Breakthrough Butler to bring back summer parks program
After a successful first year, Breakthrough Butler is looking to bring back the Free Summer Meals Program to parks across the area.
Butler City Councilman Daniel Herr brought the topic to discussion at the Butler City Council forum meeting on Thursday, April 10.
“This is the summer meal program, and Breakthrough Butler is a summer activity program that deals with kids from in the area, not necessarily just the city of Butler,” Herr said. “They’re going to have the food program and lunch program and will be going around to the various parks.”
Breakthrough Butler previously hosted the program in 2024, after taking it over from the Grace Youth and Family Foundation. The foundation closed in 2023 after criminal charges were filed against its founder, Bill Halle.
Mayor Bob Dandoy said responses from the community have been positive to Breakthrough Butler’s handling of the program.
According to Breakthrough Butler, the Free Summer Meals Program is set to begin on Monday, June 16, and run until Friday, Aug. 15. Anyone under the age of 18 can utilize the program for a free meal.
The parks program will be active at each park twice a week. Lunch will be provided by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Summer Youth Cafe.
The Free Summer Meals Program is scheduled at:
• Father Marinaro Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
• Memorial Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays
• Christie Avenue Playground, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays
• Rotary Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays
• Institute Hill Playground, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays
• East Butler Sports Complex, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays
Herr said the city is allocating $15,000 toward the program, but Breakthrough Butler must submit a detailed expense report. The organization’s founder, Nick Yanotty, is expected to sign the agreement before it is presented for a vote at the regular city council meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.
