The Mon Valley Providers Council
Presents
The Communicator
JULY 2014
The Communicator is the official newsletter of the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), an alliance of over 65 human service
agencies serving more than 37 communities in the Mon Valley of Allegheny County. To learn more about the MVPC, our
member agencies, and their services, read this edition and visit our website at www.hscc-mvpc.org.
What's in This Edition
Page
Congrats and Thank You to Ruth Smith............1
Services at the Human Services Center............2
About MVPC.......................................................2
MVPC Leadership..............................................2
Communities Served by the MVPC...................2
CCAC Open House............................................3
Youth LIFE After-School Program......................3
RISE Project Seeks Students............................3
2014 MVPC Membership Listing........................3
Congrats and Thank You to Ruth Smith............4
Award Winning Program Has Openings............5
The 14th Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk....5
MVPC Working Group Attends Ropes Course..5
All People Deserve A Home...............................6
Make It Happen in the Mon Valley Workshops for
Entrepreneurs.....................................................6
MYCS' Customized Adult Day Services.............6
Center for Women's Workshops to Help Women
In Transition Find Solid Ground.........................7
Circles is Coming to McKeesport.......................7
5 Things to Know about HCI.............................7
Congrats and Thank You to Ruth Smith............8
Congrats and Thank You to Ruth Smith
Last month, a legend in
social services in the Mon
Valley retired from the
Human Services Center
Corporation (HSCC). For
so many people who know
Ruth Smith, there is at
least one thing in common
and that is that Ruth
made sure everyone on
the “team” was a valued
contributor to the work and
shared in the successes
for people.
According to Ruth, “I am
proud of all we collectively
have accomplished for
people in the Valley. I am
thankful to have been one
part of many incredible
team efforts to make a
difference and I know
that the work will continue
thanks to everyone’s
investment as a team.”
Ruth’s style, approach,
and accomplishments are
widely recognized by the
Ruth spent several “team” with whom she has
years at the McKeesport worked for so many years.
Family Support Center
prior to becoming the
The HSCC Executive
Director of the McKeesport Director, Dave Coplan,
Collaborative when it said, "It is never easy to
was under Mon Yough say goodbye to someone
Community Services.
when you have worked
with them day in and day
Since 2003, she has out for 20 years, especially
worked with the Mon Valley when the last 11 were
Providers Council and spent with the person as
McKeesport Collaborative a team member at your
at the HSCC. All of these agency. Ruth is a selfless
years, she was dedicated person whose humble
to improving the quality of and modest approach has
life through collaborative always emphasized that
partnerships with multiple we all work as a team."
agencies to get the best
results for people.
Ruth Smith, recent HSCC retiree, poses with
Tiffanee Heywood, Goodwill of Southwestern
Pennsylvania, Michele Baich-Matuch,
McKeesport Hospital Foundation, and Alicia
Chatkin, United Way of Allegheny County, at her
Retirement Celebration. For more photos and
for quotes celebrating Ruth, see pages 4 & 8.
The Communicator
is the official newsletter of the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC),
a program of the Human Services Center, a United Way Agency
519 Penn Avenue • Turtle Creek, PA 15145
Phone: 412-829-7112 • Fax: 412-829-4363 • Website: www.hscc-mvpc.org
A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Human Service Center Corp. can be obtained from the PA Department of
State by calling 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
2
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
July 2014 Issue
Services at the Human Services Center About MVPC
The Westinghouse Valley Human Services Center, located at 519 Penn
Avenue in Turtle Creek, provides a variety of services to residents in eastern
Allegheny County communities and the Westinghouse/Turtle Creek Valley.
• The Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension is open on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Call 412-8297112 for more information.
• Rental Assistance: The Urban League has monies available for
individuals who are at least two months behind in their rent and possess a
magistrate’s notice, or those who need first month’s rent and security deposit.
Call 412-829-7112 for more information.
• Budget Counseling: NeighborWorks of Western Pennsylvania offers
free budget and financial counseling once a week. Call 412-281-9773.
• Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Prescription Assistance, and
FAFSA: YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will assist individuals with signing up for
many services. Call 412-829-7112 to schedule an appointment
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA has a support group at the Center
every Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 10:30am. Call 412-824-1958.
• Free Notary Service: State Representative Paul Costa’s office can
notarize documents such as affidavits (no title work) on Monday through Friday
from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Call 412-824-3400 for more information.
• Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society: The Society meets on the
second Saturday of the month. Call 412-816-1686 for more information.
• The Youth Learning In a Fun Environment (Youth LIFE) After-School
Program is accepting applications. Youth LIFE serves 100 youth in first
through fifth grade. For more information, contact 412-829-7112.
• The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a workforce development
program for high school seniors living in the Woodland Hills, East Allegheny and
McKeesport School Districts. ELP is currently accepting applications. For more
information, contact 412-829-7112.
• The McKeesport Collaborative helps women seeking to achieve selfsufficiency through goals of employment and/or education by providing referrals
and guidance. For more information, call 412-829-7112.
