presents the communicator · 2015-01-08 · the mon valley providers council presents the...

The Mon Valley Providers CouncilPresents

The CommunicatorJANUARY 2015 AND 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

The Communicator is the official newsletter of the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), an alliance of over 65 human service agencies serving more than 37 communities in the Mon Valley of Allegheny County. To learn more about the MVPC, our member agencies, and their services, read this edition and visit our website at www.hscc-mvpc.org.

The Communicatoris the official newsletter of the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), a program of the Human Services Center, a United Way Agency519 Penn Avenue • Turtle Creek, PA 15145Phone: 412-829-7112 • Fax: 412-829-4363 • Website: www.hscc-mvpc.orgA copy of the official registration and financial information of the Human Service Center Corp. can be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

MVPC Holds Successful Fall and Winter Events: Community Resource Fair and World AIDS Day

On October 23rd, the Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) hosted its 4th Annual Community Resource Fair in conjunction with the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC). The goal of the Community Resource Fair was to connect the public with available community services. Over 250 people attended this event!

Everyone in attendance received a ticket for free ice cream. Games, crafts, recipe making, and face painting were available. The event also raffled off many prizes such as

Giant Eagle gift cards, gift baskets for children, Pitt football and basketball tickets, as well as the grand prize of a $250 Visa gift card.

Th i r ty seven organizations attended the event. Services in attendance included medical screenings, transportation, education, job training, family support, aging, food assistance, and housing.

The event was coordinated with Lights on After School to celebrate out of school programming.

What's in This EditionPage

MVPC Holds Successful Events .......................1

Services at the Human Services Center ...........2About MVPC ......................................................2MVPC Leadership .............................................2Communities Served by the MVPC ..................2

Program for High School Seniors .....................3Sen Brewster, HSCC, Bring State Services to Turtle Creek .......................................................3Free Tax Preparation! .......................................32014 MVPC Membership Listing .......................3

Elks 577 Honored at WOA Event ......................4Advancing Entrepreneurship .............................4Keywords Boost Resumes ................................4

2014 MVPC Year in Review .............................5

Career Workshops for Women...........................6Forbes Family Receives Two Awards ...............6Operation Back Home: Serving Local Vets.......6First Annual MEN Challenge Event ..................6Peace It Together Celebration ..........................6

Save The Date: CCAC Job Fair ........................7CCAC Job Placement and Career Services .....7How To Get A Job and Keep It .........................7

2014 Funder Recognition ..................................8

Attendees of the World AIDS Day event were able to receive information and chili and hot dogs.

On Wednesday, December 3 , the McKeesport Collaborative, together with the HIV/AIDS Working Group, commemorated World AIDS Day by having a cookout. The goal for holding the event has always been education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Free chili and hot dogs were given out to attract community members and spread the word about HIV/AIDS.

All attendees also got a chance to receive valuable information about the virus from experts and get information about sites for free testing. Pittsburgh AIDS Task

Force and Mon Yough Community Services offered testing for HIV and two other STIs to all who were interested.

“This is the thirteenth year we are holding a cookout on Fifth Avenue in McKeesport. It has become a great community event that brings many people together. Despite a little bit of rain, we were able to attract up to 100 community members. Many people remembered us from previous years, so we are proud to say that it’s become a tradition in McKeesport!” said Erica Szewczyk, McKeesport Collaborative.

MVPC member agencies gave out information to attendees of the Community Resource Fair

THE COMMUNICATOR • January 2015 Issue

2 The Daily News, January 2015


The Daily News, January 2015 3

Communitiesserved by

MVPC

• Braddock• Braddock Hills• Chalfant• Clairton• Dravosburg• Duquesne• East McKeesport• East Pittsburgh• Elizabeth Borough• Elizabeth Township• Forest Hills• Forward Township• Glassport• Homestead• Jefferson Hills• Liberty• Lincoln• McKeesport• Monroeville• Munhall• North Braddock• North Versailles• Pitcairn• Port Vue• Rankin• South Versailles• Swissvale• Turtle Creek• Versailles• Wall• West Elizabeth• West Homestead• West Mifflin• Whitaker• White Oak• Wilkins• Wilmerding

About MVPCOur Mission: The Mon Valley Providers Council, in collaboration with individuals, families, and groups in the Mon Valley communities, will define and address mutual issues and needs. Building upon the providers and communities, the Mon Valley Providers Council will promote agendas and develop resources for collective action.

