The Armory: A Safe Haven with A Purpose
Many students at Tyrone associate the Armory in Tyrone as just a place play basketball. According to site administrator Ben Irvin, it is that, but it is also much more.
The Armony building was originally constructed in 1911 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It first housed the Sheridan Troop Cavalry Unit and later served Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
In 2016 it was purchased by the Joshua House, a local Christian nonprofit youth and community group, to provide a place for youth in the community to grow physically and spiritually.
¨The Joshua House´s mission is to help youth find purpose,¨ said Irvin, “[We want to] reach youth and adults in order to provide a safe place to have fun, volunteer, and impact their lives and the community.”
The Armory is currently open from 3:15 to 5:30 Monday through Thursday for students and provides a chance for those who don’t know their path in life to find their way.
Students can study, play sports, or just hang out and unwind in a safe environment before heading home for the evening. Snacks are provided daily and on Wednesday they provide meals for the students. According to Irvin, they hope to provide more meals in the future.
Whether or not someone wants to study or have a place to relax and have a little fun, the Armory wants ¨to provide a place that is safe and positive,¨ said Irvin.
The Armory currently offers the following community programs:
- Youth Running Club
- Dauntless
- Adult Roller Hockey League (during the summer)
- Crosstown Basketball League (Jan.-March)
- Hoopsfest
- Summer Camps
- Compassion Commission – intercity missions trip
- Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- Operation Christmas Blessing
While the Armory does offer many programs, they are hoping to attract more after-school participants. On average about 10 to 12 students come to the Armory each day.
Irvin says that they are looking to raise funds in order to renovate their facilities to better accommodate larger group sizes that would come on a regular basis.
¨We are working on renovations this year that will provide a better space for studying, learning, and collaborating on projects, both school-related and non-school related. Ultimately, the space will be conducive to hanging out, exercising and working on school or other entrepreneurial activities,¨ said Irvin.
My name is Brandon Escala, and I am a senior here at Tyrone. I am a 1st-degree black belt. I have plans to attend Penn State to get a degree in psychology...
