MCKEESPORT, PA (October 31, 2008) – 2008 kicked off the second year Mon Yough Community Services, Angora Gardens, and McKeesport area schools partnered to bring local students to Angora Gardens. The program invites 18 students to Angora Gardens in White Oak Park three times a week. A teacher and aide bring high school students to Angora Gardens where they teach greenhouse, plant and animal care. Most commonly, students who participate in the partnership are experiencing difficulty with school, and choose to be involved in the program.

The program began in 2007 with the goal of creating a positive partnership that teaches students practical skills in a safe and accessible environment. The program operates throughout the duration of the school year, and continues to foster positive changes in students who struggle with poor academic performance. Cece Stack, Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services at MYCS, explained the positive feedback she has received thus far: “We’ve seen a difference in attitude in the students – they really enjoy working at Angora, and learning applicable vocational skills. Some students have even expressed a desire to work at Angora full-time.”  

Angora Gardens is a place of recovery and growth for MYCS clients. They work in the gift shop, tend the garden and care for several English and French Angora rabbits that live in the estate’s barn. Angora Gardens is open to the public for house, garden and barn tours and for special events. The gift shop offers high-quality artwork created by individuals we serve and volunteers. A variety of annuals, perennials and herbs grow in the greenhouse.


For more information, contact Cece Stack of MYCS at 412-675-6355.

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