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ABOUT OUR
COMMUNITY
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In addition to our principal work of prayer, our local ministry includes:
The Aliquippa Community Enterprise (ACE) Women's Training Program
Participating in programs to support anti-drug, anti-crime, and domestic violence initiatives in
Aliquippa and Western Pennsylvania
Supplying chaplaincies for the City Council, the local police and fire departments, and the
FBI in Western Pennsylvania
Providing affordable, quality housing to low-income families
Although less tangible than other expressions of ministry, we are aware of
the fruits of what we have come to call our 'ministry of presence.' Aliquippa, bereft after the
fall of the steel industry, has been viewed as a place of discouragement and fear. Neighbors
counseled us not to put plants on our porches, as they would be stolen. Pizza delivery cars
would not deliver in our neighborhood, and some contractors were reluctant to work on our
property.
Some years after Celebration's move to Aliquippa, hanging baskets and potted plants now
decorate porches throughout the neighborhood. Many homeowners, encouraged by the beauty of
our renovated row houses are improving their own homes, and finding contractors ready to serve.
The friendship lights in our windows, once the only visible sign of warmth on Franklin Avenue
in winter, are now joined by other holiday lights. Discouragement and fear are being replaced
by peace and hope.
Our latest involvement in the community is through ACE, or
Aliquippa Community Enterprise. The goal of ACE is to improve the lives of
individuals and the community at large, helping in the revitalization of
Aliquippa. The ACE Women's Training Project is currently underway in the
Celebration House next to the office building on Franklin Avenue. Going into our
third year, the Project is offering four sessions annually on topics such as
nutrition, assertiveness training, parenting skills, and more.
For more information about ACE or the Women's Training Project, please contact
us.
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