STEUBENVILLE, OH—Parkhurst Dining and Franciscan University of Steubenville awarded the inaugural Parkhurst-Franciscan University Love Where You Live Grant to Dirty Vagabond Ministries.

At a recent luncheon, Jeff Broadhurst, CEO of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, presented Bob Lesnefsky of Dirty Vagabond Ministries with a $5,000 check to help continue their service to the youth of Steubenville. Parkhurst Dining, Franciscan University’s official food provider, is a division of the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group.

Operating out of what was formerly a corner bar in downtown Steubenville, Dirty Vagabond Ministries reaches out to more than 100 inner-city teens a week, providing a safe place to do homework, hang out, and meet new friends. They also provide spiritual direction, holding Bible studies and prayer nights that have led more than 50 teens to the Catholic Church and many others into becoming more active within their own churches.

By ministering to the youth, “Dirty Vagabond is positively impacting the Steubenville community,” Broadhurst said, noting that many Parkhurst employees work and live in Steubenville.

Matthew Schaefer, assistant director of Student Life Services and Communications, collaborated with Rhett Young, director of Missionary Outreach, to select an organization that is making a tangible impact within the local community.

“Dirty Vagabond Ministries is in the front line, day in and day out, in the streets with the youth,” said Schaefer.

Each year, a different non-profit that serves the local community will be selected by Parkhurst-Franciscan University to receive the “Love Where You Live Grant.”