Thank you to our many local organizations who have quickly developed creative new approaches to fulfilling their mission during COVID-19. We hope these stories will provide inspiration and positivity during this time of uncertainty in our community.
Learning Never Stops at Literacy Pittsburgh
When Literacy Pittsburgh staff learned that in-person classes and tutoring would need to temporarily cease, they mobilized quickly. Staff recorded lessons and created a YouTube channel for English language learners that continues to expand. Family Literacy parents and children can still enjoy story time with books recorded by their teachers and friends in the community. Volunteer tutors are keeping in touch with their students via email and phone to help provide support and maintain learning.
Local Organizations Partner to Provide Food Assistance in Clairton
The Produce Marketplace, a fresh grocery retail space in Clairton, has suspended normal operations to protect the health and safety of customers and staff, but is working with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to convert their space into a food distribution site to meet community needs. Distributions will occur weekly, Tuesdays from 3-5pm & Thursdays from 10am-12pm at 519 St. Clair Avenue in Clairton. In addition, Ruby Ride will offer free, no-contact delivery service during these operating hours. For more information, or to schedule a delivery, call: 412-945-3398. Stay updated on food distribution opportunities in Clairton through Produce Marketplace’s Facebook page here.
Global Links Supports Local Healthcare Providers
Global Links, which provides surplus medical supplies to support communities in need globally, is leveraging their amazing logistic expertise and healthcare relationships to refocus their distribution of medical equipment locally, providing much needed supplies to Healthcare providers right here in Western Pennsylvania.
The Story Continues…Local Libraries Go Digital
Local libraries have closed their doors to help promote social distancing but are working creatively to continue engaging families online through sharing online learning opportunities, promoting virtual book clubs and e-reading, and engaging in digital storytelling! Check out this recent baseball-themed story recording from the Bethel Park Public Library and keep up with future opportunities on their Facebook page here. Be sure to check your local library’s website and social media to find all of the great things happening.
BCAP Shares Prevention Practices
The Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh (BCAP) reacted by sharing disease prevention practices with the Bhutanese Community through a translated video on their facebook page. BCAP is also continuing digital Census outreach to the Bhutanese community through robocalls and Google group communications encouraging folks to complete their Census forms as soon as possible online.
Local Collaborative Partners Collaborate on Virtual Family Learning with Ruff Ruffman!
Literacy Pittsburgh hosted a virtual session of the WQED family learning program Ruff Ruffman with help from Venture Outdoors. Kids learned about composting and made silly salamander faces together, followed by a reading of the book “Mix It Up”, of which each participating family received a copy. Check out the photos and recording of the reading.
Jefferson Census Champion Organizations Distribute Thousands of Census Materials
The U.S. Census Bureau selected Jefferson Regional Foundation and our 70+ Census Champion Organizations to help distribute thousands of Census promotional materials to our local communities between now and the conclusion of the Census count on October 31st, 2020. The Foundation hosted a South Hills Distribution Day at Whitehall Public Library on July 8th and a Mon Valley Distribution Day at Duquesne City School District on July 24th to deliver these materials safely to local organizations. Thanks to the many organizations who are helping to spread the word! Read the TribLive Article covering our South Hills Distribution here.
Dress for Success Pittsburgh Partners to Register 2,000 Voters
Civic engagement is a priority at Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and in a year where we celebrate 100 years of suffrage for women in the U.S., Dress for Success Pittsburgh is proud of their partnership with When We All Vote, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization (co-chaired by Michelle Obama) that is on a mission to increase participation in every election and help close the race and age voting gap. If you have not registered to vote, visit the Dress for Success portal and register now at weall.vote/dfs! Share the link with five people and encourage them to register, too.
SHIM Will Make Back to School Totally Cool for South Hills Students!
Whether in the classroom or at home, kids will be back to learning soon. SHIM and their partners at the CentiMark Corporation are putting together 1,100 backpacks full of supplies for local children. Supplies and monetary donations will be accepted through Monday, August 3 to support and backpacks will be distributed the week of August 10th. Learn more about the most-needed items and distribution locations here.