Who We Are: The Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), a program of the Human Services Center, is an alliance of human service and related organizations, which are based in or have a substantial service presence in the Mon Valley. The MVPC serves as a formal network for information and resource exchange among human service providers in the Mon Valley. The MVPC involves its member organizations in Working Groups, which address crucial issues in the Mon Valley in the areas of Employment and Training, Health, Housing, and Youth. These four Working Groups involve the participation of 65 dues paying members and over 250 staff members of those organizations. Through these standing Working Groups, the Providers Council promotes cooperation, coordination, and collaboration among its member and participating organizations in an effort to fill gaps in human services in the Mon Valley communities.Staff: The MVPC is staffed through the Human Services Center. Current MVPC staff are:

David Coplan, DirectorMallory Clark, Program Associate

Services at the Human Services CenterThe Westinghouse Valley Human Services Center, located at 519 Penn Avenue in Turtle Creek, provides a variety of services to residents in eastern Allegheny County communities and the Westinghouse/Turtle Creek Valley.• The Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension is open on

Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Call 412-829-7112.• Rental Assistance: The Urban League has monies available for individuals

who are at least two months behind in their rent and possess a magistrate’s notice, or those who need first month’s rent and security deposit. Call 412-829-7112.• Budget Counseling: NeighborWorks of Western Pennsylvania offers free

budget and financial counseling. Call 412-281-9773. • Health Insurance (Affordable Care Act), Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP),

Prescription Assistance, and FAFSA: YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will assist individuals with signing up for many services. Call 412-829-7112 to schedule an appointment.• Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications, PACE/PACENET, ACCESS

applications, Senior Bus Pass Applications, PennDOT forms and assistance with state related issues: State Senator Jim Brewster's office can complete state related forms and provide assistance on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Call 412-829-7112 for more information.• Turtle Creek Development Corporation meets on the 4th Wednesday of

every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Human Services Center (519 Penn Avenue). Call 412-464-4000.• Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society: The Society meets on the second

Saturday of the month. Call 412-816-1686.• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA has a support group at the Center every

Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 10:30am. Call 412-824-1958. • Overeaters Anonymous (OA): OA has a support group at the Center every

Monday at 6:30pm. Call 412-829-7112.• The Youth Learning In a Fun Environment (Youth LIFE) After-School

Program is accepting applications. Youth LIFE serves 100 youth in first through fifth grade. For more information, contact 412-829-7112.• The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a workforce development

program for high school seniors living in the Woodland Hills, East Allegheny and McKeesport School Districts. ELP is currently accepting applications. For more information, contact 412-829-7112.• The McKeesport Collaborative helps women seeking to achieve self-

sufficiency through goals of employment and/or education by providing referrals and guidance. For more information, call 412-829-7112.

Tenant agencies at the Center include:Adagio Health – 724-224-1530

Allegheny County Health Dept. – W.I.C. Program – 412-823-1333

Allegheny Intermediate Unit – Community School East – 412-464-4043

Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension – 412-829-7112

Eastern Area Adult Services – 412-824-6880

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council – 412-969-8486

Human Services Center Corporation – 412-829-7112

Learn “N” Play Development Center – 412-829-0240

Mon Valley Providers Council – 412-829-7112

Pantry Network of Eastern Suburbs – 412-824-0006

Turtle Creek Valley Mental Health/Mental RetardationAdult Programs – 412-824-8510Alternatives – 412-824-8510Children, Adolescents and Families – 412-349-0632Mobile Medication Team – 412-824-8510Psychiatric and Social Rehabilitation – 412-461-4100

