Couple commissioned to lead Salvation Army’s new worship & service center in Avalon

Tony LaRussa
Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 4:08 p.m. | Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 4:08 p.m.

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Salvation Army Lieutenants Kelly and Tylar Melfi have been commissioned by the organization to lead the new North Boroughs Family Worship and Service Center in Avalon, which opened in July.

The Salvation Army has appointed a couple who have two young children to serve as officers and pastors for its new worship and service center in the North Hills.

Lieutenants Tylar and Kelly Melfi have been commissioned by the Salvation Army to lead the new North Boroughs Family Worship and Service Center at 327 S. Home Ave. in Avalon, which opened in July.

“As new leaders in this community, it’s our vision to collaborate with others and establish strong relationships to make sure we’re meeting the needs of every individual who reaches out and walks through our doors,” said Kelly Melfi, who attended the Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training in New York in 2018.

Prior to attending the college, she served as director of the organization’s service center in Carnegie followed by a stint at the Salvation Army’s Pathways of Hope western Pennsylvania division, which serves people working toward financial stability and independence. She also has experience in business as the owner of a clothing boutique.

Melfi said she is passionate about supporting people spiritually by helping them develop relationships with God through the center’s weekly 11 a.m. Sunday worship and other ministries.

Tylar Melfi plans to focus on building the center’s youth ministry by providing opportunities for young people to experience and learn about music, art and nature.

“We look forward to doing the most good in the North Boroughs and our entire service area,” he said.

In addition to new services and activities the Melfis are developing, the center offers a food pantry and a range of other social services such as help with rent and utilities.

Melfi said new programs “will be shaped by the community’s needs.”

The service center currently is holding a drive to collect non-perishable food for local families in need.

In the near future, the couple plans to offer free music lessons for young people, programs for senior citizens and services ranging from Project Bundle Up and Sheetz for the Kidz to holiday assistance, access to a network of social services, weekly worship and other activities.

The Melfis have two sons, Jasiah, 5, and Ysrael, 3.