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.…...
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…...
Thoughtful Recycling Reforms Reduce Waste
Here at SHIM, we’re all about helping our community. That includes being mindful of our environmental impact. Since initiating a recycling and composting program in 2023, we have reduced landfill waste at our Bethel Park facility by 75%. That equates to 6 tons per month of reduced waste! How did…...
Why Giving Tuesday?
Rachel White, SHIM’s Development and Communications Manager What is Giving Tuesday? Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? This global celebration is dedicated to inspiring all of us to give what we can to help our communities. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday offers us a day to think…...
Halloween from a non-American Perspective
Jackie Mwanjumwa, SHIM ISAC Service Coordinator The cultural diversity here in the South Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh amazes me. As an immigrant, I love celebrating different holidays and traditions. Some holidays feel familiar while others are new and different. One holiday that surprised me when I moved here was Halloween.…...