Tenant agencies at the Center include:
Allegheny County Health Dept. – W.I.C. Program – 412-823-1333
Allegheny Intermediate Unit – Community School East – 412-464-4043
Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension – 412-829-7112
Community Outreach Services – 412-829-7112
Eastern Area Adult Services – 412-824-6880
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council – 412-969-8486
Human Services Center Corporation – 412-829-7112
Learn “N” Play Development Center – 412-829-0240
Mon Valley Providers Council – 412-829-7112
Pantry Network of Eastern Suburbs – 412-824-0006
PA State Representative Paul Costa – 412-824-3400
Turtle Creek Valley Mental Health/Mental Retardation
Adult Programs – 412-824-8510
Alternatives – 412-824-8510
Children, Adolescents and Families – 412-349-0632
Mobile Medication Team – 412-824-8510
Psychiatric and Social Rehabilitation – 412-461-4100
Communities
served by
MVPC
Our Mission:
The Mon Valley Providers
Council, in collaboration with individuals, families,
and groups in the Mon Valley communities, will
define and address mutual issues and needs.
Building upon the providers and communities,
the Mon Valley Providers Council will promote
agendas and develop resources for collective
action.
Who We Are:
The Mon Valley Providers
Council (MVPC), a program of the Human
Services Center, is an alliance of human service
and related organizations, which are based in or
have a substantial service presence in the Mon
Valley. The MVPC serves as a formal network
for information and resource exchange among
human service providers in the Mon Valley. The
MVPC involves its member organizations in
Working Groups, which address crucial issues in
the Mon Valley in the areas of Employment and
Training, Health, Housing, and Youth. These
four Working Groups involve the participation
of 65 dues paying members and over 250
staff members of those organizations. Through
these standing Working Groups, the Providers
Council promotes cooperation, coordination, and
collaboration among its member and participating
organizations in an effort to fill gaps in human
services in the Mon Valley communities.
Staff: The MVPC is staffed through the Human
Services Center. Current MVPC staff are:
David Coplan, Director
Mallory Clark, Program Associate
Administrative support is provided by receptionist
Lynn Andelmo.
MVPC Leadership
The Steering Committee:
Laura Zinski, Chairperson, Mon Valley Initiative
Noreen Fredrick, Vice Chairperson, Mon Yough
Community Services
Tiffanee Heywood, Goodwill
Holly Livingston, Gateway Rehab
Michele Baich Matuch, UPMC McKeesport/
McKeesport Hospital Foundation
Paula McWilliams, Heritage Community Initiatives
Tony Mitchell, Penn State Greater Allegheny
Charlene Newkirk, CCAC South
Nancy Osterhus, Ex-Officio Member
James Phillips, Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR
Darla Poole, Auberle
Kara Mostowy, The Early Learning Institute
Jim Spindler, UPMC McKeesport
Lynn Tatala, Project ELECT
Dick Wallace, Ex-Officio Member
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Braddock
Braddock Hills
Chalfant
Clairton
Dravosburg
Duquesne
East McKeesport
East Pittsburgh
Elizabeth Borough
Elizabeth Township
Forest Hills
Forward Township
Glassport
Homestead
Jefferson Hills
Liberty
Lincoln
McKeesport
Monroeville
Munhall
North Braddock
North Versailles
Pitcairn
Port Vue
Rankin
South Versailles
Swissvale
Turtle Creek
Versailles
Wall
West Elizabeth
West Homestead
West Mifflin
Whitaker
White Oak
Wilkins
Wilmerding
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
July 2014 Issue
Free After-School
Program - Spots
Are Limited
yce Open House e-invite
Saturday, July 12
9:00 AM–3:00 PM
CCAC Boyce Campus
595 Beatty Road
Become a CCAC student in one
day!
Get to know CCAC at our College Open House.
Tours. Refreshments. Meet CCAC’s staff.
• Learn how to earn an associate degree, certificate
or diploma in two years or less
• Receive career information
• Learn about scholarships, grants and loans
• Explore credit transfer options and save on tuition
Monroeville, PA 15146
Visit ccac.edu/boyce for more
information about Boyce Campus.
Bring your high school diploma,
GED or college transcripts and
complete your CCAC registration in
one day.
Join us Saturday, July 12 at CCAC Boyce Campus
The Youth LIFE (Learning In a Fun Environment)
After-School Program provides students residing
in the Woodland Hills School District and
surrounding districts with a safe and educational
place to spend their weekday afternoons and
evenings.
Through the implementation of age and skill
appropriate tutorial classes, a computer-based
curriculum to help improve math and reading
skills, self-improvement classes, field trips, and
recreational activities, Youth LIFE students are
afforded opportunities that they otherwise would
have been unable to experience. The Program is
carried out at the Human Services Center in Turtle
Creek. The Youth LIFE Program is provided for
FREE to all participants!
For more information or to obtain an application
after July 2014 please call 412-829-7112.
• Tour state-of-the-art facilities and learn about skilled trades training
RISE Project Seeks
Students
Goodwill
of
Southwestern
Pennsylvania
is
currently
seeking
students for its RISE
Project. The program
offers job training
and
employment
assistance.
