Southwest PA News

Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) announced that the LeMoyne Community Center in Washington has been awarded a $249,782 BOOST grant to support its Homework and More program.

“The LeMoyne Community Center provides a safe, welcoming place for area youth to flourish,” O’Neal stated. He emphasized the importance of the program, saying, “The variety of programs offered help students succeed. The Homework and More program in particular helps students academically, feeds them and keeps them out of trouble. I’m pleased this important program was chosen as a grant recipient in order to help more children.”

The funding will enable the expansion of the Homework and More program to accommodate over 250 youth. This free initiative operates during the school year and serves K-12 students from various districts within Washington County. In addition to academic assistance, it offers enrichment classes such as book clubs, African drumming, life skills, STEAM sessions, Girl Scouts activities, cooking classes, sports, Spanish lessons, recreation, and photography. Participants are provided with dinner and snacks along with transportation services.

BOOST grants aim to support structured programs or activities featuring engaged mentors and evidence-based practices for at-risk school-age youth before school hours, after school hours or during summer periods.

The 48th Legislative District in Washington County encompasses several areas including the city of Washington; townships like Amwell and East Finley; parts of Carroll and North Strabane; boroughs such as Donora and East Washington among others.