Children from Zion Education Center in Farrell, PA were greeted with special visitor friends on Friday June 27, 2025. Dr. April Torrence – Founder, CEO at Zion Education Center, hosted members of the Global Sisterhood nonprofit, who came with hearts to serve. The Global Sisterhood members who attended this volunteer day were given a beautiful and meaningful tour, where we witnessed the vision of Dr. Torrence from her humble beginnings through the journey that led to her now thriving educational center. The walk through gave everyone a glimpse into each building. We started by touring classrooms in the Main Center building.
The Leader
Dr. Torrence opened the Zion Education Center March 1, 1995. A memory wall displayed in a hallway at the Center showed a historical timeline of the school throughout the years. The old Farrell Junior High School was on the very property that Zion Education Center sits today. “I am on a location where education has always been,” said Dr. Torrence. This was a profound statement where Dr. Torrence’s dedication to each child, and her mission to advocating for them was felt at a deep level. “We have generational families that attend here, once you have a slot here you are here until school age, we don’t lose families,” stated Dr. Torrence.
Before she purchased the current location, Dr. Torrence drew inspiration from other parts of the world to ignite ideas on how to run her place of learning. She researched early childhood education outcomes for social economically disadvantaged students.
Wilbert G. Hadden (known as W.G.) was a powerful mentor for Dr. April and was the CEO of Zion Education Center until he passed away.
From grant writing for the Center, to creating collaboration with other organizations, such as AmeriCorps, Dr. Torrence knows what it takes to run an effective business that is filled with nothing but the best influences for the children to count on and learn from.
When Love Shows Up
Volunteering went extremely well during this visit, as the Global Sisterhood tapped into each of their individual strengths to ensure the environment is an exciting and welcoming place to learn. Those members in attendance led by the guidance of Dr. Shellie Hipsky included: Rev. Nettie Jorinda Bullitt, Marta Sauret Greca, Ricki McKissock, Chad Quayle, Haseena Patel, and Kara Peters (myself).
The day began with Dr. Shellie Hipsky as she led kids in an exhilarating and interactive storytime. They read about, and discussed the role of firemen in the community and how important their work is. The room of children lit up as they engaged with Hipsky and transitioned from books to a light yoga stretch session. This was led virtually by Hassenna Patel from South Africa, who has been aligned with the Global Sisterhood for many years.
Joining Hipsky was her partner, Chad Quayle and her son, Jacob. During their time at the Zion Education Center the three of them were immersed in giving their very best to ensure a fun and productive day came to fruition. From jumping in to unbox and set up equipment for the newly upcoming infant room, to interviewing Dr. Torrence and staff for the docuseries, everything flowed beautifully to make for a day of giving. Hipsky’s son Jacob found his calling to interact directly with the children. Hipsky was elated and said this in response to seeing her son so clearly focused on the kids, “The Global Sister Aunties were thrilled to see him shine at the Volunteer Day at Zion Education Center. Surrounded by 3-5-year-olds, engaged the kids, and kept them all happily busy. That day was even more special because of his kindness and enthusiasm!”
Multigenerational Impact
Dr. Torrence’s hard work for her community is an incredible inspiration to witness. She has built a real lasting change that will trickle down in the most positive of ways, for generations to come. When asked about what she felt was the Center’s biggest impact in this community, Dr. Torrence said, “oftentimes 
underserved families typically fall into the preschool to prison pipeline; but It’s not happening with our students. They are excelling academically. Researchers have reported a significant achievement gap between low income African-American students versus their counterpart students that were in school. This gap is being closed and more of our students are graduating with honors and receiving scholarships to attend higher education institutions.”
One of the ways that allows for the Zion Education Center to run so smoothly is the expert staff that Dr. Torrence carefully selects, so that the best environment for the kids is always implemented. Every teacher has to be certified and go through many trainings. These trainings include:
- Child Development
- Families in Society
- Trauma and Safety Curriculum
Immense Appreciation
Dr. Torrence expressed immense gratitude toward the Global Sisterhood for coming together in a beautiful bond to enhance the center with the right items to equip the kids for success. In her statement via social media, Dr. Torrence stated the following:
“The Global Sisterhood 501(c)(3) in Action!
What an amazing day of charity, volunteerism and teamwork Friday at Zion Education Center.
I’m beyond grateful for the incredible women of the Global Sisterhood, who didn’t just talk about impact, they showed up and delivered in every way.
🙏 Not only did they donate $5,000 and gift a beautiful collection of books for Gigi’s Heavenly Care, they also unloaded the delivery van and set up our entire Infant Development Room; piece by piece with love and care. The truth behind charity is how humanity values serving others and giving back of our time, talents, and treasures.
📦 Some people give resources.
💵 Some people donate money.
💪🏾Some people show up to finish strong.
But these women and our male volunteers? They did it ALL. 💯
A special shoutout to Dr. Shellie Hipsky for her outstanding leadership and to each of my global sisters who made this day a powerful success.
And lastly, what a gift we received from South Africa⁉️ A pre-k yoga session led by the phenomenal Haseena Patel. 🧘🏾♀️✨ Thank you!”
Excitement Coming
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony that will take place in the near future. Be sure to follow their website at:
ZionEducationCenter.org
