Prince of Peace Center of Farrell, Pa., in 2025 strengthened families and helped to reduce poverty throughout Mercer County.
It launched Q Academy, a mentoring and education initiative supporting underserved male youth in grades 7-12 who lack positive male role models, says Sarah Worthington, CEO.
Piloted with Sharon City School District, the program provides academic support and volunteer opportunities, job shadowing and career placement. Students earn academic credit and funds toward a savings account upon graduation.
The original board room was doubled in size and modernized. It was renamed the T.J. & Edward J. Kavanagh Fellowship Room, to honor the foundation of the same name that has donated over $1.4 million to the center over the years.
In 2025, the center served nearly 100 families and close to 200 children through Peggy’s Christmas Stocking Toy Drive, which distributed more than 1,500 donated toys.
It provided nearly $100,000 in 648 crisis assistance gifts to help families pay for rent and utilities.
Approximately 100 families received furniture, household items and clothing from the mission thrift shop valued at more than $10,000.
Looking ahead, the center plans to open a no-cost counseling office; add a point-of-sale system to the thrift store and clothing boutique; produce a cookbook celebrating the heritage of the center; and present the Strike Out Poverty Bowl-a-thon April 19 at Ten Pin Alley in Hermitage.
Pictured: Prince of Peace Center CEO Sarah Worthington speaks about Q Academy at Sharon School District last fall.
