MTGC supports Restore 22

Restore 22 Concept Image

On August 20^th, Irene Prendergast, Sharon Fedorek and Christy Klug of the Moon Township Garden Club Philanthropy Committee presented Restore 22 with a donation. They met with their treasurer, Christine Ree, who provided them with a background on their endeavor and the status of their project.

Christine’s husband Rob served for 35 years in the military. He had not served in a combat theater until the last few years of his service. When the war in Iraq began, as a sergeant, he found himself unable to prepare the soldiers for what they would be facing. He volunteered to serve in Baghdad for a four-month stint. When he came back he was a changed man. Eventually he was diagnosed with PTSD and began receiving treatment. Through their journey to find wellness for Rob, the Rees felt the need to help others with service-related issues.

Their research led them to learn that an average of 22 veterans take their lives daily in the US, thus the name Restore 22. We have approximately 323,000 veterans in our area. They have spent several years researching what veterans need and how to help. This has led to their dream of opening a coffee shop in Coraopolis for veterans, active service members and families to provide a welcoming environment to meet and talk. They also will provide sessions for financial, faith and benefits counseling.

Irene Prendergast, MTGC and Christine Ree, Restore 22

Their motto is "More than a Coffee Shop." Restore 22 Coffee Shop will be a place where strangers become friends, where hurts are healed and where faith is restored.

Christine envisions modeling the coffee shop as a USO and is hopeful that veterans and families will bring memorabilia to decorate the shop. They are anticipating opening in late September or early October. They will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 -1, serving coffee and pastries and will have seating for approximately 90 with two small rooms for counseling. They are still in need of donations and are looking for volunteers to work 2 or more 3-4 hour shifts a month.

If you are willing to donate financially or with your time please contact them for more information. If you are looking for a place to meet up with friends or have a committee meeting please consider patronizing Restore 22 at 948 Fourth Avenue in Coraopolis. https://restore 22.org