MVPC LeadershipThe Steering Committee:Laura Zinski, Chairperson, Mon Valley InitiativeNoreen Fredrick, Vice Chairperson, Mon Yough Community Services Tiffanee Heywood, GoodwillJamie Hightower-Poindexter, CCAC BoyceElli Latterman, McKeesport Hospital FoundationHolly Livingston, Gateway RehabPaula McWilliams, Heritage Community InitiativesTony Mitchell, Penn State Greater AlleghenyCharlene Newkirk, CCAC SouthNancy Osterhus, Ex-Officio MemberJames Phillips, Turtle Creek Valley MH/MRDarla Poole, AuberleLisa Scales, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food BankJim Spindler, UPMC McKeesportLynn Tatala, Project ELECTDick Wallace, Ex-Officio Member

2015 MVPC Membership Listing:





2015 MVPC Membership Listing:ACTION HousingAllegheny Family NetworkAHN - Forbes Family

MedicineAllegheny Intermediate

Unit Community School East

Allegheny Intermediate Unit Head Start

Allegheny Intermediate Unit Project ELECT

AuberleCenter for VictimsCentury Heritage Federal

Credit UnionChildren’s Hospital Family

Care Connection – Braddock/Rankin/Turtle Creek

Citizens to Abolish Domestic Apartheid

Clairton Family CenterCCAC – Boyce Campus

CCAC – South CampusDiscovery HouseDuquesne Family CenterDuquesne Family Support

CenterEast Allegheny Family

CenterFamily ResourcesFamily Services of

Western PAForbes HospitalGateway RehabGoodwill of SW

PennsylvaniaGreater Pittsburgh

Community Food BankGreater Pittsburgh

Literacy CouncilGwens GirlsHabitat for Humanity of

Greater PittsburghHeritage Community

Initiatives

Highlands Family CenterHoly Family InstituteHuman Services CenterJefferson Regional

FoundationJuvenile Court – Mon

Yough & Eastern DistrictJust HarvestLatino Family CenterLife's Work of Western

PennsylvaniaLincoln Park Family

CenterMacedonia FACE, Inc.McKeesport CollaborativeMcKeesport Family

CenterMcKeesport First Steps

Parenting ProgramMcKeesport Hospital

FoundationMUSA

Mon Valley Circles Initiative

Mon Valley InitiativeMon Yough Area Chamber

of CommerceMon Yough Community

Services, Inc.NeighborWorks of

Western PAPantry Network of Eastern

SuburbsPA CareerLink Allegheny

East Penn State – Greater

AlleghenyRainbow Kitchen

Community ServicesRankin Christian CenterState Senator James

BrewsterState Senator Jay CostaSteel Center AVTS Adult

Ed Programs

Steel Valley Family CenterSto-Rox Family CenterThe Center for WomenThe Early Learning

InstituteTouching FamiliesTurtle Creek Valley MH/

MRUniversity of Pittsburgh –

School of Social Work UPMC McKeesportUrban League of Greater

Pittsburgh Hunger Services

Veterans Leadership Program

Wilkinsburg Family CenterYMCA of Greater

Pittsburgh Wilmerding Branch

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

The Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) is pleased to announce that appointments are now being made for free tax preparation - call 2-1-1.

As a partner in the United Way's Money In Your Pocket Coalition, the HSCC, along with nearly 20 other sites in the region, offers a free tax preparation site to individuals who are on a limited or fixed income - $40,000 as a family or $20,000 as an individual.

This year’s free tax preparation will begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, and run through Wednesday,

April 15, 2015. The site will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. The site will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2015, to observe the federal holiday, President’s Day.

The site will be located on the first floor of 413 Penn Avenue, Turtle Creek.

To register for an appointment at the HSCC or another site, please call 2-1-1, the United Way Helpline. If you have any questions regarding the site, please call 412-829-7112.

FREE Tax Preparation!

A happy taxpayer who had completed his first tax return at the HSCC's site in 2014.

