Honoring a Mother’s Legacy. Empowering a Community’s Future.
The Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center is a community hub in Duquesne dedicated to supporting children, youth, families, and seniors across the Mon Valley. Led by Pastor Eric L. Ewell and Divine Restoration Outreach Ministries (DROM), the center provides safe space, supportive programming, and practical resources that help our neighbors grow, heal, and thrive.
The Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center is a community hub in Duquesne dedicated to supporting children, youth, families, and seniors across the Mon Valley. Led by Pastor Eric L. Ewell and Divine Restoration Outreach Ministries (DROM), the center provides safe space, supportive programming, and practical resources that help our neighbors grow, heal, and thrive.
About the Center
The Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center is being developed as a vibrant, multi-use space where the community can gather, learn, play, and access critical support. From youth programs and workforce development to senior activities and community events, the center is designed to be a “home base” for hope and opportunity in Duquesne and the surrounding Mon Valley communities.
Honoring the Legacy of Phyliss R. Ewell
The Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center is named in honor of Pastor Eric L. Ewell’s mother, Phyliss R. Ewell, whose journey is deeply woven into the fabric of Duquesne. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of community.
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Years ago, Pastor Ewell and his mother arrived in Duquesne fleeing an abusive situation, homeless, and unsure of what their future would hold. With no stable place to go, they slept on his cousin’s couch while his sister remained with their aunt to finish the school year. It was a season of uncertainty, but also a season where God began sowing the seeds of restoration.
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When Phyliss’s niece eventually moved out, Phyliss was finally able to sign a lease—her first true moment of stability. And it happened right here in Duquesne.
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The community embraced her. They embraced her children. And Duquesne became a refuge—a safe place where their family could heal, rebuild, and rise.
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What began as survival soon became the springboard for the family’s future success. Duquesne provided them not just housing, but hope. Not just support, but belonging. Not just a new address, but a new beginning.
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Naming the center after his mother is Pastor Ewell’s way of honoring her strength and acknowledging the city that helped save their lives. It is a statement that the same refuge Phyliss found here should be available to every child, every parent, and every family who walks through these doors.
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“My mother’s resilience, her faith, and the love of this community carried us through one of the hardest moments of our lives. This center is a reflection of that same love and a promise that Duquesne will continue to be a place of restoration for generations to come.” — Pastor Eric L. Ewell
“My mother taught me that ministry is not just what you say behind a pulpit, it’s how you show up for people in everyday life. This center is an extension of her heart.” – PastorEric L. Ewell
Pastor Ewell’s Vision
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Pastor Eric L. Ewell envisioned the Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center as more than a building. It is a living tribute to his mother’s belief that every child and every family deserves a safe place to grow, be encouraged, and discover their God-given
potential.
By naming the center after his mother, Pastor Ewell is tying her legacy of love and sacrifice to a future of restoration and opportunity. The center reflects the heart of Divine Restoration Outreach Ministries (DROM)—meeting spiritual, emotional, and practical needs through consistent presence and intentional outreach.
The vision is simple yet powerful:
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Restore hope in individuals and families.
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Rebuild community through relationships and shared space.
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Release potential by creating pathways for education, employment, entrepreneurship,recreation, and spiritual growth.
Programs & Services
Youth & Teen
Programs
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After-school activities
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Summer camps and enrichment
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Entrepreneurship and life-skills training
Family Support
& Resources
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Connection to food assistance and basic needs
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Workshops on parenting, finances, and wellness
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Partner-led support services and referrals
Recreation &
Community Life
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Open gym and safe spaces for youth
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Senior activities and social gatherings
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Community events, celebrations, and meetings
Partner &
Shared Space
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Space for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations
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Collaborative initiatives that bring services directly into the neighborhood
Impact & Future Vision
The Phyliss R. Ewell Resource/Recreation Center is a long-term investment in the people of Duquesne and the Mon Valley. As we continue renovations and expand programming, our vision is to see more young people supported, more families connected to practical resources and spiritual support, and more community partners working together under one roof to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Join the Vision
There are several ways you can help bring this vision to life:
Pray & Advocate
Stand with us in prayer and help us share the story of the center.
Give
Your financial support helps complete renovations and sustain life-changing programs.
Volunteer & Partner
We welcome volunteers, churches, schools, businesses, and organizations that want to serve alongside us.
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Contact & Visit
Address: 938 Chestnut Street, Duquesne, PA 15110
Email: info@drom15110.org