Cypress Street Home gets Assistance from Junior President

On September 26, 2009 in a little house on Cypress Street, Moon Township in Allegheny County, belonging to the American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans Corp; a long process was completed.  Jordan Hrinya accomplished her Gold Award for the Girl Scouts of America.

Jordan started her Girl Scout career in the first grade at the age of 6 years.  Over the years she has obtained and fulfilled numerous badges, community service projects and other requirements.  The last achievement began a year ago.  After determining what she would like to do for her project, she had to start planning. Once the objectives, a rough outline, and agenda were completed, she had to go before the Girl Scout Council and have the project approved.

Jordan traveled to Ephrata and Coraopolis where the final destination was determined.  Items needed were listed and a budget was compiled.  Through donations, fundraising, and personal contributions money was banked.  It was determined that newer furniture would be needed, along with other accessories.

She was able to purchase a couch and a recliner chair from a local Goodwill store.  The recliner needed to be reupholstered.  Jordan and her mother began this learning process.  Fabric was purchased and the adventure began. They learned the art of tufting, sewing, tugging, pulling and lots and lots of staples.

Once the furniture was cleaned or reupholstered, a date was set to actually start the work on the house.  Saturday, September 26^th was determined to fit the schedules of all involved.  They loaded furniture and themselves into vehicles and traveled to Coraopolis.   Upon arriving at the house, it was decided a quick cleaning of the room was in order.  As some taped things off, others washed and dusted.  Fitting seven (7) people in a small living room may sound cramped, but with everyone having their task assigned, the work went smoothly.  After the first coat of paint was applied to all surfaces, a shopping trip to gather the finishing touches was done.  The second coat was painted and touch ups applied.  While the paint was drying, clean up took place and furniture placement decided.  The crew loaded the furniture into the room, pictures hung, and accessories added.  The transformation was executed and the process completed.

Jordan is a past Honorary Junior President of the American Legion Auxiliary (2008-2009).  During a trip with Richard Coccimiglio to a house in Ephrata owned by the Homeless Corp; Jordan had commented on the decorating taste. She found out that all furniture was donated and hand-me-downs, she decided her Gold Award project would be redecorating a house for veterans.  She felt they had given so much to the citizens of the United States, falling on hard times; they should have something given back to help them.

Jordan Hrinya is the daughter of Bill and Melissa Hrinya of Brockway, PA.  She is a freshman at Clarion University. Her course of study is Psychology where she would like to someday work with veterans and military members suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Article from Melissa Hrinya

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