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a program of the Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC), is available to low-income students going into their senior year in the fall 2015.

Participants are given the opportunity to prepare for their future, develop their work skills, explore a variety of careers, attend field trips, prepare for college/military/workforce, and more. Students also attend job shadows and tour various local universities, training centers, and worksites.

ELP holds weekly sessions during the school day at East Allegheny, McKeesport Area, and Woodland Hills High Schools to allow students to participate without

taking them away from any extra-curricular activities. In addition, staff meet the students individually on a regular basis to further ensure the special needs of each participant are being met. Participants will earn a modest stipend based on participation and goal completion throughout the school year and post-graduation.

If you or someone you know may be interested call 412-829-7112 starting in February 2015 for more information or to obtain an application. Spots fill up very quickly!

Program for Low-Income High

School Seniors

Sen. Brewster, HSCC, Bring State Services to

Turtle CreekState Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland)

has begun having permanent satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Human Services Center Corporation’s building in Turtle Creek (413 Penn Avenue).

“I’m pleased to be partnering with the Human Services Center Corporation to bring a permanent satellite district office to the residents of the Turtle Creek Valley,” Brewster said. “The Human Services Center Corporation is a strong and effective organization that helps individuals access services on a daily basis.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my staff

to work in concert with the Human Services Center personnel to deliver state assistance directly to the region.”

Senator Brewster’s office will provide assistance with filling out Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, PACE/PACENET, ACCESS applications, senior bus pass applications, PennDOT forms along with a wide variety of state related issues.

Brewster’s district includes communities in the Turtle Creek Valley including Turtle Creek, Wilmerding, Wall, Pitcairn, Trafford, Braddock and North Braddock. He has district offices in McKeesport, Monroeville and New Kensington.





The Mon River Fleet honored Women of Achievement throughout the Mon Valley in a number of categories. In the Outstanding Special Project category, Roni-Sue Stevens and Rachel Morse were recognized for their work on the “Fill the Shelves!” campaign for the Pantry Network of Eastern Suburbs/Westinghouse Valley Food Pantry.

It was an act of charity that brought together the Elks and the Westinghouse Valley Food Pantry when one day a member of the 577 Lodge drove his mother’s friend to the pantry for the distribution. The shelves were stocked without much variety in choice. From that day forward, a vow was made by the Lodge that there would be no more days when the shelves were that way - not with the 577 Lodge, its members, families and neighbors involved.

Rachel Morse is the lead on the “Fill the Shelves!” monthly collection. Items collected are those that cannot be purchased

with SNAP benefits and have included laundry detergent, shampoo, paper towels, school supplies, et cetera. Rachel helps increase donations by incorporating the campaign into other Lodge community and membership events. Rachel then loads the truck and delivers the items to the pantry.

Roni-Sue has applied for and been awarded thousands of dollars in grant money for the pantry - $4500 to date. Roni-Sue volunteers regularly at the pantry with her husband, Craig, and numerous members of the Wilkins Elks 577 Lodge.

President of the pantry board, Denise Daugherty, and Pantry Coordinator, Rose Smeltzer are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Wilkins Elks. The pantry serves more than 200 families per month. According to Denise, “The pantry has been able to provide much more to those in need because of the generosity of the Wilkins

Elks. The gratitude Rose and I share could never be adequately expressed in words.”

The Human Services Center Corporation, Mon Valley Providers Council, and McKeesport Collaborative are proud of all of the recipients of the 2014 Women of Achievement Awards:

Healthcare Leader- Cindy McGettigan and Michelle Sheedy

Educational Leader- Tia Wanzo

Social Leaders- Rose Marshall and Joan Procopio

Safety Leader- Diane Fitzhenry

Recreational Leader- Monica Hancharik

Spiritual Leaders- Maria Freishyn-Chirovsky and Karen Bell Garland

Lifetime Leader- Louise Biddle

Future Leader- Eliana Raizel Latterman

Volunteer Leaders- McKeesport Hospital Junior Committee

Outstanding Special Project- Wilkins Elks Lodge 577 “Fills the Shelves!” Campaign

Elks 577 Honored at WOA Event

Left to right: Peg Fitchwell-Hill, Gary Hill, Sandy Cienik, Roni-Sue Stevens, Rachel Morse, Jeff Baughman, Mary Jo Meyer, Gerry Meyer, E.R. John Weber and Nicole Pryke.

