in the buildout of an old bank in West
View. The HUB result is a community
library with over 8,500 books along
with the interior of a Boeing 727 that’s
been fashioned into a children’s theater.
In addition, the old bank vault is now a
children’s reading room and, in the back
of the HUB, a food pantry has been
constructed. The bank teller windows
now feature computer workstations and
a printing center. Free wi-fi and coffee are
available as well.
“The HUB connects the community
with schools, businesses, spiritual centers
and local leadership,” says Pavlot. “The
resulting synergies have created a new
environment of growth and engagement
that’s been very well received by the local
residents.”
Following the success of a grand
opening and a great community interest,
the HUB began to focus its efforts on
building a rotation of programming aimed
at serving the entire community. “We
have been blessed in the area with many
groups coming forward with ideas and
a willingness to engage,” says Pavlot.
“As a result, we now have a very active
schedule of events including after school
tutoring, yoga and meditation, chess
club, computer training, pre-school
reading and music programs along with a
host of other offerings that can be found
on our website”
The HUB also offers a food pantry
to address food insecurity issues within
the community. There are several full-
service food distribution centers within
the outlying areas. The HUB pantry is
designed to provide ancillary food support
and offers an array of products ranging
from food items to health products and
baby sundries.
The West View HUB’s food pantry.
“It’s impossible to list every volunteer,
patron and supporter but it’s very clear
that this project has made an impact in its
first half-year of operation,” says Pavlot.
“Being a part of the HUB also allows
for the fine brushwork of meeting and
working with various individuals within
the community. These are many stories
that come to mind. Every day we meet
someone with a specific need or challenge
and we do our very best to provide
solutions. The idea of the HUB is to
connect those in need with resources. In
some cases, we are the resource. In others,
we’re the conduit that allows important
connections to be made.”
Looking forward to 2020 the HUB
hopes to expand its book collection
while adding new programming, staffing
and services. The organization will be
applying for additional funding from
the Verney Foundation along while
utilizing the newly formed Community
Life Enrichment Foundation to pursue
additional grants. The HUB also hopes
to expand program offerings to include
STEM curriculum, additional counseling
opportunities, greater health awareness
campaigns and a growing collection of
library materials.
“We are appreciative of the support
we receive from the Verney Foundation,
local school district, borough officials,
local businesses, churches and service
agencies,” says Pavlot. “This is truly a
group effort that’s having a tangible impact
in the community.” n
For more information, email
[email protected]
ROSS TOWNSHIP
❘
SPRING 2020
35