GiAnna Anderson has big dreams and a big heart. As she prepares to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA pageant in August, she’s making an impact here in the South Hills by hosting a donation drive. Like many of our neighbors, GiAnna’s story has hardships and triumphs. She’s only…...
How Do We Do What We Do?
You may have asked yourself: how does SHIM fund the holistic programming that helps 8,500 neighbors here in the South Hills? Great question! You, our South Hills supporters, provide significant funds that power our programs. With an operating budget of $4,201,312, it’s incredible to see individuals contribute almost $1 million!…...
Gardening and Giving Back at SHIM
By Becky Henninger, SHIM Garden Coordinator Gardening is an amazing way to feel at peace with nature. As you tend to plants, you see tangible effects of your nurturing. Watching seedlings grow and bloom is incredibly satisfying. Especially if you are growing food, gardening can be immensely rewarding, as you…...
Guest Blog: Bringing Community Together
By Cristen Dando, Whitehall Public Library, Children’s Library Outreach Coordinator As the children’s outreach coordinator at Whitehall Public Library, I have the opportunity to meet neighbors of all ages, cultures, and life experiences. I value open-mindedness and love learning about the people in our community. Originally from Pennsylvania, I began…...
Letter from Executive Director Jim Urging Action
As you may have heard, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is proposing significant cuts and fare increases that will directly hurt the individuals and families we serve. During the public comment period, we have an opportunity to stand with our clients and speak out against these harmful proposals. Several of the…...
Holistic Help Leads to Long-term Success
We help neighbors holistically, which often means connecting them to multiple programs within SHIM to help them meet their basic needs and find self-sufficiency. Lana (name changed to protect anonymity) reached out to SHIM as she navigated a cancer diagnosis. A single mother of one young child with no paternal…...
Let’s Destigmatize Food Insecurity
Molly Penderville, Basic Needs Director As SHIM’s basic needs director, I see firsthand the struggles families face putting food on the table. Since becoming an AmeriCorps member with SHIM in 2014, I’ve watched pantry attendance grow every year, especially the last five. I see a lot of people who qualify…...
How are recent federal actions affecting SHIM?
We’ve received lots of questions about our funding sources, our work with refugee and immigrant neighbors, and how recent executive orders might impact our programming. While we don’t have all the answers, here is what we know. Are federal funding freezes affecting SHIM? We do not receive any direct federal…...
Mentoring Matters- Rick Helps Teens Thrive
At SHIM’s Youth Mentoring program, caring adults step in to guide students academically and socially, acting as role models and providing opportunities to which students may otherwise lack access. Our mentors help students complete homework, guide them in enriching activities, and offer a welcoming space for teens to be themselves.…...
