Sto-Rox Non-profit Community Launches “Grow Sto-Rox”
MCKEES ROCKS – Five organizations from the Sto-Rox area recently joined forces to create a strategic collaborative called Grow Sto-Rox, including: Communities In Schools (CISPAC), Focus On Renewal (FOR), McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation (MRCDC), Sto-Rox School District (SRSD), and Zellous Hope Project (ZHP).
The group is spearheaded by New Sun Rising (NSR), who serves as the fiscal sponsor for the collaborative. After the initial establishment of a community Youth Partnership in 2014, these cross-sector organizations committed to creating equitable economic futures for Sto-Rox residents through community programs which are strengths-based and trauma-informed.
To help Grow Sto-Rox achieve its mission, hiring a dynamic and a detail-oriented individual to manage the initiative was pivotal. After acknowledging the importance of a community-driven approach to achieving their goals, Grow Sto-Rox made the decision to hire local resident Dorrian Glenn as the new Program Manager, a position staffed at NSR.
Glenn graduated from Sto-Rox high school in 1997. He went on to become an All-American Running Back for the Slippery Rock University football team, graduating with a BA in Communications. He later attended Point Park University where he graduated with an MBA. Glenn has extensive experience working for community organizations and is looking to spearhead the introduction of Grow Sto-Rox to the area and beyond.
Glenn will serve as the backbone and be responsible for driving Grow Sto-Rox’s work forward. In particular, he will support day-to-day communications, administration, community engagement, fundraising, and data functions.
In addition to hiring the Program Manager, Grow Sto-Rox has launched its first program called the Affinity Circles Wellness Program with the support of April Jackson. Affinity Circles seeks to rebuild the Sto-Rox community by reshaping the mindset of the Sto-Rox residents. If residents thrive, the community thrives. When residents have more control and are thriving in a vibrant community, they are more able to focus on the possibilities of success.
The Grow Sto-Rox Program Manager position, and development of an Affinity Circles community wellness program, were made possible through grant funding from the Suckling Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation and Heinz Endowments.
Media Contact: Dorrian Glenn, (412) 886-7081, dorrian@newsunrising.org
About Grow Sto-Rox: The Grow Sto-Rox collaborative exists to improve the quality of life of Sto-Rox residents through programs which are trauma informed, strengths based, and create equitable economic impact.
About New Sun Rising: New Sun Rising supports nonprofits, social enterprises, and collaborations to build vibrant communities through culture, sustainability, and opportunity. NSR believes that people and communities hold the knowledge and power to realize the future they envision. We strengthen them through capacity building, accessible funding, data, and creative advocacy.