When people and families feel financially stable, they are better able to contribute to the overall health of their communities, in both tangible and intangible ways. MVI is successfully assisting people on their career development path and improving their financial situation. MVI has incorporated a unique bundle of group-oriented and one-on-one services in employment assistance, income supports (referrals, access to public benefits, etc.) and financial coaching. These core services are integrated to provide a comprehensive approach to employment, financial capability, and personal wealth building.

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We know that financially stable individuals contribute important benefits to the community, particularly through increased purchasing power, an improved tax base, and increased public safety. However, many of our program participants have significant barriers and are not financially stable when they enroll. MVI’s program addresses these problems by offering participants a path to improved career-development skills, improved personal financial management skills, and guidance to resources that can help them implement their new skills successfully in the workplace (ex: transportation to work, childcare, health insurance). We provide these services through direct one-on-one coaching by MVI staff as well as through a number of partnerships, including direct connection to employers, a vitally important ingredient to our participants’ success.

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When someone contacts MVI, the client is connected with an in-take coordinator. An orientation is conducted on a one-to-one basis by an Employment & Financial Coach. The orientation session includes an “Intro to Budgeting & Credit Management” workshop that kicks off the financial coaching sessions. One-on-One meetings follow where participants are guided through a detailed intake form that focuses on the individual’s short- and long-term career and financial goals. Participants are given assistance with connecting with the local CareerLink and other resources, depending on their needs. Staff maintain contact with the participant as they work through the curriculum at their own pace. Additionally, participants are given the opportunity to engage in Job Clubs. Job Clubs offer an opportunity for employers to engage with the participants, provide financial literacy information, participate in mock-interviews, and provide one-on-one guidance and feedback to the participants.

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MVI participants can also access our HUD-certified housing counseling program, which helps people prepare to buy their own home. MVI’s HUD-certified housing counselor can help educate participants on budgeting, saving, and preparing for home ownership. All these services are free to the public.

To deliver these services to the public, at no cost, and within the Borough of Charleroi itself, MVI opened offices dedicated to these programs in Charleroi’s downtown. By locating our services in this part of Washington County, we can bring the services to individuals who are most in need. By offering these services in Charleroi, we are hoping to make our effective career development, financial coaching, and housing counseling programs accessible to the families in this area who have limited incomes and cannot easily travel around the region for services.

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Year 1-2 Accomplishments

• Completed necessary improvements/expansion to the Mon Valley Initiative Outreach Center

• Developed a marketing plan for Charleroi specific programming - translated into 3 different languages

• 84 Low-Income Individuals served through Workforce Development & Financial Coaching Services
  o Resulting in 25 individuals with new employment

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Charleroi Office Contact Information: 

724-565-8040

435 McKean Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022

Getting To Know You!

Originally built in 1912 as a U.S. Post Office, the site of the now Library was purchased in 1972 and renovated to open in 1980 as a Public Library, which is now a registered historic building; considered a hub of the community.

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As the Charleroi Area Public Library seems to be a gathering place for technology use and the desire for meeting space, the Board Members are resolved for the future use of our Library to look like and serve as a more technologically updated, welcoming, safe location.

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With new technology, such as a Smartboard and Laptops; the connections to our community members would be generously expanded to include academic tutoring, as well as technological tutoring or skill related technology classes.

This would also allow an area for learning in the age of today's technology to be utilized by all generations. Programming classes could also be offered as student needs occur and adult interest in the advancement of their understanding and use is peaked. With these additions the library would be in a much better position to connect with all ages, skill levels, and economic sectors; of which so many are economically disadvantaged and therefore depend on the library for their technology needs. 

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Within the past few years, an influx of people from various countries; Haiti, Nigeria, and Jamaica have come to work and reside within the Charleroi Area. Many within this immigrant population come into the library for specific utilization of the technology. Many require assistance to complete their tasks. Therefore, classes would be an open invitation for the newest residents of the Charleroi Area. The Charleroi Area Public Library wants to keep open the doors as the best ‘community hub’ to service All the needs of our constituents. 

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This Library project would impact many dominions of our community learning needs. The basis of the impact would transpire within three fundamental sectors: General Operations, Programming, and Capacity Building. With the public able to realize all aspects of the library; hours, programs/details/dates, available technology, etc. the library, as the community hub, would be able to offer much more to an economically disadvantaged area, as well as to an increasing immigrant population.  Impacting learning through all generations as driven by the interest in new technology, support of learning through technology designed programming, meeting areas for small business or social groups, and lending an area for social interaction for all countries ‘melting’ into the Belgium, Italian, Polish, Slovakian Charleroi Area.

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Therefore, to fulfill this, the Library Board proposes ENRICHMENT, EXPANSION, and ENVELOPING.

ENRICHMENT

The downstairs area would be renovated for expanded community use. The area would be aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, a safe environment, open for implementing technology classes, tutoring (ESL, GED classes, etc.), business meetings, social clubs, cooking classes, etc. With the availability of fitting space, the expansion of enriching opportunities would be endless and open to the needs of the community.

EXPANSION

The downstairs area would provide the means for people to stay connected to others.  Utilization of the computer/technology classes for all ages would be possible here without interfering or interrupting other patrons within the main sector of the library. ​As with all new programming, as the demand arises, the opportunities to expand and include could now be made real.

ENVELOPING

The downstairs area would provide the place to develop a sense of community belonging and to help spur inclusion within all age groups, as well as ethnic backgrounds.​

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Year 1-2 Accomplishments

• Completed “Get to Know You” Library renovations

Meadow Park Rehabilitation & Community Park Maintenance

Meadow Park was developed by the Greater Charleroi Community Development Corporation (GCCDC) and has recently turned ownership back to the Borough of Charleroi.  Meadow Park has been a cornerstone project, beginning with the development of 9 new townhouses in 2001, in partnership with the Borough of Charleroi, Mon Valley Initiative, PA DCED, National City Bank, and the Washington County Redevelopment Authority.

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In 2009, the remaining parcel that was undeveloped was turned into a green space to be available for the residents of Charleroi. The park includes benches, trees, green space, a pergola, and a walking path. The park is conveniently located to senior housing and provides seniors a place to enjoy outdoor activities and serves as a social gathering place.  The park is used by residents daily as the park is in the heart of the residential district of Charleroi.

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Meadow Park is accessible, within a 10-minute walk, by approximately 80% of the Charleroi population. Uses over the past 15 years have included pet walking, senior gatherings, walking, book reading, playing ball, and general social gatherings.

The park needs improvements and repairs since its initial development in 2009.  Meadow Park improvements would include handicap accessibility, a resurfaced walking path, a pergola roof, wall maintenance, a public garden, lighting, picnic benches, security cameras, fencing, and shade trees. The much-needed improvements would allow for a broader use of the community asset by senior groups, youth groups, and general community usage.

Immigrant/Community Liaison