Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Last October, Joshua House in Tyrone was awarded the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame “Committee’s Choice Award,” and this Saturday, May 17, J-House will be recognized by Kids Day America (KDA) for its work with youth.
The award that Joshua House and its founder and director Jim Kilmartin will be receiving is the “Children’s Empowerment Award,” given as part of the KDA event. KDA is a yearly event that is based around health and wellness, environmental awareness, and the safety of the children in all communities.
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce is helping to promote the free event for the second consecutive year with Dr. Eddie Luke and his staff at Health First in Altoona. The international event will be held locally on Saturday at the Jaffa Shrine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The theme for KDA this year is “Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness.”
“We gather different organizations and groups for one event to benefit children,” said Luke. “Of course the day is a lot of fun too, with games, crafts, and free food for the kids.”
Family Services of Blair County is the co-sponsor and Carolyn Donaldson from WTAJ-TV is the honorary chairperson.
Kids Day America is held in over 2,000 cities around the world, benefiting over three million children. Community involvement is what brings the event all together. Kids get to meet and learn from the real people who work to keep their town safe.
Saturday’s event in Altoona is chalked full of exciting activities. The Altoona Police Department will be on hand to offer free fingerprinting for the kids, along with the Logan Township Police Department, which will be bringing its SWAT equipment for display. Altoona fire and ambulances services will also be available to display fire trucks and promote fire and emergency safety.
There will be a chemistry display from Science in Motion out of Juniata College. Martial arts and dance displays will also highlight the day, adding to the theme of health and wellness, environmental awareness, and safety.
Joshua House and Kilmartin are one of three Children’s Empowerment Award” recipients Saturday. Pastor David Taylor of The Door in Bellwood and Blair County Commissioner Donna Gority will also accept the award.
The award is given to someone whose actions benefit the children of the community in an outstanding way. Its recipients can reach children in any of the three fundamental focuses of the day, being health and wellness, environmental awareness, and safety.
“It’s an honor to receive such an award,” stated Kilmartin. “Our team of volunteers works hard to provide opportunities for youth that they might not have normally.”
Kilmartin added that he believes this award is a tribute to the whole Tyrone community. He said that the Joshua House has been able to thrive over the last ten years because of all the support from the community.
Luke stated that it is not hard to see how Kilmartin is deserving of such an award, adding that Joshua House is in its tenth year and it consistently provides a profound impact of the health and safety of the children in the area.
He said that Kilmartin is providing a safe haven for children to grow and to support one another.
“He is an outstanding role model not only for the children he works with, but for all people,” noted Luke. “It is an honor to be able to recognize Mr. Kilmartin for his outstanding work.”
Joshua House is a fixture in the Tyrone community with one goal in mind – to provide a safe and positive environment for the youth. The “Children’s Empowerment Award” is proof of Kilmartin’s and J-House’s dedication and determination.
“We hope to be able to do even more over the next ten years of service,” said Kilmartin.

By Rick