Highmark Walk Results
HEARTH participated in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community for the first time on May 21 and raised nearly $2,000. Thank you to everyone who walked for us and everyone who donated to our walkers! It was a beautiful day, and everyone enjoyed a relaxing stroll through town, as well as the live music and refreshments.
Congratulations to our award winners:
Biggest Team of Walkers: Henry’s Handlers
Top Fundraiser (adult): Cindy Patterson
Top Fundraiser (child): James Gill
Most Creative Team Name: Henry’s Handlers - Team Captain Vicky Gill
We’d like to extend a special thank you to the girls of the North Allegheny Z Club for helping us out this year!
Henry from the largest team “Henry’s Handlers” taking a break from walking
HEARTH Associate Board Member and Reigning Miss Laurel Highlands, Whitney Kerr, Bringing Awareness to Homelessness
North Huntingdon native Whitney Kerr entered a pageant in November, hoping to promote a Ross Township-based charity. Now, she's preparing to compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania. Read Article>>
2010 Linen Shower
HEARTH’s annual shower was held on Tuesday, May 18th with this year’s theme being “linens”. More then 25 guests enjoyed games and a tour of Benedictine Place, piling the gift table high with laundry baskets containing pillows, mattress pads, comforters, and more! More than 50 groups and individuals participated in the shower this year.
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Welcome Shannon Miller - HEARTH’s New Direct Services Coordinator
HEARTH would like to welcome Shannon Miller, our new Direct Services Coordinator. Shannon has a BA in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has also advocated on behalf of victims of domestic violence through her position the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. In her spare time Shannon likes to travel and take road trips.
You Only Have One Birthday Each Year - Why Not Have an Un-Birthday Too
Since 2002, the Norwin Show Choir from Norwin High School has put on an “Un-Birthday”Party for the families of Benedictine Place. Various activity centers are set up including face painting, coloring, and making your own visor. This year, the Luau theme boded to a limbo station too. Each family that came to the “Un-Birthday” party received a lei, sun glasses and a tie dye t-shirt.
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And what would a birthday party be without presents and party favors? All the children were handed a party favor bag filled with candy (all sea critter themed), a Hawaiian pendant necklace, and a beach bucket.
Easter Baskets Bring Joy to Children of Benedictine Place and PRIDE
Every year the “Soul Sisters” of Christ Episcopal Church facilitate the efforts of gathering items and goodies for Easter baskets. The “Soul Sisters” put together beautiful, overflowing baskets for the children of Benedictine Place. This year they added the families of P.R.I.D.E. Tracey Rearick came to HEARTH Wednesday, March 31, to drop off the baskets. In addition to the Easter baskets, the group created small gifts for the mothers in the two programs. The older children of Benedictine Place and P.R.I.D.E. received age appropriate gift cards instead of Easter baskets. The lavish baskets and other gifts were a fantastic treat for the families of HEARTH. HEARTH would like to thank the “Soul Sisters” and Christ Episcopal Church for their continued support to the agency.
Mother's Day made better for Benedictine Place moms by Parkvale Savings Bank
Parkvale Bank set out to find something they could do specifically for the mothers at Benedictine Place and PRIDE...and that they did. For the past couple of years, they have created Mother’s Day Baskets for program particip
ants. Each Parkvale Bank branch creates the baskets and fills them with a variety of different items ranging from toiletries to sweets to relaxation treats like lotions and candles. Alisa Reynolds, one of the Parkvale Bank branch managers, brought the baskets to Benedictine Place for distribution. HEARTH would like to thank Parkvale Bank for their continued generosity and support. Happy Mother’s Day!
In February, the Northland Public Library in partnership with the Picture People, collected children’s books for HEARTH. When customers brought books in to the Ross Park Mall location, they received two free portrait sheets. Susan Claus of Northland Public Library brought the books in on Wednesday, March 31, for the children at Benedictine Place. The Picture People successfully collected 24 books. We would like to thank the Picture People and the Northland Public Library for their unique idea and their assistance to HEARTH.
