Apr 27, 2025 3 min read

By Emily King

This May, Blueprints formerly known as Community Action Southwest-celebrates 60 years of breaking down barriers and creating stronger futures for local individuals and families. The non-profit, which has headquarters in both Washington and Greene Counties, will mark this milestone with a month-long series of community events and open houses that celebrate its legacy and highlight the impact of its work across generations.

To help celebrate this anniversary, and Community Action Month, we will be running a series of articles showcasing the impact of Blueprints’ work in our area and the people whose dedication and expertise make the nonprofit a success.

Since its founding in 1965, Blueprints has remained steadfast in its mission-providing people with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to shape their own paths and strengthen their families and communities. Their programs provide comprehensive support for individuals and families at every stage of life, offering resources that include early childhood education; nutrition education and access; foster care and adoption; housing and employment supports, and comprehensive senior services.

Blueprints is part of a larger national network called Community Action, which includes over 1,000 Community Action Agencies that work in over 99% of America’s counties. For 60 years, Community Action has opened doors to opportunity-connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to overcome challenges, strengthen their futures, and spark lasting change in their communities.

Backed by a team of more than 300 dedicated staff, Blueprints works every day to expand access, create opportunity, and strengthen communities. Their work is guided by a 15-member board that represents the public, private, and community sectors.

To celebrate their 60-year anniversary and Community Action Month, Blueprints will be hosting open houses and offering tours of their headquarters and offices across various locations. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Blueprints’ dedicated staff and engage in hands-on activities that showcase the vital programs Blueprints offers. Locations hosting open houses and tours include:

• Washington Headquarters: 150 West Beau Street, Washington PA

• Greene Headquarters: 58 East Greene Street, Waynesburg PA

• Fairmont WV: 1000 Technology Drive, Suite 2150, Fairmont WV

• Select Early Learning Classrooms, call 724-225-9550 or email info@myblueprints.org for assistance locating a center near you

Trenna Passalacqua, CEO of Blueprints, reflects on the past sixty years of community action at Blueprints and their mission of improving lives and creating meaningful change in the community.

“This journey has been driven by the shared vision of making the world a better place, one step at a time. From empowering the underserved to championing social causes, we are proud of the positive impact we’ve made together,” she says.

Looking ahead, Blueprints remains committed to building on six decades of progress-partnering with communities to expand opportunity, strengthen support systems, and ensure that every person has the chance to move forward with confidence and dignity.

Blueprints invites the community to help support their work by finding out more about their services and partners, volunteering their time, and spreading the word to those in the community who may be in need of support. You can contact Blueprints at 724-225-9550 or info@myblueprints.org.

Blueprints’ milestone anniversary is a testament to community collaboration and perseverance.

“Here’s to celebrating 60 years of hope, compassion, and resilience-and to many more years of making a difference!” says Passalacqua.

Sponsored content brought to you by Blueprints.