Make It Happen in the Mon Valley: Do you want to start your own business but do not know if it is right for you? Do you have an idea for a business but do not know where to start? “Make It Happen in the Mon Valley” is designed to help you determine if starting a business is right for you and how to begin searching for the “right” business for you.

Make it Happen in the Mon Valley is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and is scheduled for February 5, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Carnegie Library of Homestead (510 E. 10th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15120).

Light refreshments will be offered. There is no cost to attend, however, pre-registration is required. To register for any of these workshops, please call 412-624-3095 or email [email protected]. For more information visit http://monvalleyentrepreneur.pitt.edu.

The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business: The First Step is for people that have never had their own business, or who want to take it from their garage to a storefront. The First Step will help you learn the steps necessary to start a new business and how to avoid some common pitfalls.

The First Step is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and is scheduled for February 26, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Carnegie Library of Homestead (510 E. 10th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15120).


The Second Step: Creating a Business Plan: Successful business owners have a vision and develop a plan to achieve their vision. The Second Step will help you develop a business plan, a tool successful business owners use to guide their businesses’ growth.

The Second Step is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and is scheduled for March 5, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Carnegie Library of Homestead (510 E. 10th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15120).


Advancing Entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley: Two Steps

Are keywords or actions words important to helping employers find your resume?Yes. Keywords are two fold, they speak to your qualifications and they are

words and phrases used by companies to screen job candidates. Increasingly, companies are using recruiting software to scan and sift through vast resume’s databases. The higher level of matching keywords the higher probability you will make it past the initial cut. Without keywords you resume may not show up on the radar.

Contact CCAC South Campus Job Placement and Career Services for resources and resume guidance.

To schedule an appointment 412-469-6214 or www.ccac.edu/jobplacement/





2014 MVPC Year in ReviewOutcomes and Achievements

• 40 people attended a press conference at HSCC to kick off Allegheny County’s Affordable Care Act Week. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Congressman Mike Doyle, and other public officials present.

• 25 decision makers provided leadership at the MVPC Synergies Forum to review the 2014 MVPC Priorities. All of these priorities have either been completed, or are being worked on by the Working Groups.

• 40 people attended the Mentoring 101 training hosted by the Working Group on Youth.

• 40 people were in attendance for Housing: All the questions you wanted to ask and never did! Attendees rated the event as excellent and highly praised the networking opportunity available.

• Over 150 people participated in the How to Get a Job and Keep It Seminar.

• 45 people benefited from the 2014 Fall Housing Panel hosted by the Working Group on Housing. This event was held at Auberle, and got a very positive response from everyone in attendance.

• Over 65 people attended the MVPC Member to Member Networking Event, hosted by the Working Group on Employment and Training. All member agencies were invited to network and learn more information about all four Working Groups.

• Over 250 people and 34 vendors participated in the 4th Annual Community Resource Fair. • 20 people received information on credit counseling• 10 people attained information on adult education and GED

programs • Over 100 people were given information on SNAP Enrollment

and Produce to People• 25 Connect Cards were given out• 40 people received information on Family Services Programs• Over 30 children participated in making a healthy snack • 60 people were given information on employment services• Mental Health agencies gave information to over 70 people on

available services• 40 people attained information on housing counseling

• 316 people were screened for vision in the Mon Valley.

• 424 individuals were screened for osteoporosis in over 15 locations throughout the Mon Valley.

• A total of 172 FREE flu shots were distributed. Over 120 of these were for individuals over the age of 55.

• 20 people attended the MVPC Voter Celebration on May 22nd, and 15 attended the event on November 5th.

