Community Partnership moves
FRANKLIN TWP — The Community Partnership’s new home not only has more office space than the nonprofit has ever had before, but also a kitchen and a yard, allowing its staff to lead workshops to further its mission of promoting food security and nutrition, according to its executive director.
The nonprofit began leasing the former Artisan Restaurant building at 781 New Castle Road in July, after it lost its contract to act as Butler County’s food bank. Previously, the nonprofit leased a space from the county.
Sandy Curry, executive director of Community Partnership, said the staff has a lot of cleaning and prep work to complete before the space can open to the public, but the amenities the building offers are promising.
“Are we going to be able to have all sorts of food-themed community events, education events, trainings, classes? Yes,” Curry said on Tuesday, Aug. 6. “When it’s not being used for our education and training and we’re here, our hope is to open this and the patio up for people to come in.”
The Community Partnership previously leased space on McCune Drive in Butler. The organization, Curry said, uses funding from the Community Services Block Grant to pay rent.
Although Community Partnership is no longer the county’s food bank contractor, Curry said it still has funding from the Community Services Block Grant, as well as from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Curry said Community Partnership is weighing the possibility of eventually purchasing the Artisan Restaurant building, but not with the state funding.
The Community Partnership currently operates a produce cart, which travels around the county with a stock of fresh foods, and a “Fresh Bucks” program, which gives people vouchers to get fresh produce at certain farmers markets in Butler.
This work will continue, Curry said, because the Community Partnership’s mission is to address the causes and effects of poverty in Butler. She said the building’s kitchen will allow staff to lead cooking classes to teach people to make their own food, and the yard offers the opportunity for gardening classes, which can also provide people with fresh produce.
Community Partnership’s relocation expands the possibilities for the organization, Curry pointed out.
“Our low-income population obviously is the primary focus,” Curry said. “We’re hoping to make this a center for community wellness.”
