Out & About: Success stories shared at Westmoreland Community Action meeting

Two young men shared very different stories of success during the Westmoreland Community Action annual board meeting and luncheon.

JT, 19, of Greensburg told how he received help in finding housing through WCA’s Transitional Age Living Program.

He, his mother and two siblings became homeless on the day of his graduation from Penn-Trafford High School.

“It was one of the best and one of the toughest days of my life,” he said.

JT reported that he also has a job offer, and his mother and siblings now are living with a relative.

Quinton Martin, 16, a Belle Vernon Area High School junior and member of its 2022 PIAA Class 3A state championship football team, was recognized for a recent toy drive he conducted.

“He used his own money that he made from mowing lawns and birthdays,” said Brianne Mitchell, president of The River Fund, who introduced him.

Martin is being recruited by numerous university football programs, including powerhouses such as Penn State, Ohio State and University of Michigan.

After JT and Martin spoke, some WCA board members pledged to each donate $10 for every point Martin scores next season.

“These donations will go directly to (JT) and his family,” said Toni Antonucci, WCA director of development and advancement. “It was incredible moment. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

Mandy Zalich, the organization’s CEO, spoke of other successes.

Though needs are great for the nonprofit’s services — including early childhood education, support for single mothers, emergency food assistance, mental health services and income tax assistance — it has expanded to meet them.

“Even in these challenging years, each of our product lines, if you will, has grown,” Zalich said.

Luncheon guests on Jan. 20 at Giannilli’s II in Unity were introduced to incoming board officers, including President Jon Wian, Vice President Joseph Baughman, Secretary Dottie Staffen and Treasurer Scott Guldin.

Seen: Jeffrey Diehl, Barry Gaetano, Carrie Lesniak, Donald O’Brien, Alan Blahovec, Dirk Matson, Bob Errett, Michelle Ferguson, Shannon Singosky, Wayne Washowich, Cassie Dehnel, Richard Cassidy, Nate Keisel, Kaelyn McKlveen, Scott Maust and Idelia Robinson-Confer.