CLICK FOR FULL PICTURE - The Veterans Center on Memorial Day, 2007. CLICK FOR FULL PICTURE - Hopeton Thompson, Director; and Angelo Dakes, former resident. Taken at the Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, D.C.
Offering Hope in the Midst of Despair.
The Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center is located in rural Armstrong County, approximately 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, and eight miles northwest of Kittanning on State Route 268. The primary mission of the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center is to provide a community-based residential treatment facility for homeless veterans needing rehabilitation and support.

Residents with substance abuse problems are required to attend scheduled Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings held at the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center and within the community.

Residents are required to register upon arrival and departure from the facility, as well as obey the facility's curfew. Furloughs are granted based on the length of the resident's stay and the individual's efforts within the recovery process.

Residents are strongly encouraged to assist in setting and achieving their personal goals. Although we periodically review the resident's progress, without the resident's total commitment the chance of personal success is dramatically reduced.

Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center residents are provided numerous supportive services:

  • Counseling
  • Job Training
  • Life Skills Enhancement
  • Educational Opportunities
  • Housing Assistance
  • Appointment Transportation
  • Job Readiness Preparation
  • Substance Abuse Recovery
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Regular Church & Chapel Services


    • Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center offers onsite recreation including an indoor basketball court, weightlifting/exercise equipment, pool table, foosball table and horseshoe pit. Our facilities include a dining hall with modern kitchen, dining room, recreation room with cable television, reading room with large library, day room and offices. A second building holds the gymnasium, 54 private bedrooms, modern restrooms, laundry facilities and a community / counseling room. The dining hall and dormitory are connected by a weather-resistant walkway. The 9-acre campus also offers five cottages, available to residents, a wood shop and a four-bedroom house. A well-lit parking area behind the dining hall provides a safe haven for residents' vehicles.

    Group activities are planned at least once a month and include trips to watch a Pirates baseball game, stock car race or high school football game and overnight trips to Gettysburg, Niagara Falls, and Washington, D.C. An annual camping trip to Ohiopyle State Park is always a favorite among the residents.

    At Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, the opportunities for personal success are endless. Together, we are helping one veteran at a time.


    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Phone numbers:
         (724) 545-9016
         (724) 543-6961 [Fax]

    E-mail contacts (see Staff Members below)

    Postal mail:
         ATTN: Hopeton A. Thompson
         Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center
         1413 State Route 268
         Cowansville, PA 16218


    STAFF MEMBERS

    Hopeton A. Thompson, [Executive] Director
    Stephen R. Earley, Director's Assistant / Webmaster
    Kenneth Waltenbaugh, Sr. Shift Supervisor / Maintenance Supervisor
    David Bartlett, Counselor ("Program Director")
    Carol Waltenbaugh, Dietary Manager / Kitchen Manager
    Bonnie Smith, Nurse (LPN)
    Larry Hull, Shift Supervisor
    Roger Fouse, Shift Supervisor
    Rich Fuchs, Shift Supervisor
    Phil Holley, Maintenance
    Pam Fouse, Cook


    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    The Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center's operations are overseen by a Board of Directors. In addition to the contact information below, all members of the Board may be contacted by sending postal mail to the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, ATTN: Board Member's Name.

    William Radvansky, President
         Contact via E-mail.

    Joseph N. Robinson, Secretary/Treasurer
         Contact at Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center.

    Richard C. Boarts

    Ernie Higham

    Samuel Robb

    Ron Boyden

    Keith Sedwick
         Contact via E-mail.


    SITE STATUS

    This website is currently under construction. New sections and more information will be available at a later date. If there are any questions please feel free to contact us using the contact information above.

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