As a comprehensive human services organization for more than fifty years, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) provides critical supportive services to families living in the South Hills community of Pittsburgh. SHIM’s mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community. SHIM envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

SHIM programming operates at three sites in Bethel Park, Baldwin, and Whitehall Borough. SHIM focuses on meeting basic needs through three food pantries, a Clothing Closet, school supplies distributions, utility assistance, financial aid, transportation assistance, employment help and self-sufficiency guidance. Neighbors access as many of these programs as needed to stabilize their economic situations. While SHIM’s three food pantries serve as an entry point for many clients, service coordinators work to assess additional needs.

To support kids from birth to graduation SHIM offers home visits, an Early Childhood Program, After School Program, Youth Mentoring, and Summer Camp. The goal of SHIM’s youth programs is to enable each child to reach their full potential and succeed in school and in life. SHIM’s Early Childhood Program (ECP) provides the necessary supportive and educational services both to children and their parents to enter kindergarten prepared to succeed academically, socially, and developmentally with minimal need for school-based services. SHIM’s After School program supports 75 elementary-aged children with homework help, academic enrichment, and healthy socialization. Youth Mentoring supports students through adolescence and provides them with experiences that will prepare them for college, the workforce, and to be the next generation of community leaders.

SHIM also provides essential resources and workshops for families including Nurturing Parenting classes, group counseling, enriching family activities, and Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC), a program partnership with Jewish Family and Community Services. Men and women participate in guided counseling groups through Women’s Group, Family Group, Men’s Group and Dad’s Group. Additionally, bilingual staff provide walk-in support at SHIM’s Family Center. SHIM accomplishes the goal of building community by bringing together neighbors of all faiths and life experiences through interfaith programming, Community Gardens, CheckMates, and a very robust volunteer program.