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…...
Family Center Director Amy Relates to Immigrants
As SHIM’s Family Center Director, I work closely with families from many different countries. My team and I help them to find resources and sign up for programs at SHIM, making them feel welcome and safe. My personal and professional experiences helped prepare me for my role leading SHIM’s family…...
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,…...
Trauma Informed Care Helps Families Holistically
Loredana Marinescu, SHIM Lead Family Development Specialist In my fifteen years working at SHIM, I’ve learned a lot about people. As a family development specialist, I meet families from all over the world who have settled in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Each family brings unique experiences, and I enjoy…...
Crises Can Be Complicated- Comprehensive Services Help
Eric Ross, SHIM Service Coordination Director As the Service Coordination Director at SHIM, I often find myself in discussion with people about what we/I do at SHIM. Some people quickly pass judgement when you tell them how we have programs and funds to help individuals meet basic needs both with…...
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.…...