• 64% of people enrolled in programs of the Human Services Center are registered to vote. This is almost three times higher than the national average for this population.

• MVPC registered 32 individuals to vote, and received 20 pledges to vote.

• 15 MVPC members were certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid Training, and 9 were certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.

• 10 MVPC members attended an Enroll America informational meeting.

• In October, the Working Group on Youth hosted a poverty simulation for teachers and staff at McKeesport Area School District. Over 20 MVPC members volunteered for this event, and 80 teachers and staff participated. Surveys showed that all teachers and staff that completed the simulation gained a lot from the experience, and thought it was a positive event for the district.

• More than 115 high school students in Mon Valley School Districts completed a College and Career Readiness Survey. The Working Group of Youth will use the results of this survey to plan a youth oriented event the in fall of 2015.

• Over 120 service providers attended the 2014 MVPC Annual Meeting.





The Center for Women helps women in life transitions reach economic independence. Women in transition are women who are heads-of-household that are recently divorced, separated or widowed; experiencing long-term unemployment or who are returning to the workforce after raising a family or caring for a loved one.

The Center for Women offers workshops on financial literacy and returning to work, a Mentoring program, an Internship Program for women wishing to return to work and who want to gain skills, and a legal consultation program.

An upcoming Center for Women Workshop Series focused on women returning to work given

by Laura Freedman, Financial Advisor and former Human Resource Executive includes:

Return to the WorkforceTuesday, January 27 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Learn how to identify your career goals; build a strong resume; be confident in interviews; and create connections that lead to job openings and opportunities to get back into the workforce.

Make a Career ChangeTuesday, February 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Learn how to clarify your career goals; be confident with your resume and interviews; and create connections that lead to job openings and opportunities in your new career path.

Move Up the Career LadderTuesday, February 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Learn steps to create connections that lead to job openings and opportunities for career advancement.

All workshops are held at 1620 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. We serve women of all backgrounds and religions.

Contact the Center today at 412-421-4400 or [email protected] to learn more about how The Center for Women can help you reach your goals, to sign up for a workshop or participate in the programs. You can also visit the website to learn more at www.centerforwomenpgh.org.

Career Workshops for Women Returning to Work

Center for Victims is hosting the 1st annual MEN Challenge Event in honor and recognition of the 256 men (and counting!) who have signed on to the MEN challenge. These men have committed to this initiative and its value, and embody CV’s violence prevention efforts in this region. This event will take place at the Drum Bar in Rivers Casino on March 6th, 2015. Men who have shown a greater interest and who have worked on specific prevention and/or awareness projects will be highlighted and nominated for the MEN Challenge award. The winner of this award will be announced at the 10th Anniversary of

Center for Victims’ Peace It Together Awards Celebration.

This exclusive event gives attendees the opportunity to network and engage with other men who are committed to violence prevention and share stories and thoughts on issues surrounding violence in their communities. It will also serve as a way to recruit and introduce new members to the MEN Challenge so that the group can grow and continue to change social norms and make a greater impact in our region.

"Bring a Buddy"! Anyone who brings a friend to this event

is eligible for $10 off admission price, so bring a buddy and take part in the opportunity to discuss the campaign's goals and next steps with other professionals and community change-makers.

The MEN Challenge is designed to encourage men to make a commitment to learn more about how to be a proactive bystander and speak out about violence against women and girls. This is an ongoing campaign, pledge, and action plan to engage men in the work being done in Allegheny County. Check out www.centerforvictims.org to register today!

First Annual MEN Challenge Event

Pittsburgh has been ranked among the top places to live, work and visit in the United States. Specifically for Veterans, Pittsburgh is named the best place for Veterans to start their careers after service, according to the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) 2014 list.

These top rankings may explain why Pennsylvania has the 4th largest concentration of Veterans in the country and why Allegheny County has the largest population of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in the Commonwealth.

When Veterans return home from service and come to Pittsburgh, some need support in finding a job, housing or other services to start a life here. That’s where Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania comes in.

