WINDING DOWN THE SUMMER OF 2025 AND GEARING UP FOR THE START OF THE 2025-2026 AMERICORPS PROGRAM YEAR
As we reflect on the accomplishments and impacts of the summer, we welcome inquiries concerning joining our service family either as a potential member or future host site. Check out our story at www.keystonesmiles.org or call us for more info (814) 797-2127
In August's Newsletter
WINDING DOWN SUMMER 2025
Canoe Trip
Staff and AmeriCorps members in Clarion, Venango and Mercer counties participated in a water safety training course and spent the day floating down the river in a canoe and stopping to eat and swim. Not only was it an educational day, but it was also a day full of fun and laughter. A great way to spend a summer day!
Members and staff complete water safety course.
Children’s Night
Keystone SMILES staff and AmeriCorps members provided support for Horsethief Day festivities through a variety of ways: Children’s Night, Community Bingo, Face Painting, help with setup and clean-up of events.
HORSETHIEF DAYS
Community Bingo
Keystone SMILES hosted BINGO on Saturday, August 16 for the annual Horsethief festivities. We are happy that our nonprofit is able to provide a cool and relaxing space for members of the community attending the festivities to play BINGO. The proceeds collected will be given to the planning committee for the 2026 Horsethief event.
Community members enjoy Bingo during Horsethief Days 2025.
PROGRAM WRAP UPS
Summer Food Programs
The last summer meals were delivered on Friday, August 15. We would like to thank the Keystone SMILES staff and AmeriCorps members who made this 10-week program possible and so impactful. We are very proud of our outcomes.
Total meals cooked, packed, and delivered to the homes of the families:
Clarion Housing Authority, Clarion County: 7,879
Mercer County Housing Authority Communities: 6,466
Communities of East End and Siverly, Oil City, Venango County: 8,230
Total meals served: 22,575!
Everyone who worked/served on this project knows it was a very HOT summer and it was a lot of hard work, but just think about all of the children that were impacted by the program. Unfortunately, every year the need is greater and we are already looking ahead to next summer by assessing how we can reach more families and make this program even better. Keystone SMILES exceeded 2024 totals by 5,949 meals. We believe this program made a difference!
Preschool Mural
AmeriCorps members in Knox finished their terms of summer service by refurbishing the murals for the preschool playground called Myers Park. Preschool students started the new school year on Wednesday, August 20 and were thrilled with the new improvements
Summer programs in Knox, Mercer and Venango have also come to an end. We would like to thank all of our staff and AmeriCorps members for making it an unforgettable summer
“(A student) taught me many lessons like not to take life too seriously and sometimes just having fun is more important.”
-Mia Traister, AmeriCorps Member
“Seeing (the children’s) excitement and hearing them say they wanted to do more (STEM projects) was incredibly rewarding and made the summer experience even more special.”
-Kyra Rodgers
“I had a great time serving with these wonderful children, teaching them about STEM activities. My team and I collaborated to create engaging and educational summer program activities.”
-Virtue Milford, AmeriCorps Member
United Way of Venango County
Colten Cunningham and Noah Taylor served with the United Way in Venango County where they participated in career camps.
Colten Cunningham
“During my service I got to see many children learn, grow, and have fun; with the kids almost being new people when they left.”
-Colten Cunningham, AmeriCorps Member
Fairview and Iroquois School Districts and Regional Science Consortium
In Erie County AmeriCorps members served at Iroquois and Fairview school districts as well as the Regional Science Consortium at The Tom Ridge Environmental Center. These members focused on day camps and educational activities for the children in their areas.
KNOX COMMUNITY LIGHT UP NIGHT PREPARTIONS
Clarion County
Preparations are underway for The Knox annual Light Up Night and Once Upon a Christmas events which takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving each year. This year, Light Up Night will be November 21 from 6 pm -8:00 pm. The House of Trades are busy fluffing trees, building floats and games that the Knox businesses and family members will enjoy this Holiday season. s t The event will host games, snacks, craft-making stations, a parade, and a variety of businesses and community agencies.
COMMUNITY/SENIOR BRUNCH
Clarion County
This program year, the House of Trades AmeriCorps members will be hosting the Community/Senior monthly breakfast and fundraising for the 2026 Horsethief Bingo event. They cook breakfast, and serve breakfast for a minimal cost of $3 and call bingo for the attendees in the Knox and surrounding communities. All bingo proceeds are donated to the Horsethief Committee. This event is held on the 3 Wednesday of the month. This event provides the AmeriCorps members the opportunity to serve their community in an alternative service opportunity integrating culinary skills with interpersonal relationship building as part of their team leadership curriculum.
The event also is highlighted by the Keystone SMILES preschool children providing entertainment with songs and favors as a service-learning curriculum.