It is
designed to help youth
with
employment
barriers that live in
local communities.
The
8-10
week
program is held at
Goodwill’s location in
the South Side at 2400
East Carson Street.
It covers trades and
safety skills mastery in
several competencies,
such as carpentry,
electrical, plumbing,
brick
masonry,
landscaping, facilities
maintenance, painting,
green building and
weatherization.
learning with vocational
and academic skills
training and includes
job
readiness,
employability
skills,
career development,
life skills and on-the-job
training. RISE Project
students receive job
placement assistance,
GED prep classes,
paid and unpaid work
experience,
case
management
and
counseling. They also
receive free lunches,
a paid stipend, bus
passes during the
training period, and
a set of tools upon
successful completion
of the program.
Students must be
ages 17-21 and must
currently be out of
school, but do not need
a high school diploma
or have earned their
GED credential. Call
The training program 412-632-1742 for more
combines work-based information.
• Receive financial
financialaid
aidinformation
information & complete an application
• Complete
demand”forplacement
testingtest
Learn how“on
to prepare
your placement
• Day, evening, weekend and online classes are available
RSVP to [email protected]
Click here for more Open House information.
2014 MVPC Membership Listing:
ACTION Housing
Allegheny Family Network
AHN - Forbes Family
Medicine
Allegheny Intermediate
Unit Community School
East
Allegheny Intermediate
Unit Head Start
Allegheny Intermediate
Unit Project ELECT
Auberle
Center for Victims
Century Heritage Federal
Credit Union
Children’s Hospital Family
Care Connection –
Braddock/Rankin/Turtle
Creek
Citizens to Abolish
Domestic Apartheid
Clairton Family Center
CCAC – Boyce Campus
CCAC – South Campus
Community Human
Services
Discovery House
Duquesne Family 6/10/2014
Center
1:57 PM
Duquesne Family Support
Center
East Allegheny Family
Center
Family Resources
Family Services of
Western PA
Forbes Hospital
Gateway Rehab
Girls Hope of Pittsburgh
Goodwill of SW
Pennsylvania
Greater Pittsburgh
Community Food Bank
Greater Pittsburgh
Literacy Council
Habitat for Humanity of
Greater Pittsburgh
3
Heritage Community
Initiatives
Highlands Family Center
Holy Family Institute
Human Services Center
Juvenile Court – Mon
Yough & Eastern District
Just Harvest
Latino Family Center
Life's Work of Western
Pennsylvania
Lincoln Park Family
Center
Macedonia FACE, Inc.
McKeesport Collaborative
McKeesport Family
Center
McKeesport First Steps
Parenting Program
McKeesport Hospital
Foundation
MUSA
Mon Valley Initiative
Mon Yough Area Chamber
of Commerce
Mon Yough Community
Services, Inc.
NeighborWorks of
Western PA
Pantry Network of Eastern
Suburbs
PA CareerLink Allegheny
East
Penn State – Greater
Allegheny
Pitcairn Circles Initiative
Rainbow Kitchen
Community Services
Rankin Christian Center
State Senator James
Brewster
State Senator Jay Costa
Steel Center AVTS Adult
Ed Programs
Steel Valley Family Center
Sto-Rox Family Center
The Center for Women
The Early Learning
Institute
Touching Families
Turtle Creek Valley MH/
MR
University of Pittsburgh –
School of Social Work
UPMC McKeesport
Urban League of Greater
Pittsburgh Hunger
Services
Veterans Leadership
Program
Wilkinsburg Family Center
YMCA of Greater
Pittsburgh Wilmerding
Branch
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
4
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
July 2014 Issue
Congratulations and Thank You, Ruth Smith!
The Community Speaks About
Ruth and Her Impact
“Ruth’s tireless commitment
to the Mon Valley Providers
Council and the McKeesport
Collaborative has been of great
value to the community and the
Human Service Center. Her lifelong pursuit of supporting the
community whether it be through
her teaching, multiple board
of directorships, community
outreach, or simple one-onone interactions have been a
tremendous value. She will be
missed and we wish her well.”
James A. Anderson, HSCC
Board Chair
“For years Ruth has been the
glue binding the Mon Valley
providers to their common issues
and the shepherdess guiding
Working Group efforts to make
the Providers Council a vital force
responding to the needs and
service gaps in the Mon Valley.”
Tracy M. Soska, CE Director
and COSA Chair, University
of Pittsburgh School of Social
Work, Founding member of the
Mon Valley Providers Council
“Ruth Smith is nothing short
of legendary in the Mon Valley.
She has made a life of being
the point person on so many
initiatives that have touched and
changed the direction of the lives
of so many people. People talk
about changing the world a few
lives at a time. Ruth has made a
career out of changing the world
in this way and we are all the
better for it.” John Patrick Lydon,
CEO-Auberle
“Ruth exemplifies what it means
to be a community servant. With
a humble spirit and eagerness
to create positive change, she
has been a tireless advocate
for the Mon Valley, its residents
and for the charitable sector.”