For the past 33 years, Veterans

Leadership Program has fulfilled its mission in providing Veterans and their families with housing, employment and essential support services, regardless of era of discharge status, Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility and discharge status. On an annual basis, the Veterans Leadership Program serves more than 2,200 Veterans in 18 counties and make more than 6,400 referrals to other agencies for additional services.

The organization works one-on-one with each Veteran. Some Veterans may just need advice from the Workforce Development team, who help career-minded Veterans with resume building and interview skills. Others may be living in their cars or are about to lose their homes because they can’t pay their bills.Case managers help each Veteran assess his or her situation and help

find safe and affordable housing and a steady job. In all cases, Veterans Leadership Program make sure Veterans improve their self-sufficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

One way the organzation helps is working with them on their budgeting. For instance, now that tax season is here, Veterans Leadership Program is providing a free tax clinic for Veterans with a household income up to $52,000 a year. Beginning January 15th through April 1st, Veterans can come to the offices in the South Side any time between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet with volunteers trained in military tax return. Please call (412) 481-8200 to schedule an appointment.

To find out more, please visit our website at www.NeverForgetVets.org.

Operation Back Home: Serving Local Veterans

Peace It Together CelebrationJoin Center for Victims as they celebrate their 2015 Peace Partners at

the 10th annual Peace It Together Celebration! The Peace It Together Celebration recognizes those persons and organizations that – through their work or services – help to prevent crime and violence in local homes and communities. Individuals, families, businesses, foundations, community groups and organizations who are engaging in innovative violence prevention work are doing their “piece for peace” and are honored at this event on March 12, 2015 at Pittsburgh’s Grand hall at The Priory.

Check out Center for Victims' website, at www.centerforvictims.org, for your chance to vote on the Peace Partner nominees!

Forbes Family Receives Two AwardsGateway Health Plan presented member agency, Forbes Family Practice

won an award for providing high quality care to Gateway Health Plan members. Forbes Family Practice was one of two of the 700 practices that participate in Gateway Health that met or exceeded all measures in the Gateway quality survey. “We are very proud of this award and it shows our dedication to give the best care and service to our patients and their families,” said Dr. Martin Seltman.

This is the second award that Forbes Family Practice has received in the past several months. Three Rivers Health Plan also recently recognized the practice for outstanding achievement in providing excellent care to diabetic patients. Congratulations Forbes Family Practice!





How to Get a Job and Keep It

Preparing for Your Career Success: A Seminar for Education and Employment

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community College of Allegheny County – South Campus

1750 Clairton Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122 Sponsored by Citizens Bank and the Mon Valley Providers Council’s

Working Group on Employment and Training

Hosted by Community College of Allegheny County – South Campus

Out of work? Looking for a new job? This is the seminar for you! The event is FREE, however pre-registration by March 17th is required. To ensure ample space is available, registration is limited to the first 150 participants.

8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Motivational Kickoff Speaker 9:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions to include:

• Winning Interview Tips • Meeting and Exceeding Employer Expectations • Applications and Interviews for Those with Criminal

Backgrounds • Networking and Social Media for Employment • How to Target Resumes and Cover Letters for Specific Jobs • Where are the Jobs? • Professional Wardrobe on a Budget

12:00 p.m. Lunch and Learn

For more information or to register, e-mail Mallory Clark at [email protected] or call 412-829-7112.

Just a reminder that the annual South Campus Spring Job Fair is just

around the corner.

