HEARTH Volunteer Chris Steffy wins 1st Place in Dawn Patrol Club of the Pittsburgh Toastmasters Speech Competition
Braving the snow and icy roads, the Dawn Patrol Club of the Pittsburgh Toastmasters met on Friday, January 20, 2012 for their annual speaking competition. Members chose a charity and gave compelling speeches on that charity’s behalf. Each speech was rated by the audience and the speaker with the most points for their charity won.
For the past few years, Chris Steffy, volunteer and supporter of HEARTH has made his plea for the agency. Each year he spoke about HEARTH, he came in second. This year, determined to come in first place, Chris called the agency and asked if a Program Participant could speak with him. A “ringer” so to speak, who could explain their story and experiences at HEARTH. The agency asked a former Program Participant’s daughter who gladly accepted the challenge.
Ring it in they did! Armed with facts about HEARTH and the “tug on your heart strings” story of a child who has gone through the agency’s transitional housing program with their mother, they came in first place. Congratulations Chris!
Sisters from Alpha Gamma Delta from Duquesne University take Kids of Bendictine Place and P.R.I.D.E. to Build-A-Bear
This past Saturday, sisters from Alpha Gamma Delta sorority from Duquesne University treated the kids of Benedictine Place and P.R.I.D.E. to a trip to Build-A-Bear. From Spiderman Bears to Ballerina Bears the kids all had a fantastic time with the sisters who also treated them to lunch at Chic- Fil-A. HEARTH would like to thank the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority for their continued support of HEARTH.
WYEP's Alternative Souper Bowl for HEARTH
February 5, Noon - 3pm
WYEP’s Alternative Souper Bowl for HEARTH will be held on February 5 from Noon - 3 pm at the Carnegie Library’s main branch in Oakland.
Admittance is free and open to the public, guests are asked to donate non-perishable items for HEARTH. Portions of the live entertainment will be broadcast on 91.3 fm WYEP. Visit www.wyep.org for more information.
Through the Eyes of a Child
Read the story of Rianna, a former resident of HEARTH, in her own words. HEARTH helps families in times of need. Read about the impact HEARTH has on the future of our children.
Rianna’s story is just one of 361 children, whose lives have been positively impacted by HEARTH. Their stories are just as important as their mothers’ are. They are the next generation with endless possibilities after seeing their mothers overcome so much adversity. With the help of HEARTH, new doors are opening to a brighter future.
Mrs. Claus visits HEARTH
Mrs. Claus took time out of her busy schedule on Wednesday, December 14th while the McCandless Rotary once again sponsored a Santa Shoppe for the kid’s at HEARTH. The kids shopped for parents, grandparents and siblings. But the best part of the evening was receiving a candy treat from Mrs. Claus! Thank you McCandless Rotary for your continued support! (click photo to enlarge)
HEARTH Transitional Housing for Women
HEARTH moved once again!
On Wednesday, December 7th, 2011, four apartments that had been packed up and sent to storage in June, were loaded onto two moving trucks and unpacked in newly rented apartments in Scott Township. In one day, we expanded the number of families we serve from 8 to 12. We are on track to our goal of reaching full capacity of 15 families in the near future.
In the Kitchen donates to HEARTH
In The Kitchen, located on Penn Avenue in the Strip district of Pittsburgh decided to do a cookbook collection and then sell those cookbooks with the proceeds going to HEARTH. For a period of time this summer, they collected $1,700 for the agency. HEARTH would like to thank KC Lapiana and everyone at In The Kitchen for their support.
We are seeking more volunteers!
We are in need of volunteers in the North Hills and South Hills. We are also seeking Board Members and Committee Members. As we venture forth on the journey to our new home(s) our needs are greater than ever. If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact HEARTH by calling 412-366-9801.
Nonprofit HEARTH moves out of St. Benedictine Place after 15 years - read more on NorthHillsPatch
On June 15, 2011, HEARTH’s transitional housing program at Benedictine Place, moved to Greentree. This is HEARTH’s first stop on the move to a brighter future. For 15 years, HEARTH leased space at Benedictine Place from the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. Recently the sisters put their property on the market, and HEARTH was asked to vacate the premises.
HEARTH’s new office address is now: 8035 McKnight Road, Suite 303 Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
HEARTH has a temporary home- read more on post-gazette.com
The location in Greentree is a temporary solution as the agency broaches long - term plans for the purchase and renovation of a new property.
The importance of HEARTH’s transitional housing program is unparalleled. Since 1995, HEARTH has opened the doors for 557 women and children in crisis, hoping to become independent and self-sufficient. Of those who left the program last year, 94% secured employment and 94% left with permanent housing.
Past Related News Articles:
Will HEARTH homeless program be homeless?
Agency that serves homeless must find new home
Transitional housing nonprofit seeks new site to house families, office
Norwin Show Choir
For more than a decade, the Norwin Show Choir has been performing for HEARTH and our families under the direction of Cheryl Walter. On May 23rd, an era came to an end. Not only was it the choirs last performance at Benedictine Place, it was the last time Mrs. Walter would conduct the choir. At the end of the school year, she retired. HEARTH would like to thank Mrs. Walter for her hard work and dedication to the agency and for putting on such wonderful Christmas productions and “Un-Birthday” Party productions for our families. You’ve inspired many with your songs. more