Hunting for Easter Eggs at HEARTH
HEARTH had its first Easter Egg Hunt in the cafeteria of Benedictine Place on Wednesday, March 23. Girl Scout Troop #50612 organized the entire event. Fifteen children from Benedictine Place participated. The evening was full of laughs and serious egg hunting. Each child received a pail to fill with the eggs they discovered. The children enjoyed cookie decorating, crafts and games along with the egg hunt. HEARTH would like to thank Girl Scout Troop #50612 for getting this successful event off the ground.
WYEP’s Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday, Feb. 7, was WYEP’s Alternative Souper Bowl at Borders in the eastside. The event was a huge success even with the immense snowfall. People entered Borders covered in snow and arms full of food. The horrible weather didn’t keep the generous people from donating 26 boxes and bags full of food for HEARTH. In addition to the Souper Bowl, WYEP also had a Member Appreciation Concert Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the New Hazlett Theater. Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers and special guest Willie Nile entertained members. The members brought non-perishable food items for HEARTH along with monetary donations. Twenty boxes and bags of food were collected for HEARTH. The two events also raised $174 for HEARTH. We are so grateful to those who donated and to WYEP.
Non-profits helping other non-profits
In these financially hard times it was nice to see other non-profit organizations helping HEARTH. In true holiday spirit many of our local non-profit organizations did not hesitate to make this holiday season extra special for the families of Benedictine Place.
• The McCandless Rotary brings together businesses and professional leaders for humanitarian work. This past holiday season the McCandless Rotary decided to take-part in HEARTH’s Angel Tree sponsorship. McCandless Rotary has been donating to HEARTH since 1997.
• The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB) is an organization that collects and distributes food through a large network in 11 counties within the southwestern Pennsylvania area. The GPCFB is also a member of Feeding America, which is formerly known as America’s Second Harvest. This year for the holidays the GPCFB in association with KDKA TV’s Turkey Campaign donated 15 Giant Eagle gift cards worth $15 each to HEARTH.
• North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) is dedicated to helping those in need. They offer several services to the community; food pantries, utility assistance, emergency financial help, college scholarships for non-traditional adult students, and support groups along with other services. The NHCO donated 15 Giant Eagle gift cards that were each worth $25 to HEARTH this past holiday.
• The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) is very prestigious organization that puts on musical theater and showcases local talent. The organization has paved the way for many talented artists in the industry. As a special gift to the families at Benedictine Place the Pittsburgh CLO donated eight tickets to A Musical Christmas Carol.
• The Wexford Christian Center is a drop-in day care and preschool designed to help families of the surrounding communities. This last holiday the 4-year-old classes made candy treats, which were delivered to HEARTH for the families of Benedictine Place to enjoy.
• The Woodlands Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The Woodlands Foundation donated six $25 Giant Eagle gift cards to the families of Benedictine Place.
• Community Care Behavioral is an organization that manages and continuously improves the delivery of behavioral health services. They provide this service throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In spirit of the holiday season employees on the Children’s team went and picked up Christmas trees and then delivered them to HEARTH for the families in the program to enjoy.
The families of Benedictine Place were given a wonderful holiday season because of the kindness and generosity of the non-profit organizations that donated to HEARTH this past holiday. Thanks to the non-profit organizations the families participating in Benedictine Place were blessed with gift cards for food, delicious treats and holiday cheer essentials. HEARTH could not appreciate its fellow non-profit organizations’ help more.
The Homeless Children's Education Fund and Citizen's Bank makes donation for children
On Monday, August 17th, The Homeless Children’s Education Fund along with some volunteers came to HEARTH in a school bus to drop off wonderful backpacks and boxes that contained school supplies such as notebooks, folder, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, scissors, pencil boxes, loose paper etc. to our children. We received approximately 60 backpacks for elementary aged children and 10 backpacks for our teens. HCEF, in conjunction with Citizen’s Bank, donated all of the backpacks and goodies to fill them. Our families were so thrilled to receive this donation. It helped immensely to offset the costs of purchasing back to school supplies for their children. We thank HCEF and Citizen’s Bank for providing us with such a great need for our families.
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"Business Woman of the Year"
Judy Eakin, HEARTH, Executive Director, was selected as a winner of the William R. Baierl Award, and was named the “Business Woman of the Year” by the Northern Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce. The award is based upon community, volunteer, and Chamber involvement, as well as business accomplishments. Judy has been very active with the Chamber and sits on their board; in addition to other community activities. With her involvement, she has helped to raise awareness of HEARTH. Included here is a picture of Judy along with the awardees.
