Buhl Regional Health Foundation

09/02/2026

Sometimes an experience becomes more than you ever expected it to be.

When Stephan Gibson joined us as a summer intern, he expected to learn more about communications and nonprofit work. Through his time with our team—and especially at Camp Courage—he gained a new understanding of community, connection, and the kind of work he hopes to pursue.

In our latest story, Stephan shares the moment that changed the course of his career, what he learned from watching our community come together, and why meaningful work can sometimes be" as simple as sitting on a log and listening when someone trusts you with their story."

Thank you, Stephan, for sharing your talents, your heart, and these beautiful reflections with us. 💙

Read “More Than a Summer Internship”:

By the Buhl Regional Health Foundation and Summer Intern, Stephan Gibson

08/14/2026

What does it take for a community to truly thrive?

It takes more than healthcare. It takes safe housing, learning opportunities, reliable transportation, nutritious food, meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and more.

These puzzle pieces make up the "7 Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being"—a framework that is increasingly guiding how we think about our work at the Buhl Regional Health Foundation.

After attending a statewide workshop with the The Rippel Foundation this summer, we're bringing new ideas and connections back to Mercer County as we continue exploring what it means to create the conditions where everyone can thrive.

Learn more about the framework and how it's shaping BRHF's work:

By Jennifer Barborak, Executive Director of Buhl Regional Health Foundation

08/11/2026

Five years ago, Camp Courage began with a simple question: What support exists for children who are grieving the death of someone they love?

Five years later, that question has grown into something truly special. ❤️

This summer, Camp Courage celebrated its fifth year of bringing grieving children together for a week of connection, support, laughter, creativity, and healing at Buhl Park.

For many campers, it’s the first time they meet another child who understands what it feels like to lose someone they love.

Camp Courage isn’t about fixing grief. It’s about giving children a safe place to grieve, tools to navigate difficult emotions, and the opportunity to discover that hope can exist alongside loss.

We’re incredibly grateful to the camp counselors, therapists, volunteers, activity leaders, community partners, and families who have helped make these five years possible. Together, we’ve built more than a summer camp—we’ve built a community of support for children when they need it most.

Read the full story of five years of Camp Courage in our latest newsletter. ❤️

When a child experiences death, especially of someone they love, life changes in ways that are difficult to explain and even harder to navigate emotionally.

08/07/2026

No woman or child should have to spend the night in a car, an abandoned building... or even a laundromat because they have nowhere else to go.

Yet for too many families in Mercer County, that's the reality.

Today, we're proud to announce a $1.5 million grant to Joshua's Haven City Mission to help build Mercer County's first dedicated shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness.

This isn't just about constructing a building. It's about creating a safe place where families can find stability, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

The full story includes the powerful real-life experiences that inspired this project and why this investment will have a lasting impact on our community.

❤️ Read more here:

By Jessica Koss, Director of Community Engagement, BRHF

07/31/2026

It takes a village 💙

As another incredible week of Camp Courage comes to a close, our hearts are full.

For five years, this camp has been made possible by an amazing community of camp counselors, therapists, educators, volunteers, activity leaders, and partners who generously share their time, talents, and hearts with children navigating grief.

Because of you, our campers found a safe place to share, to laugh, to remember, to heal, and to discover they are not alone.

To every person who helped make this week possible—whether you led an activity, supported a small group, donated supplies, volunteered behind the scenes, or simply showed up with compassion—thank you. Your impact reaches far beyond these five days.

Together, we're helping children find hope, one courageous step at a time. ❤️

07/30/2026

Sometimes the best way to work through big emotions is to get moving. 💙🥋🏃
Today's Camp Courage activities encouraged campers to build confidence, work together, and discover the strength that's already within them.

A heartfelt thank you to Rothrock's Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy for introducing campers to the fundamentals of Kung Fu. Through movement, focus, and discipline, campers learned that strength isn't just physical—it's also about perseverance, self-control, and believing in yourself.

We're also grateful to our friends from Commodore Perry School District, Mercer Area School District, and the Mercer County Family Center for leading Kids on the Move, a fun, active program that got campers moving, laughing, and working together while promoting healthy habits and positive connections.

Thank you to these incredible community partners for helping make Camp Courage a place where healing happens in many different ways—and where every child is encouraged to grow stronger, one step at a time. ❤️

07/29/2026

Strength comes in many forms.

Today's Camp Courage activities reminded our campers that healing can happen through creativity, movement, and trying something new.

A heartfelt thank you to Buhl Park and the Penn State Master Gardeners of Mercer County for leading a beautiful flower pounding activity, where campers transformed flowers and leaves into colorful works of art while spending time in nature and expressing themselves in a creative way.

We're also incredibly grateful to Elite Ninja Academy for bringing their ninja obstacle course back to camp since it's a fan favorite! As campers climbed, balanced, and conquered new challenges, they built confidence, practiced perseverance, and discovered just how strong and capable they are.

Thank you to these wonderful community partners for sharing your time, talents, and enthusiasm with our campers. Experiences like these help make Camp Courage a place where children can heal, grow, and simply enjoy being kids. 💙

07/29/2026

It takes a village to create a place where children feel safe to heal.

As Camp Courage continues this week, we wanted to take a moment to recognize two of the people who help make it all possible.

For the past five years, our Director of Programming, Kateri Linn, has been the heart behind Camp Courage—planning, coordinating, and bringing together the people, partnerships, and details that transform an idea into a meaningful week of healing for local children.

Working alongside her this summer is our Westminster College intern, Stephan, whose hard work has helped keep Camp Courage running smoothly. From organizing supplies and preparing camper resources to creating this year's camp shirts and jumping in wherever needed, he's been an invaluable part of the team.

Camp Courage is about so much more than what happens during the week—it takes months of planning, countless hours of preparation, and people who care deeply about the children we serve.

Thank you, Kateri and Stephan, for everything you've done to make this year's Camp Courage another incredible success! ❤️

07/28/2026

Sometimes the things we can't put into words can be expressed through art and music. 🎨🎶

Today at Camp Courage, our campers explored creative ways to process their emotions through art therapy with Art by Alane Jewel and Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. They were also treated to a music therapy session led by talented local music educators from the Sharpsville Area School District, Hermitage School District, and Crawford Central School Distri.

Creative expression is an important part of the healing journey. Whether through painting, rhythm, or simply trying something new, these experiences help children explore their feelings in ways that feel safe, natural, and even joyful.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to these incredible community partners for sharing their time, talents, and compassion with our campers. 💙

07/28/2026

Behind every brave conversation is someone willing to listen...

This morning, we're celebrating the incredible Team Leads, Trained Assists, and Camp Counselors who make Camp Courage such a special place for our campers.

Our Team Leads and Trained Assists provide compassionate grief support in each small group, while our Camp Counselors—after completing specialized training through Highmark Caring Place—offer encouragement, friendship, and plenty of fun throughout the week.

Together, they create a safe space where the campers can heal, connect, and simply be kids.

Thank you all for the care, patience, and compassion you bring to Camp Courage. Your impact reaches far beyond this week. ❤️

Baker Professional Counseling, Inc.
Community Counseling Center Of Mercer County
Highmark Caring Place
Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, Inc.
Greenville Area School District
Zion Education Center
Grove City Area School District
Buhl Park