Registrationinformation will be

sent in January 2015

Wednesday March 4, 2015 9:30 am—1:30 pm

Gym, B-502

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SOUTH CAMPUS 2015 SPRING JOB FAIR

Job Placement &Career Services

CCAC JOB PLACEMENT AND CAREER

SERVICES South Campus Job Placement and Career Services

Job Seeker Assistance with: Career Search

Resumes

Cover Letters

Interview Skills

Networking

Internships/Co-ops

THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE

South Campus Career Services events include:

On-campus visits by Pittsburgh employers

Sessions on resume and cover letter writing

Sessions on job search techniques

On Campus Job Fairs

Help registering on College Central on-line job bank

Other Career/Job preparation-related assistance

Call for an appointment 412-469-6214 www.ccac.edu/jobplacement/




The Daily News, January 2015 PB

$2,500 and above

Allegheny County Dept. of Human ServicesBNY Mellon Foundation of SW PACitizens BankDSF Charitable FoundationDuquesne LightEden Hall FoundationFEMAG.C. Murphy Company FoundationGrable FoundationThe Heinz EndowmentsHighmark Blue Cross/Blue ShieldKennywoodMassey Charitable TrustMcKeesport Healthier Communities PartnerSHIPMcKeesport Hospital Foundation

Mellon Bank N.A.PA Department of Economic DevelopmentPeoples Natural GasPNCPNC Charitable Trust CommitteeSandcastleSteel DynamicsThe Techs, a Division of Steel DynamicsThree Rivers Workforce Investment BoardUnited Way of Allegheny CountyUPMC Health Plan

$1,000 - $2,499

Christine and Dave CoplanDenise and James DaughertyLisa Minor

2014 Funder RecognitionHSCC/MVPC (as of 12/21/14)

Lynn AndelmoJames AndersonAnonymous ContributorsAnonymous Contributors: In

Honor of Baby Girl SkakalskiAuberleStephanie and Joe BechelSuzy BergerCharles BostaphLauren BrownSarah BurgerCarolyn BurkampKeith CaldwellJanet CarrollCentury Heritage Federal Credit

UnionVin CerasuoloAlicia and Ryan ChatkinMallory ClarkCommunity Improvement

Advisory CommitteeCompass Federal Savings BankGarrett CooperKyle CrawfordDebbie DavenportArwen and Tom DavisJo DeBoltJoe DombroskyNathan DorfmanMarina Duane

Eat N ParkSaundra EchtlerEMP Sales AssociatesJonathan EsonStephanie EsonShane EssayColleen FedorLauri Fink and Kevin BarlettaBill and Helen FlanneryKate and Tony FlorenceNoreen FredrickGregory GalfordDeanna GloverH.B. South PrintersTiffanee HeywoodPaul JenknerThe Hillman CompanyPatti JohnsonTyrone JohnsonWayne and Brenda JonesMary Ann KandalaDr. Kevin KearnsPenny and Bryan KernBeth LacknerPatrick T. Lanigan Funeral HomeLindsay LegeDonna LittleMarie LinebaughHolly LivingstonMeaghan Maher

Michele and Bill MatuchBonnie McLainMarjorie McMullanPaula McWilliamsJessica MerchantJudy MeyersGus MillerDr. Tony MitchellRobert MitnikMon Valley InitiativeKara MostowyDaniel MurrayCharlene NewkirkWilliam NonamakerLeah and Tim O’ReillyNancy OsterhusPalmieri’s RestaurantPanta Rhei MediaLerah PasqualinoKevin PerkeyMary Phan-GruberJim PhillipsPitcairn Circles InitiativeMark PlassmeyerJoan PolesnakNicole PolliardDarla PooleMelanie PorachPPG IndustriesMark Prescott

Dave PriselacRainbow Kitchen Comm. Serv.Jessica RushBeth SavageJessica SewardShealer ChiropracticKathy SimonEllen SkakalskiRose SmeltzerDelaina SmithMichelle SmithRuth and Ron SmithJoann SniderTracy SoskaNick SotosJim SpindlerMarilyn Sullivan-CosettiErica SzewczykLynn TatalaGeorgia TaylorRyan and Jen ThomasAmelia ThorneTurtle Creek Valley MH/MRDick WallaceDamion WilsonMona WintonJake YeagerJoe YeagerLaura Zinski

Up to $999 Donor List (Including Pittsburgh Gives and United Way Contributor Choice Donors)

presents the communicator · 2015-01-08 · the mon valley providers council presents the...

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