Judy Eakin – Business Woman of the Year
Chris Kail – Emerging Business Man of the Year
Erika Schuster – Emerging Business Woman of the Year
Bryan Hinds – Business Man of the Year
Jerry Drozynski Receives Business Leader Award
Jerry Drozynski, Vice-President of the HEARTH Board of Directors, recently received the "Home is Where the Heart Is" Business Leader Award from Community Human Services. The award is presented to a select group of local leaders who have advocated for and worked on behalf of the homeless in Pittsburgh.
Jerry was nominated by HEARTH for his tireless efforts as the former Board President of HEARTH, chairman of the Homeless Advisory Council for the Department of Human Services, and the current Board President of the Benet Woods Housing Corporation.
Jerry is the Director of Information Systems at Bayer Corporation.
New PRIDE Program's First Participant
HEARTH's PRIDE Program, a second step for Benedictine Place program participants, began in July 2009. To be considered for participation in the program, the women must have lived at Benedictine Place and have a mental health or physical disability. Prior to their moving from Benedictine Place, new Case Manager Meghan Labiaux works with them to find housing in apartments or houses in the community. She then provides ongoing case management services to them in their homes, as well as coordinates monthly group life skills training. Mary Beth and her 3 children are our first participants. Read Mary Beth's story.
HEARTH Receives Donations for New Refrigerators
Through The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Wish Book, HEARTH has received five new refrigerators to replace outdated and broken units in the Benedictine Place apartments and food pantry.
The Wish Book is the centerpiece of the Foundation’s “Grant A Wish” campaign, which provides the opportunity for local nonprofits and community projects to submit requests for inclusion in the book. Each Wish Book contains 30 “wishes” covering community needs in seven target areas: the arts, education, environment, public health, human services, families and children and community development.
HEARTH thanks those who donated to fulfill the request!
CB Richard Ellis Continues to Make Birthdays Special for Every Child
Thanks to CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), a commercial real estate firm in Pittsburgh, each child who lives at Benedictine Place will have a special cake for their birthday. In addition to HEARTH, CBRE provides cakes to six shelters that also provide care to families in crisis. Cyra Contractor, coordinator of CBRE’s Birthday Cakes for Homeless Children committee states, “Our goal is to connect with families in the community to help children find their birthdays not remembered, but celebrated.” Since launching the Birthday Cakes for Homeless Children Program in May 2007, CBRE has donated over 70 cakes to deserving children at local shelters in our community. HEARTH’s volunteer coordinator, Cherie Hugh works with the marketing department at CBRE. "This partnership has been great! All I do is tell them the birthdays coming up in the next month or two, and they send a check for me to buy the cakes. Our moms are so thankful that they can make their children so excited and not have to spend money to do it!" For more information about CBRE Pittsburgh office and their donation program, please click here.
United Way Presentation to Women’s Leadership Initiative
On March 25, HEARTH’s staff and volunteers presented a lunch program to the United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative at Deloitte’s downtown office. The presentation included information about various ways individuals and groups can contribute to non-profit organizations through events, hands-on projects and donations. HEARTH also outlined the program and services available to women and their families and invited the group to tour the facilities at Benedictine Place at any time. If your group or staff is interested in learning more about HEARTH through a lunchtime presentation or on-site tour, please contact Cherie Hugh at 412.939.2302.
Jerry Drozynski Elected as Chairperson for Homeless Advisory Board
Jerry Drozynski, HEARTH’s board president, was elected the Chairperson of the Allegheny County Homeless Alliance Advisory Board for 2008-2010. The Homeless Alliance Advisory Board is a public/private partnership formed to assist Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, the City of McKeesport and the Municipality of Penn Hills in reviewing public policy, programs, activities, data and all other efforts that will eliminate homelessness and improve the well being of homeless persons and families. Membership is now by appointment of the Allegheny County Director of the Department of Human Services and is comprised of 31 representatives from a broad spectrum, including the foundation, academic and business communities and the homeless provider community. The Board has two primary responsibilities: 1) execution of the 10-yr plan to end chronic homelessness or “unsheltered”, and 2) oversee/advise the completion of our annual HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) application. While this is a different homeless population from the women and children that HEARTH serves, the HUD CoC application consolidates the requests of 38 homeless service providers which HEARTH is one of. In recent years, HUD has provided about $140,000, or 1/3 of our budget, to HEARTH. For more information, please click here.
