SRU’s Butler SUCCEED seeks project proposals from the community
Leaders of Butler SUCCEED, Slippery Rock University’s community outreach center in downtown Butler, are seeking project proposals from organizations, businesses, individuals or groups in the community.
March 16, 2022
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University Center for Community Engagement, Empowerment and Development, known as Butler SUCCEED, is inviting Butler County organizations, businesses, individuals or groups to partner together on initiatives to improve the quality of life in the region and consequently encourage young people to reside in the county.
"Butler SUCCEED is both a concept and a space," said Josette Skobieranda Dau, associate director of Butler SUCCEED. "Our center bridges and connects initiatives throughout Butler County. Everyone is empowered to develop community, but projects can be completed more effectively when multiple groups plan, implement and evaluate the project together."
SKOBIERANDA-DAU
Skobieranda Dau was recently hired to lead Butler SUCCEED after SRU's new community outreach office, located at 150 N. Main Street in Butler, opened last year. Butler SUCCEED serves as an off-campus community gathering spot for organizations and community partners to collaborate. It's also part of the Institute for Nonprofit Leadership at SRU, which supports nonprofit professionals and their organizations throughout western Pennsylvania with professional development opportunities, research and technical assistance.
Examples of currently approved Butler SUCCEED projects include the Downtown Butler Beautification Project, which will highlight and enhance the Main Street business district in Butler and involves contributions from multiple groups and local organizations, as well as the Homeless Bag Project Butler, which provides Butler homeless families education, clothing and other resources.
"In addition to community development, Butler SUCCEED focuses on empowerment as well as engagement of residents" Skobieranda Dau said. "In terms of those who would like to lead a project, we welcome conversations around people's ideas and their needs. Usually, the projects are aimed toward addressing a community need, and that means it is Butler County itself which drives the mission of Butler SUCCEED."
Any community member may submit a project application through RockServe, SRU's online civic-engagement platform. Project applications are also available at the Butler SUCCEED office.
Submitted project applications are reviewed by the Butler SUCCEED Advisory Council, and, if approved, Butler SUCCEED facilitates project discussions and promotes the project goals. Butler community members suggest, plan and implement the project ideas with the support of Butler SUCCEED leveraging resources.
To discuss your Butler County project idea, contact Skobieranda Dau at 724.256.9946 or josette.dau@sru.edu, or visit Butler SUCCEED during its operational hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu