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“Uncommon Grounds Café is a front for broad-based community development,” says John Stanley.  Just a quick walk down the street from Aliquippa Impact (AI), on Franklin Ave, is where Uncommon Grounds Café resides.

The cafe’s motto is in accordance with their name “common grounds, uncommon experience.” Similarly AI’s motto is “Fostering tangible hope for a purposeful future.” With similar organizational views of community development it is no wonder that these two organizations partnered.

Uncommon Grounds Café strives to find ways in which to “give voice” to people. They are able to do this by creating a comfortable environment where typical boundaries such as ethnicity, geography, economics and social differences can be crossed. What better way to create a common ground among those with uncommon experiences than through conversation with coffee.

Conversation and Coffee is not the end to Uncommon Grounds Café, they also offer an art space. Art, music, drama and writing are all encouraged for children in the city of Aliquippa by this café.

“The cafe is an established art space. We encourage the arts all year round. So when students pick up an interest in the arts during the summer program, we encourage them to pursue it through the rest of the year,” said Stanley.

“We have space and they have people,” said Stanley in regards to the partnership. Children involved with AI are encouraged to participate in Uncommon Grounds' summer art program.

Commenting on the similarities of community development and decision to work with AI Stanley said, “Biblically, we are on the same team, and our failure to work together would be a failure of our witness. Personally, we are better when we work together!”

“There are many worthy organizations that need financial and prayer support but we find it fulfilling to support those whom we have personally invested into,” said Bill and Jan Matko. This couple has been faithful supporters of Aliquippa Impact (AI) since its inception.

“AI is a ministry that impacts the Kingdom and being natives of western PA, we are blessed to see God at work in our own neck of the woods,” they said.  Bill and Jan Matko had a history with Joel Repic even before Aliquippa Impact (AI) began; this is one of the main reasons why they chose to support AI.

“We knew their hearts. We value and trust their commitment to the Lord and ultimately to this ministry,” they said. Bill and Jan Matko knew Joel and Chelsea Repic when they were still students at Toccoa Falls College; they had been familiar with one another through a college small group.

The Matko’s described AI in the following manner, “AI is truly a light in the darkness within the Pittsburgh area, having proven results. It is a place where hope is real with eternal results.”

In relation to how AI has touched the lives of those around the Matko’s, they explained, “We have seen lives transformed from the interning opportunities for college students on down to those whose lives are affected through children’s programs and even to the families who have made sacrifices to serve there.”

Not only have the Matko’s seen God move within AI’s ministry, but they expressed that they too have seen God at work in their own lives.

“Seeing God grow and use Joel, Chelsea, John, Steve, and others has been a huge encouragement to us. When we hear personally and read of the spiritual victories and miracles, it inspires us more to be a prayer warrior for our brothers and sisters who minister to the lost and hurting souls on a daily basis,” they said.

Norma Lagios has served as a board member for Aliquippa Impact (AI) since its inception. Attending the same church as the
Repic family, her call to serve alongside AI was made clear just through her familiarity with Joel Repic.

“I felt impressed by his passion and spiritual maturity as a young man and was excited to see where the Lord would lead him. I actually didn't know a lot about Aliquippa, but I have learned so much along the way,” she said.

Lagios is the board’s secretary. When Lagios was asked about the good she has seen come from AI, and their ministry, her list seemed endless. “I've witnessed a small day camp blossom into a year round program with a wide variety of opportunities for the young people of Aliquippa. Young lives being forever changed for the better,” she said.

Lagios moved from the good she has seen in children’s lives to that of college students. “I've watched year after year as college students choose to spend their summer serving in city camp. Most come thinking they are prepared but they learn so much. They always go away changed,” she added. Lagios explanation of the changes and good the ministry of AI has brought did not stop there. She continued by sharing her views on AI’s staff.  “Through the commitment of first Joel and then many other faithful staff like John and Gao Jordan, Jamarya Harrell and the extraordinary leadership of Steve Rossi, God has blessed over and over in so many ways.”

“God has sustained this good work and caused it to grow and continue to reach deeper and deeper into the Aliquippa Community for the betterment of all who are touched by this effort,” she said. Lagios had only positive words about AI’s ministry and how their work shows Christ’s love. Hearing Lagios account of how she has seen Christ work through AI’s ministry was inspiring, as we hope you will also find.

Kirk (not his real name), a child who has been with Aliquippa Impact (AI) since the beginning, happily explained some of his favorite things about AI. Kirk attended AI’s very first summer camp program in 2005. This past summer (2011) was Kirk’s last summer camp due to the fact that he is soon turning thirteen.

This was the first activity he explained in the interview; however, it was followed by the field trip AI took him on when he was in fifth grade. “We went roller skating,” he said. While it wasn’t Kirk’s first time roller skating, he explained that he had a blast.

Last, but not least, Kirk shared with me his enjoyment for AI’s annual teaching of the continents and their native foods. “The continent of Africa, for which we made bean soup and rice, was my favorite,” he said.

Kirk is also familiar with just about every AI mentor and day camp staff worker. “I like them all,” he said. “I don’t really have a favorite because they are all funny, kind, and give me stuff.”

Kirk’s mother also commented on the difference AI has made in her child’s life. “It’s been good for the kids; they learn a lot,” she said. “I can’t explain it, but it’s a nice program, keeps them out of the streets.” Kirk’s mother has enjoyed her and her son’s experience with AI so
much that she told me her daughter will be involved with AI as well.