Computer Equipment for Mary House, Inc.

Computer Equipment for Mary House, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Mary House, Inc. – Sister Edie Strong (Financial Advisor), Malory Spring MSW (Director), Robin Kemp (Administrative Assistant) and Sister Annette Frey (Community Builder) 

“The extra grants we have received in the last two years have made such a difference to our staff and to the women we serve. To have up-to-date equipment these days is such a necessity and can make us so much more productive!” said Sr. Annette Frey.

Sr. Annette Frey is referring to capacity building grants that the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded to Mary House, Inc. from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund. Mary House, Inc. purchased a variety of computer equipment with the grants.

Mary House, Inc. building

Photo courtesy of Mary House, Inc.

Mary House, Inc. provides a transitional residence for women who are homeless, have limited needs, or may struggle with mental health or substance use. The nonprofit was started with the collaboration of Roy Sarver, from Saint Vincent de Paul, and Father Bill Kiel and the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Now, eight years after the initial opening of Mary House, the staff has grown and continues to provide a safe and secure environment to help the women through recovery and towards independence.

The foundation’s 2023 grant lined up well with the hiring of their administrative assistant, providing a computer for her, and the 2024 change in leadership from Sr. Annette to Malory Spring as the director.

“Computer equipment and systems are a ‘must’ for the day-to-day operations of an organization, so the foundation was happy to award these grants to strengthen Mary House’s capacity to do the good work that they do,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

The equipment is also used by the residents. “Our residents are very happy with their ability to use an up-to-date computer for all the forms they must fill out as well as attend AA/NA meetings by zoom when unable to find a ride to their daily meeting,” explained Sr. Annette.

Aside from grant awards, Mary House, Inc. is involved with CFFC through their five-year participation in Fayette Gives. They have fundraised over $93,000 through the “day of giving”.

CFFC is happy to support nonprofits like Mary House, Inc. through various efforts, thanks to the generosity of everyone who joins in charitable giving.

“Day of Giving” Helps Women’s Nonprofit

“Day of Giving” Helps Women’s Nonprofit

Mary House, Inc. serves Uniontown area women who are homeless and/or in need of transitional housing, providing a safe and secure environment based on a common lifestyle of the residents. Mary House, Inc. was eager to leverage their Fayette Gives 2020 participation to raise awareness of their mission and raise funds to support their work. Among over forty charities, they placed third for number of donors and eighth for amount fundraised.

Fayette Gives is a unique opportunity for charities to participate in a collective effort to strengthen Fayette County, embracing the diversity of their missions and how they all play a role in our community. Participating charities are encouraged to spread the word, explain how their mission impacts residents, and energize their donors for this “day of giving.” Mary House, Inc. did just that, and their donor response was successful as a result.

Co-Directors of Mary House, Inc. – Sister Annette Frey, S.C. and Sister Jean Augustine, S.C.

“Fayette Gives and the preparations for it brought many unknown benefits to Mary House, Inc. Before this day, we were best known through “word of mouth.” More people are now aware of the needs of our area and the role CFFC plays in Fayette County,” said Sister Annette Frey, Co-Director of Mary House, Inc.

Charities can incorporate Fayette Gives into their annual fundraising plan, using this ready-made opportunity to engage with their donors and the larger community. Local businesses can also get involved by supporting all participating charities through a Fayette Gives sponsorship. The CFFC hopes for even more anticipation and excitement for Fayette Gives 2021, which will take place on November 16. Mary House, Inc. has already registered, alongside over twenty other charities so far. Register and learn more at www.fayettegives.org.

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