MERCER 23-unit housing complex for seniors to be dedicated

MERCER, Pa. -- Father Tushim Manor, a new 23-unit housing complex for senior citizens, will be dedicated during a ceremony at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The project, funded with a $2.24 million grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, was the dream of Father Francis Tushim, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Mercer in the early 1970s, but was never realized.
Several parish members and other dedicated people have worked over the last three years to make that dream a reality, said Father Jim Kennelley, current pastor of Immaculate Heart.
An independent corporation was set up to act as recipient of the federal funds, and the church formed a partnership with John XXIII of Hermitage, a federally recognized charitable institution, to act as the project sponsor and actually apply for the money.
The residence for senior citizens isn't directly affiliated with the church and is open to all seniors regardless of religious background.
Openings are available and applications are being processed by the Mercer County Community Action Agency in Sharon.
This is the most recent HUD-sponsored project in Mercer County, Kennelley said, adding that it is also significant because it symbolizes a cooperative spirit between two Catholic organizations, Immaculate Heart and John XXIII, to reach out to help senior citizens by working with a government agency.