Latrobe party supply shop set to expand with move to former church outreach center
Share this post:
Paper Heart Affairs, a Latrobe party supply shop, is preparing for expansion, with a move around the corner to a former church outreach center.
Emily Pasqualino is planning a moving sale at the store’s current location, 337 Main St., from Wednesday through Saturday, June 12, during the town’s Mister Rogers Family Days celebration.
The store will close temporarily, beginning June 13, to allow for relocation to 807 Ligonier St., previously occupied by the Hope Center.
At the new building, which she and her husband, Greg, have purchased, Pasqualino said she will have space enough to offer a location for clients’ parties and other gatherings, as well as providing supplies for the occasions.
As a result, the business will gain a new name: The Paper Heart Social Goods and Event Studios.
Clients will have access to catering from the family’s Penn Hills establishment, Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant.
Pasqualino also plans to add modern home decor and textile lines to her merchandise. And, she said, a portion of the building is slated for conversion as an Airbnb.
The new location brings to fruition a goal Pasqualino had for her business from the start. While parties and other gatherings were among activities many people avoided during the more restrictive phases of the covid-19 pandemic, Pasqualino said client support helped her survive that unprecedented business climate.
“Because of our loyal customers and support from throughout our wonderful community, we have been able to withstand the tough times,” she said. “It’s because of this that we have chosen to stay in Latrobe and continue to grow our business.”
After the Hope Center
Operations ceased about a year ago at the Hope Center, an outreach facility of Living Hope Church in the nearby Unity Township village of Whitney. Rather than being caused by the pandemic, counseling and support group services were suspended at the center because of insufficient interest, according to Pastor Doug Allen.
Allen said lack of elevator service to the upper level of the building and limited parking spaces immediately next to it may have deterred people from taking advantage of programs there. In addition, some similar services are offered by other organizations in the community, he noted.
Living Hope has continued to offer various mobile outreach services, including disaster relief support, through its Church on Wheels (COW) vehicle, which is decorated with a spotted bovine pattern.
Allen said the congregation is looking to form a new local chapter of the Celebrate Recovery program at the church to replace one that was based at the Hope Center. The program is meant to help participants overcome “hurts, habits and hangups.”
He said the church also is considering development of a community center in its own backyard, in Whitney.
While the Latrobe building will have a different use, Allen said, “I’m glad it will still be a blessing to the community.”