For over 20 years, Joshua House has been focused on helping youth find purpose. Today, we are announcing our plans to sell the Tyrone Armory and expand our programming to Altoona.
We feel the need in this season to shift our efforts from running a facility back to program development. As an organization, this is a necessary step for us in continuing our vision to reach the next generation, help them find their purpose and equip them to live it out. The Tyrone Armory is truly an amazing building and a hub for the community. In preparing to sell it, we wanted to find someone who could carry out the vision for the Armory to continue to be a community hub (Currently, it is home to Horseshoe Volleyball Club and the Tyrone Fitness Center).
It is our sincere joy to announce that Nathan and Tracy Verilla are purchasing the Tyrone Armory. Both Nathan and Tracy were involved with Joshua House in the early days and have a heart for the people of Tyrone. The Verillas are after the heartbeat of God for the next generation and will build upon what has been established at the Armory for the community.
From left to right: Theron Glenny, Mizpah Glenny, Tracy Verilla, Nathan Verilla, Jim Kilmartin, Jessica Kilmartin
““For over 20 years, our aim has been to positively impact the lives of our youth and see them become world changers. We have provided camps, races, leagues, and many activities in hopes to be a catalyst for young people to connect with God and find purpose. When I started in 1998, I didn’t know what it would look like but it has been amazing to see how many people have been blessed. We’ve taken teens whitewater rafting, to Niagara Falls, to the Jersey Shore, inner city Baltimore, Detroit, Toronto, Guatemala, Belize, & Madagascar. For me, it has been a privilege and a tremendous honor to serve the Tyrone community for all of these years. Now, I am excited for Nathan and Tracy Verilla to take over the reins of developing the Tyrone Armory as a Hub for the Tyrone community and region.” - Jim Kilmartin, Founder of Joshua House”
Below are some questions we anticipate being asked. For any additional questions, please contact Theron Glenny or Jim Kilmartin. Their emails are theron@joshuahouse.com & jim@joshuahouse.com.
Won’t Joshua House need a building to operate?
For the amount of programming we had planned, Joshua House programming does not take up near the capacity of the Armory, which is why we had amazing renters like Horseshoe Volleyball Club, Centre Soccer Association and Tyrone Fitness.
When we do programming from now on, if we need indoor space, we will simply rent space at the location where we want to do the program. This way, we won’t be tied to operating and taking care of a specific building and can more fully focus on our mission.
Will Joshua House stop working in Tyrone?
No. We plan to continue offering programs in Tyrone, but not sure on what basis. At a minimum, we want to continue the Tyrone Roller Hockey League and Cross-town Basketball League in the Armory, and we will be able to rent space from the new owners.
It’s important to note that Jim and Jessica Kilmartin and the Joshua House team have always had a heart for this region so we believe that in future years, in addition to offering programs in Tyrone and Altoona, we will offer programs in other towns and cities. Our donor and volunteer base is very regional. With Pastor Jim and Jess overseeing Center City Church and providing oversight to Joshua House, our donor base and volunteer base has significantly increased regionally as Center City Church has grown.
Is Joshua House relocating to another town?
We are not sure where our physical address will be, but we do know in addition to offering programming in Tyrone, we will begin to offer programs in Altoona.
Is HoopsFest canceled this Summer?
Unfortunately, yes. We were really hoping to have it this July to celebrate the 20th anniversary. We plan to now hold the 20th anniversary of HoopsFest Summer of 2021.