed to step up and do something worthwhile for the community, and the homeless veterans community came to mind," said Perry.
The ladies coordinated the collection of items identified by the house that ranged from bed sheets and shower shoes to socks and toothpaste.
SCI Fayette employees who participated in the visit were Superintendent Mark Capozza, Unit Manager Rebecca Palmer, Corrections Counselor Gina Perry, Sergeant Justin Bogucki, Maintenance Trade Instructor Edward Streit, Maintenance Trade Instructor Myron Hay and Lieutenant William Zosky.
While the donated items were a blessing for this home, these employees went a step further and provided items for and made lunch for the residents… and they joined them for the meal.
"We got them everything they asked for on the flier and in large quantities," said Perry. "We wanted them to feel special so that's why the lunch was provided."
In addition to the requested items, these individuals purchased DVD players, coffee pots, crock pots and toaster ovens for the house's two kitchens and still had money left over for a donation check of $317.
Local children also participated in this wonderful event. The fourth grade class at Bobtown Elementary School, made cards which were delivered to the veterans.
Finally, Superintendent Capozza approved for the prison's activities department to paint a mural for one of the walls. Inmates at the prison will paint the mural on a special background that later will be transported to the center and installed by prison employees. It is expected that this will be completed early in 2019.
To learn more about City Mission Hope for the Homeless in Washington, Pa., visit
www.citymission.org/veterans