WYEP 91.3 FM went to Borders-Eastside on Saturday, February 3rd for its Annual Alternative Souper Bowl Party! Ben Hardt & His Symphony, Lohio, and Paul Luc performed live in E. Liberty.
Non-perishable donations were collected for HEARTH. Thank you to all who participated in this event.
Thanks to many generous individual donors and groups, this year our women and their children had a wonderful holiday. From decorated live trees in each families' apartment, to homemade wreaths on their doors, and to presents for everyone, our women are grateful to everyone for making this holiday a special time in their temporary homes.
Thank you to SMS Demag employees and the McCandless Rotary who for several years have sponsored our Angel Trees. Thank you to our sponsors who purchased gifts for our individual families: Health Studies Office at Pitt, Missions Committee at Ingomar UM Church, Perry Highland Jr. Women's Club, Cindy Patterson, Barb Lambe, Society for Design Administrators, Citizens Bank employees, Carrie Burnham, Amy Nagler and friends, Doug and Connie Kreps, Raymond and Maggie Kern, Anna Marie Leezer, Titina Ott, and Incarnation 8th grade CCD.
The holidays at HEARTH would not be complete without the wonderful donation of a holiday party with Norwin High School’s Show Choir, a collection of ornaments at several area Parkvale Bank locations, a monetary donation for live trees from Jean Arendosh of Tan Seekers, and a Santa Shoppe coordinated by Lynda McDonough where volunteers help the children select and wrap items to give as gifts to family members.
For the third year, Alicia Dal Lago of Alicia Photography generously donated her time and services to come to HEARTH and take portraits of all of our families. She also provided them a package of pictures just in time for holiday giving.
Finally, we would like to thank the following donors for all the holiday "extras," such as gift wrap and cookies: SMS Demag, Beth Stone, Bradfordwoods Women's Club, Bradfordwoods Community Church, National Honor Society at Pine Richland High School, Sts. John and Paul Women's Guild, Ed and Christy Kosakowsky, Susan Courtad, KDKA TV Turkey Campaign, Pinnacle Group employees, Jim and Jackie Eakin, Kevin and Barb Waronek, Julie Walko and family, Christ Episcopal Church, Maureen Possage and family, Girl Scout Troop 976, Incarnation 8th Grade CCD, and Blake and Rosalie Howell.
HEARTH encourages families, friends, groups, and co-workers to consider doing a service project any time during the year, not just during the holidays. A collection of personal care items, paper products, or cleaning supplies to fill the HEARTH store will provide the families needed items on an ongoing basis. Contact Cherie Hugh at (412) 939-2302 ext. 12 or cahugh@hearth-bp.org for a list of needed items. Cash donations are also always accepted.
April came to HEARTH two years ago with her young children. Since then, April has learned the importance of education and housing and began speaking as a volunteer with Just Harvest, a center for action against hunger. On September 15, she traveled with Just Harvest to participate in the New Hampshire Republican caucus and attended the Iowa Democratic caucus on December 1. In November, April traveled to New York City to speak to the Center for Community Change about the importance of housing, education and healthcare. Her experience with Just Harvest has given her the skills and confidence to help others and give back to the community. We congratulate April on her new associate’s degree as a Chemical Laboratory Technician from Bidwell Training Center. She is working with a Fortune 500 company as a lab technician and is now looking for her own house.
A big thank you Gifts in Kind for helping HEARTHsecureGap jeans for all of our women and their older children! Jeans on display at the Monroeville Mall, Shadyside, Ross Park Mall, airport, and Waterfront stores are not able to be sold to the public, but they are still new and the perfect gift to our women who always need new casual and business-related clothes. As one woman commented, “I love my Gap jeans and wear them everyday!”
Gifts in Kind has also helped HEARTH secure materials and supplies from Home Depot, and shingles from Owens Corning, which will go towards the construction of Benet Woods. In addition, HEARTH receives items from the Ross Park Mall Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma stores and over $90,000 worth of supplies from Bed, Bath and Beyond.