Lauren Brown, Auberle, Grants
and Annual Fund Coordinator
and Former MVPC Intern and
HSCC Staff
“Personally working with our
dear Ruth Smith has been both
educational and one where she
has helped us to individually
grow in the work we do for our
communities.
Our partnership
work has become a legacy for
others to follow.” Michele Matuch
Executive Director, McKeesport
Hospital Foundation, Facilitator,
Mon River Fleet, MVPC Steering
Committee
“Ruth is one of the most
genuine and compassionate
people I have ever met. She truly
believes in what she is doing and
does it well.” Ryan R. Thomas
MSW, LSW, Clinical Social
Worker, UPMC St. Margaret's
Hospital, Former MVPC Intern
“I met Ruth Smith in 1992 at
the McKeesport Family Center,
where she was the Director. I was
the Director of the McKeesport
Collaborative at the time. Ruth,
an educator by training, was an
amazing partner.” Bill England,
PA State Director, Enroll America
and Former MVPC Intern and
McKeesport
Collaborative
Director
“Lord love a duck” is one
of those sayings I will always
remember.
Ruth
is
the
consummate nurturer, teacher,
and organizer. Individuals,
families, communities and entire
regions are healthier, stronger
and better as a result of Ruth’s
love and caring. Thank you for
being a mentor to me and so
many others. Congrats and best
wishes, Ruthie!” Alicia Chatkin,
United Way of Allegheny County
and Former MVPC Intern and
HSCC Associate Director
“Ruth is a teacher and friend to
many and has made a positive
impact on all the communities
she has served because of
her passion to help others and
determination to see it through.
She has a genuine heart and
a contagious energy to make
a difference, and she has, and
for that we are forever grateful.”
Alison K. Piccolino, District
Manager, State Senator Jim
Brewster's Office
By the Numbers - Ruth's
Work in the Valley:
• 13 HIV/AIDS Walks for Awareness – 4,100 people
walking
• McKeesport Collaborative – 250 women assisted
• Project Heart – 120 youth educated
• Resource Fairs and Super Expos – over 2,500
consumers attending
• Vision Screenings – 6,200 examined
• Osteoporosis Screenings – over 11,000 examined
• How to Get a Job and Keep It – 650 attendees
• Launched a new HIV/AIDS mobile app
• Thousands of hot dogs served at World AIDS Day
and the HIV/AIDS Awareness walks
Awards Earned:
Some of the awards that have honored Ruth’s
contributions to improve the quality of life in the Mon
Valley are:
• CCAC South honors Ruth Smith with the CCAC
South Campus Community Partner Award, May
2014
• Penn State Greater Allegheny’s Commission
for Women honors Ruth Smith, Collaborative
Programs Director, with the Susan Lewis Award
for Women’s Leadership, March 2010
• McKeesport Healthier Communities Partnership
(State Health Improvement Partnership) honors
its SHIPmate of the Month awardee, Ruth Smith,
Program Associate, Mon Valley Providers Council,
March 2007
• YWCA Women of Achievement Award for Social
Service Staff Person, Ruth Smith, Program
Associate MVPC and prior Director, McKeesport
Collaborative, October 2004
• So many of the HSCC’s agency-wide awards are
a reflection of Ruth’s work and a tribute to the
team work that she has espoused!
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
5
July 2014 Issue
Award Winning Program Available for Fall
On May 29, 2014, the
United Way of Allegheny
County hosted the “Be
There” Awards. These
awards honored adults
in the greater Pittsburgh
region who have served
as
positive
forces
promoting attendance in
schools. Out of over 50
nominations, only eight
winners were chosen.
These winners were
selected based on their
ability to inspire kids to be
in school by motivating
and
encouraging
students,
celebrating
good
attendance,
and
making
school
attendance a priority.
The Human Services
Center
Corporation’s
(HSCC)
2013-2014
Emerging
Leaders
Program (ELP) team
members were rewarded
for their hard work!
Sarah Burger, Denise
Daugherty, and Paul
Jenkner were praised
for their work with high
school seniors.
Their
nominator
commented,
“High
school students are
the most challenging
population of students to
motivate to not only stay
in school but to attend
regularly. There are
numerous barriers that
our students have faced
this year that could have
kept them from attending
school; teen pregnancy,
teen parenting, mental
and physical challenges,
homelessness,
lack
of social skills, parent
illness, and loss of a
parent – just to name
a few. All three of the
staff worked daily with
our participants to keep
them engaged in their
academic careers. They
continuously met with
students during the
school day, before and
after school hours, and
on weekends to ensure
that each teen was
receiving the help they
needed to succeed. ”
In addition to the
HSCC’s award recipients
a “Be There” Award was
also given to Kellie Irwin,
a Home School Visitor
with the Woodland Hills
School District. Woodland
Hills is a close partner
of the Human Services
Center and another
awardee representing
the Mon Valley.
skills, explore a variety
of careers, attend field
trips, prepare for college/
military/workforce, and
more.
Students also
attend job shadows
and tour various local
universities,
training
centers, and worksites.
