Collaboration commemorated
BUTLER TWP — Several members of Butler County’s nonprofit community were recognized for the work they have been part of in the past year, but the celebration Thursday, July 13, 2023, was ultimately about recognizing the collaboration.
The Butler Collaborative for Families held its annual Celebration of Collaboration Thursday afternoon at the Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park, which brought together dozens of people from dozens of community organizations.
Becky Clouse, co-chairwoman of the Butler Collaborative for Families, said the collaborative has about 70 members who meet every month, and the annual celebration is a chance for them all to reflect on their work. She said the ability for so many organizations to work together is rare.
“We are truly blessed with resources here,” Clouse said. “It’s truly a collaboration of so many people — it’s amazing.”
The group took nominations to recognize people in categories such as youth volunteer of the year and volunteer of the year. The BCF chose two youths instead of one to honor this year — Natalya Cafasso and Kendyl Steighner. The adult volunteer of the year was Bob Eidenshink, who volunteers for the Lighthouse Foundation and works with the Rich-Mar Rotary Club.
The collaborative also honored Jayme Steighner for her work with the Lighthouse Foundation. The WQED Inquire Within project honored Butler Area Public Library youth services librarian Tiffany Harkleroad for her work in the community.
“We try to highlight the people making a difference in Butler County,” Clouse said.
In addition to the volunteers of the year, the collaborative honored its outgoing coordinator, Jim Smith, who said he is “semi-retiring” from the group in September.
Smith said the benefit of the collaborative has always been its ability to unite people who know about needs with the people who may have the solutions. He added that he thinks Butler County is unique in its ability to have an organization of this size working to meet community needs.
“Being able to see these people come together and share resources and knowledge ... it’s rewarding,” Smith said. “It’s a very hopeful organization because we’re meeting needs.”
