Plans are advancing for a $150,000 single-story addition to the Mooncrest Community Center to the multipurpose room for an after-school program operated by the Felician Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

Moon supervisors approved the plan March 3.

The more than 500-square-foot addition will extend off the back of the center onto a covered deck, will feature skylights and will double the size of the room.

The outdoor deck will allow for activities in an outdoor setting, such as plays and musicals from Robert Morris University's literacy group.

The center provides programs for 38 children. The addition would expand the capacity and allow children who are on the waiting list to join. It would also create quiet areas for more focused activities like tutoring.

To finance the project, the Felician Sisters have applied to several foundations.

Sister Rene Procipio, director of the children's program, said she gets very emotional when she thinks about the children.

"All we need is $150,000," she said with tears in her eyes.

Sister Procipio said that the Felician Sisters would accept any help that the community has to offer, such as materials, donated time from contractors and money. The Sisters are also interested in incorporating green building practices into the project.

Donations can be sent to The Felician Sisters, 1500 Woodcrest Ave., Coraopolis, 15108.

The Mooncrest neighborhood was built in 1943 as World War II housing for war production employees at the Dravo Shipyards along the Ohio River. It also was the first housing development in Moon.

The neighborhood center was created in 2004 to support programs and activities, such as The Knowledge Connection and The Mooncrest After School program, which is run by the Felician Sisters.

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