ELP holds weekly
sessions during the
school day at East
Allegheny, McKeesport
Area, and Woodland Hills
High Schools to allow
students to participate
without taking them away
from any extra-curricular
activities.
The Emerging Leaders
Program, in addition to
their work in the Woodland
Hills School District,
has been implemented
at East Allegheny and
McKeesport
High
Schools. At all three
schools, the ELP staff
Participants will earn
work to empower youth a modest stipend based
to achieve their goals.
on participation and goal
completion throughout
The Emerging Leaders the school year and postProgram is now accepting graduation.
applications for incoming
high school seniors at
For more information or
all three schools - East to apply please call 412As a result of the HSCC Allegheny, McKeesport 829-7712 or email Paul
staff’s hard work over Area, and Woodland Hills Jenkner at pjenkner@
94% graduated from high High Schools.
hscc-mvpc.org.
school and approximately
87% of youth will be
Participants
are
entering post secondary afforded the opportunity
education, the military, to prepare for their
and/or the workforce!
future, develop their work
The 14th Annual HIV/
AIDS Walk will start and
end at Bethlehem Baptist
Church, 716 Walnut
Street, McKeesport, PA,
15132, on Saturday,
October
4,
2014.
Registration will begin
at 8:30 a.m. where a
continental breakfast will
be served. The Walk will
start promptly at 9:15
a.m. and end with the
awarding of the traveling
trophy. The trophy is
given to the team with
the most walkers.
Ruth Smith discusses
the value of the Walk,
“The HIV/AIDS Walk is
an important event in the
Mon Valley area as the
Walk raises awareness
of HIV/AIDS impact on
individuals, families and
communities, and also
addresses the stigma
associated with the
disease.” As many of
you know, Ruth Smith
retired in June as the
Program
Director
of
the
McKeesport
Collaborative, and her
wish for this year’s
Walk is to see over 500
walkers participating and
showing their support.
Any number of walkers
your organization can
bring will be appreciated
and celebrated! As an
additional benefit, Ruth
will be at the Walk! As
a community event, the
Walk delivers important
information
on
the
prevention, care, and
treatment of HIV/AIDS.
If you would like to
become a sponsor of
the 14th Annual HIV/
AIDS Walk and help us
reach our fundraising
goal, different levels of
MVPC Working Group
Attends Ropes Course
On June 4th, the
Mon Valley Providers
Council’s
Working
Group on Employment
and Training attended
Auberle’s
Therapeutic
Challenge Course. This
course offers both low
and high rope elements,
as well as group building
activities. The Challenge
Course Leads customize
the program to meet
the goals of each group
that participates.
The
course is “Challenge by
Choice,” allowing people
to participate within their
sponsorship packages personal limits.
are available. For more
information,
please The Working Group on
e-mail Erica Szewczyk, Employment and Training
eszewczyk@hscc-mvpc. was given a number of
org or call 412-829-7112. group building activities
The deadline for receipt that taught the Group
of your payment for you ways to work together,
name/organization
to trust each other, and
be listed on program accomplish goals. Ruth
materials and T-shirts
is Friday, August 15,
2014!
Walkers
can
also join individually
with no registration
fee. The McKeesport
Collaborative HIV/AIDS
Working Group looks
forward
to
another
exciting and eventful
Walk!
The 14th Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk
The
McKeesport
Collaborative HIV/AIDS
Working Group and their
partners are preparing for
the 14th Annual HIV/AIDS
Walk. An annual tradition
held in McKeesport, the
Walk gathers hundreds
of individuals each year
who are committed to
raising awareness on
HIV/AIDS. The annual
Walk is the only of its
kind in Allegheny County!
Sarah Burger, HSCC; Kellie Irwin, WHSD; and Paul
Jenkner, HSCC received awards from the United
Way for their work as positive forces promoting
attendance in schools
Smith, recently retired
Collaborative Programs
Director reflected on her
experience, “The course
was encouraging and
gave us an opportunity
to
strengthen
our
relationships.
We are
going to be a much
stronger Group in the
future.”
Auberle offers this
Challenge Course to
schools, nonprofits, youth
groups, and businesses as
a way for group members
to gain an understanding
of each other, improve
communication,
and
increase independence.
If you are interested in
learning more about
Auberle’s
Therapeutic
Challenge Course, please
visit
www.auberle.org/
challenge-course.
Group members work together on the low rope
challenge.
6
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
July 2014 Issue
All People Deserve a Place to Live
Habitat for Humanity
of Greater Pittsburgh
(HFHGP) has been
working
to
erase
poverty
housing
in
Allegheny
County
since 1986. Through
their Homeownership
program,
Habitat
has helped nearly 80
families purchase safe,
affordable homes. In
2012, HFHGP introduced
the
Neighborhood
Revitalization program,
which
aids
local
homeowners with exterior
repairs. This year, Habitat
aims to welcome 3
families into new homes,
and complete 20 repair
projects.
1-bathroom
home
located in McKeesport,
PA. The family will
purchase this home from
Habitat with a 0% interest
mortgage,
and
an
estimated $550 monthly
mortgage
payment.
