Stories

Many of the students who attend SHIM’s Youth Mentoring program are inspired to follow their dreams. One of these students is Florence. She came to SHIM in 8th grade after arriving to the United States from Rwanda. English was difficult for her, so a staff member bought a Kinyarwanda-to-English dictionary…...

When we talk about neighbors helping neighbors, we really mean it! South Hills neighborhoods are home to a diverse population. With some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the region located next to some of our city’s more high-poverty neighborhoods, SHIM programming unites people from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Donors and…...

Did you know that SHIM’s 15 Community Gardens grew more than 15,000 pounds of produce for South Hills families last summer? While volunteers grow a variety of familiar vegetables, they also plant some less recognizable produce. SHIM serves a large population of foreign-born families who often use gourds and hot…...

SHIM provides an array of services to help South Hills residents achieve self-sufficiency. From basic needs programs such as Food Pantries, Community Clothing Closet, and Utility Assistance to Youth Programs and Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC), SHIM is here to help all of our neighbors in need. Mamie first contacted…...

Tired of watching Netflix and eager to help the community during the pandemic, incoming Mt. Lebanon High School freshman Ali Pellegrino and her mom, Paula, turned volunteering with SHIM into a mother-daughter bonding experience. The Pellegrinos have long supported SHIM through Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park. Paula recognizes…...

With a wealth of worldwide experience teaching children, SHIM is proud to introduce Diana Hunsberger, the lead teacher in our Early Childhood Program (ECP), which prepares local three- and four-year-olds for kindergarten by utilizing a dynamic curriculum that engages and inspires all of the kids, especially those from international families…...

Here at SHIM’s community gardens, we don’t just grow produce for families in need, we grow the exotic ingredients that enable refugee families to make their favorite meals. Check out the recipe below, shared by South Hills neighbor and Whitehall Peace & Community garden manager, Beena Bista. Bitter Gourd Curry…...

While most learning happens in the classroom, what happens outside of the classroom can be just as important. Here at SHIM, our After School Program partners community volunteers with local kindergarten through fifth grade students to help them complete their homework, enjoy a snack and spend quality time together. LuAnne…...

As the Sunday evening sun shines away along McMurray Road in Upper St. Clair, the parishioners of St. Louise de Marillac are busy harvesting brightly colored vegetables for their South Hills neighbors in need. A member of the church’s Catholic Men’s Fellowship (CMF), Andy Hays holds this work very close…...