SHIM supporters choose to help their South Hills neighbors for a variety of reasons. Some feel compelled by spiritual guidance or a desire to make a difference locally. Others have a personal connection, like Eva.
Eva arrived in Pittsburgh right before starting 5th grade. Just before entering 2nd grade, her Serbian family had to quickly evacuate Croatia due to war and persecution. She fled with her mom and dad to Bosnia and then to Serbia, attending seven different elementary schools in four years. As immigrants in Serbia, her family faced discrimination and limited opportunities. Seeking a better life, Eva’s parents decided to move to America.
When she moved to Pittsburgh, Eva didn’t speak English. She remembers feeling lost trying to learn in a new language, even though she had done well academically in her home country. As she struggled to learn English and keep up in school, her parents found out about SHIM’s After School program.
“I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today without that help. I probably would have gotten lost in the system.”
Not only did Eva receive individualized homework help, but she found a culturally diverse space that welcomed her. At a vulnerable time in her development, Eva’s family appreciated the academic, social, and emotional support the program offered. Eva notes that SHIM did a wonderful job bringing people together. At the time, Serbian, Croatian, and Muslim people were being resettled in Prospect Park together despite having fled a conflict where they were on opposing sides. This led to some tension among adult residents. Eva loved that SHIM brought kids together from all these families and emphasized their shared experiences rather than their cultural differences.
“It’s a great thing that SHIM does.”
Refugees and immigrants face the challenge to assimilate quickly despite numerous barriers. Eva remembers arriving with two suitcases and $1,500. Ninety days after they were resettled, her family was expected to start repaying the previous three months of rent and travel expenses. Within two weeks of their arrival, her parents started working factory jobs, quickly taking on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Children of refugees face many extra pressures, as they often learn the language quicker than their parents. Eva remembers extra responsibilities such as calling the utility company and working two jobs to help her family.
Recently, Eva attended our Celebrate the South Hills with SHIM event that featured Youth Mentoring students speaking about their experiences. She related to the teens who are also from refugee and immigrant families.
“I saw myself in them. You’re put in situations where you have to grow up so fast. Your parents have sacrificed everything, and you want to take advantage of the opportunities available to you.” 
One of the things Eva loved about her time at SHIM’s After School program was learning about other cultures. She attributes Pittsburgh’s cultural diversity to its active resettlement agencies.
“You get to learn about a lot of different cultures and people. I like hearing different people’s stories.”
Eva’s passion for supporting our South Hills community is evident in her actions. As AVP Branch Manager at First Commonwealth Bank Caste Village, Eva helps to facilitate corporate support to help SHIM and other organizations. She is also a member of her local Rotary Club and especially enjoys service projects that serve kids.
“We all need help sometimes, but helping kids makes a bigger difference in the long-term.”
One project that resonated with her was helping local students participate in Operation Shoe Box, a service project involving the packing of shoe boxes with school supplies and items to send to children overseas. Eva had a full circle moment when she realized that, as a child during wartime in Croatia, she had received a similar box from NATO.
Eva typically hesitates to discuss her childhood experiences, yet she recognizes the significance of educating and inspiring the community to assist others facing similar situations. After working diligently to achieve her goals, Eva has found success in her profession and is the proud single mom of her 11-year-old son. Her parents have also thrived. Eva’s dad has been a valued employee at his jobs and is always eager to help anyone in need. After her bachelor’s degree didn’t transfer to the United States, Eva’s mom achieved her associate degree and is now a top performer in HR Block, completing more tax returns than almost anyone else in the state of Pennsylvania this year.
Eva encourages fellow immigrants and refugees to utilize SHIM programs and to strive for success. She’s personally seen the benefits of pairing a strong work ethic with available resources. If you’re looking for resources, check out our Basic Needs Assistance, Financial Wellness Programs, Immigrant Services and Connections or Youth Programs to learn more.