Families must meet 3
requirements to apply
to the Homeownership
program. First, their
annual income must
fall between 30-50% of
the median income for
Allegheny County. This
means they earn enough
to repay a 25-30 year
Habitat mortgage, but not
enough to qualify through
a bank. Secondly, the
family must complete 350
hours of “sweat equity”
The
organization as a down payment.
is seeking a partner Time spent working on
family for a 3-bedroom, the construction site; at
Make it Happen in the
Mon Valley Workshops for
Entrepreneurs
Do you want to start your own business but do
not know if it is right for you?
Do you have an idea for a business but do not
know where to start?
“Make It Happen in the Mon Valley” is designed
to help you determine if starting a business is
right for you and how to begin searching for
the “right” business for you. Make it Happen in
the Mon Valley is sponsored by the University
of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social
and Urban Research (UCSUR), Institute for
Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), and Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) and is
scheduled for three different locations and times:
Habitat’s ReStore retail
outlet in Edgewood
Towne Center; and
attending Homeowner
Education classes all
count toward the 350
hour total. Finally, the
partner family must have
a need for affordable
housing – defined as
currently living in housing
that is unsafe, unhealthy,
overpriced, overcrowded,
or inadequate for some
other reason.
the cost of utility bills and
improve the air quality
and safety of the home.
Repairs are completed
by a contractor and
financed through a 1%
interest loan with PHFA.
Eligible repairs include;
roof repair/replacement,
energy-efficient windows
and door installation,
energy-efficient heating/
cooling systems, air
sealing, insulation and
ductwork.
Home available in McKeesport
For those in need
of repairs, HFHGP is
pleased to announce
a partnership with the
Pennsylvania Housing
Finance Agency (PHFA).
Qualified homeowners
are eligible for up to a
$10,000 loan to complete
projects that help lower
More information about
Habitat for Humanity’s
housing programs and
application process can
be found by visiting
www.pittsburghhabitat.
org, emailing info@
pittsburghhabitat.org, or
by calling 412-351-0512.
MYCS' Customized
Adult Day Services
Mon Yough Community
Services is excited to
announce the expansion
and renovation of our
Customized Adult Day
Services (CADS) program!
As we look forward to the
expansion of CADS and
their 5th Avenue location,
we will now be able to
serve more community
members with the training
and rehabilitation they
need.
While
helping
our
consumers work towards
1. September 3, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 PM at self-fulfillment
and
the Carnegie Library of Homestead (510 E. independence, the goal
10th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15120)
of our CADS program
2. September 10, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 PM is to provide the best
at Donora Career Link (570 Galiffa Dr, opportunities for growth
Donora, PA 15033)
and development of job
3. September 24, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 PM and social skills. CADS
at McKeesport YMCA (604 Evans Ave, focuses on integrating
McKeesport, PA 15132)
individuals with intellectual
disabilities
into
the
Light refreshments will be offered. There is community by offering:
no cost to attend; however, pre-registration is
required. To register for any of these workshops,
1. Paid
work
in
please call 412-648-1544 or email [email protected]. our Superior Shredding
edu.
business, Landscaping,
and MYCS mail delivery,
2. V o l u n t e e r
opportunities
at
the
food bank and Meals on
Wheels, and
3. Community and
social events at local
museums and parks.
Continuing our mission
of fostering hope, renewal,
healing and wellness
for those who face the
challenges of mental
health, substance use and
intellectual disabilities,
Mon Yough Community
Services strives to bring
out the best in each
individual we serve. For
more information about
our
CADS
program,
please call us today at
412-672-3400 or visit us
online at www.mycs.org.
Veterans Leadership
Program and Shepherd's
Heart Fellowship Event
for Veterans
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
7
July 2014 Issue
Circles is Coming to McKeesport!
The Center For Women:
Circles® is an innovative operating in Pitcairn for time and talents.
that started nearly four years, and now will be
Workshops to Help Women in model
15 years ago as a way to expanding to McKeesport
The family working to
increase the capacity of this spring!
get out of poverty is the
Transition Find Solid Ground communities to address
Circle Leader®, setting
The Center for Women,
a project of National
Council of Jewish Women
and Jewish Women’s
Foundation of Greater
Pittsburgh, helps women
in life transitions reach
and maintain economic
independence. Women
in transition are women
who
have
become
heads-of-household,
are recently divorced,
separated,
widowed,
are experiencing a longterm unemployment, or
who are returning to the
workforce.
The Center for Women
offers workshops on
financial literacy and
workforce re-entry, a
mentoring
program,
an internship program
for women wishing to
return to work and gain
marketable skills, and
a legal consultation
program.
