Hall Of Famer Melvin “Mel” Blount is a household name in Rivertown. He’s helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls, led the NFL in receptions, and has won countless national awards including the NAACP’s Human Rights Award.
We know him, we love him… Now, we’re taking a look at what some call Mel’s greatest work, The Mel Blount Youth Home of Pennsylvania.
Opened in 1989, the Youth Home is a treatment program where young, male victims of abuse or neglect can come recharge their batteries on a working farm. Located on 300 acres in Washington County the Youth Home houses up to 24 males between the ages of seven to 17 years.
When they get to the farm, these children are placed in customized treatment plans. Pre-adolescent campers utilize varying therapeutic techniques such as play therapy activities, music therapy, reality therapy and anger management. Mel sees the camp as an opportunity for children YOUTH to offer short-term emergency shelter as well as long term residency. While visiting, the kids stay in log cabins on the farm and work on goals set forth by the Blount team. They have a chance to work on reestablishing relationships, improving communication skills, learning discipline, accepting responsibility and creating boundaries for themselves.
The Blount Home strives to teach responsibility, knowledge and respect for oneself, to benefit from his life experience in a productive and challenging setting.
MEL BLOUNT YOUTH HOME
6 Mel Blount Drive
Claysville, PA 15323
There are many ways for both individuals and businesses to contribute to Mel Blount’s Youth Home. Beyond financial donations, the Youth Home welcomes individuals who could utilize talents, resources and time in their areas of expertise. Whether you’re a financial planner, carpenter, lawyer, or a nurse, anyone willing can assist Mel Blount in his vision for America’s children.
