Senior citizen forms nonprofit to help generations come together in Vandergrift

There is, or soon will be, a new nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors citizens and children in the Alle-Kiski community.

Steve Jurovic, 85, of Vandergrift is the determined citizen behind the Kiski Valley Community Center.

A retired structural designer and Army veteran, Jurovic grew up in Turtle Creek, lived in Texas for many years and returned to Western Pennsylvania to run a window business, Apollo Replacement Windows, in Vandergrift.

Jurovic said he believes divine intervention is driving his mission to help others.

“I’m determined to do this before I die,” Jurovic said. “At my age, you just don’t start something like this out of the blue sky. Maybe the Lord is leading me to do this.”

Jurovic formed the Vandergrift Business Association two years ago to help local independent businesses succeed.

He learned last week the state approved the Kiski Valley Community Center’s nonprofit status.

So now he’s seeking volunteers who want to get involved.

“I need nine volunteers for the board,” Jurovic said. “I need all the volunteers I can get. I’m reaching out to church and local organizations.”

Jurovic’s vision for the community center involves a lot of things, but food won’t be one of them.

“I don’t want a center that just feeds people. I want a brand-new building. We need to teach these kids things like how to write a check, teach them finances, arts, music, chess and things like that,” he said. “It’s sad the way these kids walk around the street. We need to get them off the streets.”

Jurovic praised the borough’s historic vibe.

“Vandergrift is a small town. The spirit of Vandergrift and the whole area around here is improving,” Jurovic said.

Honey&Heart Candle Co. owner Shannon Gourley of Vandergrift said she supports the initiative.

“I would love to see this happen,” Gourley said. “I think there’s already existing organizations that could be connected with this to get things moving forward. It would be great to see senior citizens connecting with the youth in town.”

Jurovic hopes to obtain grants to finance the project and plans to put in $1,000 of his own money to kick it off.

“Money is easy to come by. I have no concern,” Jurovic said of his ability to raise the funds.

He’s been in touch with state Rep. Abby Major’s office and met with Sen. Bob Casey three months ago to brainstorm funding solutions, and Jurovic plans to reach out to the Department of Aging in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.

Major, R-Leechburg, praised his enthusiasm and interest.

“I applaud anybody looking to better their community, and, if I can assist in any way, I’m happy to do so,” Major said. “Vandergrift is high on my list of priorities.”

A location for the proposed center has not yet been determined.

While the feedback on his new nonprofit has been positive, Jurovic said he doesn’t have time for naysayers and negativity.

“Just get out there and do it,” he said.

Jurovic has penned several Trib editorials, including “Vandergrift on the rise.”

“I believe I’ll have this community center in two years,” Jurovic said. “I saw my surgeon a week ago, and I told him what I’m doing. He said he bet money I’ll make it to at least 96.

“The Lord will do this, not me.”