Upcoming Center for
Women
Workshops
include:
Do What You Are:
Discover Your Ideal
Career by Understanding
Your Personality Type
Thursday, July 10 from
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mona Strassburger,
MA, CFW Volunteer
Take
the
MyersBriggs Type Indicator to
learn more about your
personality and how to
determine a career path
based on your personality
The poverty rate in direction for activities as
explore two different cover poverty.
the
United States has they build their financial,
letter techniques and
Circles®
is
an
action
not
dropped
significantly emotional, and social
Housing…should I rent effective interviewing and
plan
that
brings
together
since
1965,
and
if society resources. The Circles®
or should I buy?
networking strategies.
the
best
efforts
and
continues
to
expect Campaign
aims
to
Monday, July 21 from
resources
of
individuals,
government
and
social
empower
people
from
10:30 am – noon
Getting the Care You
Janet Bouma, CDFA, Need: Using Health o r g a n i z a t i o n s , services to take care of every economic class
and poverty without the help to solve poverty in their
J. Bouma & Associates, Insurance to Stay Healthy communities,
government
in
a
program
of individuals, nothing communities.
LLC
Monday, August 18
proven
to
raise
people
is likely to change.
Forget about guess from 10:30 am - noon
out
of
poverty.
It
is
based
That's why Circles®
The
success
of
work and learn how to
Rachael
Singer,
on
research
that
suggests
has
captured
the
Circles®
relies
largely
make your choice a sound Outreach and Enrollment
financial decision. Are Coordinator at Squirrel that families with low imaginations of people on the commitment of
income benefit from of conscience across the the community, and the
you ready to purchase Hill Health Center
a home? Should you
This workshop reviews building relationships with United States, including efforts of volunteers who
keep the house or rent what health insurance is positive networks within educators, social workers, are willing to participate
community organizers, in
this
anti-poverty
after a divorce? When is and how it works; how to their communities.
faith
leaders,
business
initiative.
The
Circles®
renting the best option? find a doctor and prepare
The
mission
is
to
inspire
leaders,
and
politicians.
Initiative
will
be
looking
All of these topics will be for appointments and
and
equip
families
and
for
both
volunteers
and
covered.
make the most out of your
communities
to
resolve
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
i
n
low-income
families
who
visit. Rachael will also
and
thrive. communities around the are interested in working
Financial Roundtable
be on hand to answer poverty
Circles®
believes
that country, each Circle® together to end poverty.
Tuesday, July 22 from questions about applying
responsibility
for
both
initiative consists of a
6:30 - 8 pm
for health insurance and
poverty
and
prosperity
family working to get out
Anyone
who
is
Monday, August 25 qualifying for subsidies
rests
not
only
in
the
hands
of
poverty
and
several
interested
in
learning
from 10 – 11 am
through
the
Health
of individuals, but also middle and upper income more about how to get
Fern Schwartz, Senior Insurance Marketplace.
with societies, institutions, ‘Allies’ who befriend them involved is encouraged
Vice President of The
and lend emotional and to call 412-372-8680 or
Schwartz Group at Merrill
All workshops are and communities.
social support; Allies are email dalilvr333@gmail.
Lynch Financial Advisory held at 1620 Murray
Circles®
has
been
asked only to donate their com
Learn
about
such Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
topics as planning for the 15217 in the Squirrel Hill
future, starting over after neighborhood.
5 Things You May Not Know About
a divorce or death of a
spouse.
Contact us today at
Heritage Community Initiatives
412-421-4400 or info@
1. Heritage Community Initiatives – staffed by a team of 45 professionals,
Igniting
Your
Job cfwpgh.org to learn more
67%
of whom are teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher – is entering our
Search
about how The Center
fourth
decade of service.
Tuesday, August 5 from for Women can help you
2.
Heritage is now the only human services nonprofit in the Commonwealth
10 am – noon
reach your goals, to sign
of
Pennsylvania
to offer public transportation – adding $132 million in economic
Joe D’Anna, Career up for a workshop, if you
activity
to
the
region.
Consultant at Career would like to volunteer or
3. Over 4,000 children have been educated at the 4 Kids Early Learning
Development Center
host an internship. You
Center
and HOST (Heritage Out of School Time) – our DPW licensed, NAEYC
Join us for an overview can also visit the website
and
PAEYC
accredited, Keystone STAR 4 certified education programs.
of what employers are to learn more at www.
4.
Heritage’s
annual average cost to educate a child at 4 Kids is $10,114 …
looking for when screening centerforwomenpgh.org.
the
organization’s
average cost per ride on Heritage Community Transportation
resumes and how to best
is
$5.80.
target information to each
5. 97% of the families and individuals served by Heritage programs hold
employer. We will also
at least one job and/or are pursuing an education … their average household
Lindsey Miller, Mentor income is $30,000.
& Internship Manager,
Heritage Community Initiatives is dedicated to serving individuals and families
leads a workshop for
The Center for Women facing socio-economic challenges in twenty communities within Allegheny
County. Our programs – driven by need, impact and pragmatism – fall into three
volunteer mentors.
primary areas: Education, Transportation and Life Enhancing Initiatives. As we
enter our fourth decade, Heritage continues to consider our service a privilege.
We are committed to strong stewardship and operating as a fiscally responsible
business entity. We ask that you join our efforts. Contact us today at 412-3510535, and visit our website at: www.heritageserves.org.
type.
8
The Daily News, July 2014
THE COMMUNICATOR
•
July 2014 Issue
Congratulations and Thank You, Ruth Smith!
