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.…...
Meet Miranda- Helping Neighbors Give Meaningfully
Miranda joined SHIM in June as a Donor Relations Officer, bringing her expertise to support the development team. Since 2018, she has worked in operations and administrative roles within the nonprofit sector, cultivating a deep passion for fostering community connections. Growing up in Dormont, Miranda experienced firsthand the impact of…...
It Takes a South Hills Village (but not the mall)
We understand that neighbors face a variety of issues, and sometimes it takes multiple agencies to help someone get back on their feet. At SHIM, we value our partnerships with local agencies, representatives, community groups, and volunteers. Recently, we worked with Adam (name changed to protect anonymity). Adam came to…...
What is philanthropy? Who is a philanthropist?
According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, philanthropy is goodwill to fellow members of the human race. More specifically, it is an active effort to promote human welfare. The term ‘philanthropy’ has lofty connotations. Picture Andrew Carnegie or Bill Gates, titans of industry establishing charitable foundations to effect change. However,…...
Volunteers Enhance Skills while Helping Neighbors
We rely on more than 300 volunteers to support our comprehensive programs each year. These dedicated individuals devote their valuable time to helping neighbors, and we’ve been looking for ways to enhance their experience through learning opportunities. In the last few months, we’ve offered a Nepali language class, a poverty…...
