Gigi’s Heavenly Care is more than a place where working parents can access high-quality infant care. It is also the home of what we believe can become a nationally recognized model for childcare and workforce development.
An abandoned family property was renovated and restored through a collaboration involving nonprofit organizations from four counties, including Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps (Clarion County) and Erie County’s Northwest Institute of Research (NWIR) because the property is designed to pilot the NWIR “Miracle Home” model: a live-and-learn environment that can provide participating program staff with free housing.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees witnessed a surprise $13,000 check presentation from an international organization based in Allegheny County. The presenter of the check came with a 
production crew to document Zion Education Center’s newest location, Gigi’s Heavenly Care, and the remarkable history of the family home.
The ceremony also included remarks and participation from Mercer County representatives of Senator Michelle Brooks’ office, representatives of the Farrell Area School District, representatives of the Sharon Area School District, and Councilman Carminal Craig of the City of Farrell.
The Miracle Home housing component has significant economic implications. By eliminating or reducing expenses such as rent, utilities, commuting costs, and long-term lease obligations, participating employees can retain more of their earnings and potentially build greater economic stability. The project attracted local philanthropic support.
The history of 726 Fruit Ave. was shared by Carla Sinkovich, granddaughter of the Castiglione family, who raised 12 children While her grandfather worked at Sharon Steel during the rust belt era.
Another major highlight was the participation of Elena Como, CEO of the Northwest Institute of Research, whose organization has already provided equipment, supplies and $25,000 toward Gigi’s Heavenly Care as a pilot for the Miracle Home model. The vision is for this model to become a national example of how childcare, workforce development, housing, and economic development can intersect in a live-and-learn environment.
NWIR, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a major nonprofit organization whose work includes early childhood education and family services. According to its latest nonprofit financial filings, the organization reports approximately $46.5 million in annual expenses and $47.4 million in annual revenue, with approximately 98% of its expenditures directed toward early childhood education and family program services.
Gigi‘s Heavenly Care will also publish a formal evaluation component in 2027 by Dr. Karen Larwin, a methodologist and evaluator with more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Larwin earned her Ph.D. in Evaluation and Measurement with an Applied 
Statistics focus from Kent State University in 2007 and currently serves as a tenured Professor of Educational Administration at Youngstown State University. Her research has appeared in more than 50 peer-reviewed scholarly journals and she was also in attendance on Friday.
The reach of Gigi’s Heavenly Care is already extending well beyond Mercer County. Supporters traveled to the ribbon-cutting from Arizona, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and other locations to celebrate the Grand opening.
There was also an international moment during the ceremony.
An award was presented to Dr. Shellie Hipsky, CEO of the Global Sisterhood and Inspiring Lives Magazine, recognizing her recent honor as Global Women’s Leadership Icon of the Year. The recognition arrived from Pakistan and included a sash, crown, Medal of Honor, and plaque.
The $13,000 presentation was particularly meaningful because it followed a $5,000 sponsorship and matching funds provided in 2025, demonstrating continued investment in the mission.
Photos from event: https://www.dominiquemurrayphotography.gallery/gigisheavenlyinfantcareribboncutting/