The Community Speaks About Ruth and Her Impact
“Ruth Smith has done vital work
in helping so many people in the
Mon Valley and she has been a
great example of the true meaning
of service—putting the needs of
others first. And she does this while
maintaining a wonderful sense of
humor and having fun, despite the
many challenges of the work. It
has been a great privilege to serve
with her!” Laura Zinski, CEO, Mon
Valley Initiative, MVPC Steering
Committee Chair
“In writing about Michelangelo in
“The Agony and Ecstasy,” Irving
Stone states: ‘Talent is cheap;
dedication is expensive. It will
cost you your life.’ Ruth Smith has
embodied the trait of dedication
her entire life – she has been
consumed by her passion for
helping others wholeheartedly.
That’s Ruth Smith’s legacy in our
community!” Jim Spindler, Director,
Outreach and Special Projects,
UPMC McKeesport Hospital,
MVPC Working Group on Health
Co-Chair and Steering Committee
Member
“Congratulations Ruth on your
retirement! It is much deserved,
as your leadership and "selfless"
service has greatly contributed to
the present and future residents
of the Mon Valley and Pittsburgh
region.” Dr. Anthony B. Mitchell,
Sr. Penn State University, Greater
Allegheny,
MVPC
Steering
Committee Member
“Ruth has taught me so much
and I am very appreciative. We
share similar philosophies in that
we meet people where they are and
help them get to where they want
to be.” Denise Daugherty, MSW,
Family Development Specialist,
McKeesport Collaborative, HSCC
“Ruth Smith is one of the
most caring, compassionate and
competent people in the Mon Valley
community that I have ever had the
pleasure of working with. When she
was the leader of the McKeesport
Family Support Center in the 90’s,
Auberle referred families in crisis to
her with the utmost confidence that
they would receive intuitive, kind,
respectful guidance and support to
obtain their goals and make their
families stronger. I have many fond
memories of parents and children
hugging Ruth at every opportunity
in every venue where they
encountered her.” Darla L. Poole,
MSW, LSW, Director of Community
Services, Auberle, MVPC Steering
Committee Member and HSCC
Board Director
“It’s a beautiful thing when a
career and a passion come
together- and Ruth Smith has
done it.” Ashley Mancine, Regional
Housing Coordinator from SelfDetermination Housing Project
“I have had the privilege of
working with Ruth Smith since
2001. She is a role model for
passion for her work and service
to others while never taking herself
too seriously.” Noreen Fredrick
DNP, RN, Executive Director,
Mon Yough Community Services,
MVPC Steering Committee Vice
Chair
“It has been an honor to work with
Ruth. God gave her many special
qualities: a warm & caring heart,
the ability to make others laugh,
determination and everything nice.
Her dedication to the families
and programs in the Mon Valley
will long be remembered.” Janet
Carroll, Prevention Specialists,
TCV MH/MR, Inc.
“My attitude improves whenever
we cross paths.”
Ronald
H.
McKeever,
Mon-Yough
Community–Based
Probation
Officer
“When I think of Ruth two
words come to mind: caring and
competent.
Some people are
caring, but not competent. Others
are competent, but not caring. Ruth
always delivered both in all that
she did while working on behalf
of people in the valley. She will
be missed.” Vincent Cerasuolo,
President/CEO, Century Heritage
FCU, Former MVPC Steering
Committee Chair
"I first met Ruth when I came
to the McKeesport Family Center
when I was an intern at the
Collaborative, and she made a
lasting impression on me when
she talked about how much they
tried to make staff and families
indistinguishable at the Center, and
pointed out the "families' chairs, the
families' toys, their fax machine,
and their computers." Ruth has
always radiated the necessity of
respecting not just the capacity
but also the dignity of every family,
individual, or colleague we come
across in doing this work.” Lynn
Tatala, MPA, MSW, Coordinator,
Project ELECT, HSCC Board
Director,
MVPC
Steering
Committee Member, and Co-Chair
of the Working Group on Youth
“There are really no words to
express the great work Ruth has
done over the years, working
helping all people from different
walks of life. Ruth has been very
compassionate to people living
with HIV/AIDS and has helped
spread awareness of HIV/AIDS
and related issues so that everyone
could be educated.” Pamela Smith,
Outreach Liaison/ Certified HIV
Prevention Counselor, Pittsburgh
AIDS Task Force
“In the Employment & Training
Working Group, we discuss the
importance of ‘Trainable’ and
‘Untrainable’ skills. Ruth E. Smith
is certainly untrainable, but only
in the most unique and splendid
ways. Everything she does comes
from her heart, passionately
embracing both the causes and the
people she encounters.” Jennifer
Holbert, Co-Chair, Working Group
on Employment and Training,
Employment Specialist, CCAC
South Campus
“Ruth’s
strengths-based
approach to working with people
embodies team-work.
Her
leadership and positive attitude will
be missed, but her legacy and all
that she helped to start, nurture,
and grow, will carry on. For this,
and all she has accomplished for
people in the Mon Valley, we are
thankful.” Dave Coplan, Executive
Director HSCC