Adelphoi to highlight success stories at 'Showcase of Stars'

Adelphoi will celebrate existing programs and new facilities at its second annual Showcase of Stars event at its main campus in Latrobe May 16.

The organization houses and provides other services for at-risk youth.

This year’s event will highlight the Adelphoi Promise program, which helps place Adelphoi alumni into community colleges.

“We wanted to showcase some of the kids who have been very successful in our program,” said Adelphoi spokeswoman Karyn Pratt.

Emmanuel “Manny” Lebbie, a native of Sierra Leone and former Adelphoi resident, will be the keynote speaker. Lebbie is about to receive his assoiciate’s degree from Westmoreland County Community College and plans to continue his education at Seton Hill University to pursue a career in social work and human services.

The Showcase of Stars will also serve as the grand opening of Adelphoi’s new Youth and Family Center, which wrapped up construction this month.

The new building provides a coffee bar, lounge areas and other spaces where Adelphoi residents can have some peace and privacy while meeting with visiting family members or case workers.

Previously, visitors would go to the main group home, which was often busy and noisy, Pratt said.

“We realize the importance of family visits in the healing process for the kids who are in care,” she said.

The new building also features an art and theater section with a stage and rooms for art and music therapy.

“It’s a phenomenal creative outlet for our kids,” Pratt said.

The new building is double the size of the previous recreation building.

The Showcase of Stars will feature tours of the new facility, a performance by theater students and food provided by culinary students. It starts 5 p.m. May 16. It’s free and open to the public, though attendees are asked to RSVP by Wednesday by emailing events@adelphoi.org.