by Patrick Smith, SHIM Donor Relations Officer I’m the new Development Relations Officer at SHIM and I have worked in nonprofit development and fundraising for nearly two decades. I’m originally from New Castle, PA, but currently live with my wife Christina on Mt. Washington, where I have lived for over…...
Feeding Families Takes a Community
By Kelly Pare, Philanthropy Stewardship Coordinator, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank relies on a vast community of supporters to provide our neighbors struggling to fill their plates with the food and resources they need to thrive. We serve to ensure no one has to go…...
Congratulations Grads! Now What?
With SHIM Youth Mentoring Graduates Preyanka and Anmol Last month, seniors graduated from high school, ready to start their young adult lives. We spoke with two students who attended SHIM’s Youth Mentoring program to hear their thoughts on what comes next. Preyanka came to Pittsburgh from Nepal in 2015. She…...
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…...
It’s Easy to Appreciate our Amazing Volunteers
By Ann Talarek, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator As a South Hills resident previously involved with refugee resettlement, I’ve known about SHIM for a long time. I remember taking refugee clients to SHIM’s original Family Center in the Prospect Park apartments in the early 1990s. At the time, I had no idea…...
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…...
