What's Making News at NHCO

Youth Award $25,000 in Grants
Chiropractor Holds Benefit for NHCO
Entertainment Books for Sale
Winter Coat Collection Underway
Volunteer Mentors Needed for FSA Savers
Bridge Club Looking for New Members
Rare Disease Threatens Local Woman's Life; NHCO Helping

Youth Award $25,000 in Grants For the third consecutive summer, NHCO hired youth philanthropists with funding from The Heinz Endowments. The interns were Kate Pfrommer, Senior Intern, 2007 North Hills graduate and sophomore at Allegheny College; Stephen Freehling, a 2008 Pine Richland graduate attending Virginia Military Institute; Justin Taylor, 2008 North Allegheny graduate attending Penn State; and Alexandra Zabierek, a 2008 North Allegheny graduate attending the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to working directly with one of NHCO’s programs that help people in need, the youth also designed a Request For Proposals, reviewed 21 applications and awarded $25,000 to six local organizations. The “Bridge to Tomorrow” grants were awarded to programs that promote positive mentoring relationships, build self-esteem, promote an active lifestyle and encourage a sense of purpose in every child.

The youth philanthropists awarded the following grants:

• $1,800 to Catholic Youth Association’s R Camp to fund eight 2009 summer camperships at Laurel Run State Park for low-income children
• $5,000 to Community Human Services Corporation’s Career Mentoring program, which provides working professional adults as mentors for children
• $3,200 to Earthen Vessels Outreach’s After-School program, which matches CMU work-study students with program participants
• $5,000 to HEARTH's Moms as Mentors program, which provides training for mothers to become positive role models for their own children
• $5,000 to New Dawn Beginnings Outreach Ministries' Winner in You program, which encourages youth to develop appropriate social skills and behaviors
• $5,000 to New Sun Rising (Millvale Library) to support its Buddy Read program

For more information about our youth philanthropy project, contact Susan Rohm at 412-487-6316, option 1.

Chiropractor Holds Benefit for NHCO Dr. Joseph Pettinato and his staff will donate their services to benefit North Hills Community Outreach on Patient Appreciation Day on September 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Their office is located at 5420 William Flynn Highway in Gibsonia.

In exchange for a $10 donation to North Hills Community Outreach, existing Pettinato Chiropractic Center patients will receive an adjustment and a massage in a fun picnic atmosphere. In addition, from August 30 - September 5, new patients who donate $25 will receive an exam, consultation, x-rays (if necessary) and a complimentary massage.

For more information, call 724-444-6644.

2009 Entertainment Books for Sale Allison Park Travel (Route 8) is once again selling Entertainment books to benefit North Hills Community Outreach. Books are $20, and NHCO will receive $8 for each book purchased. They are available at the travel agency, and NHCO also has a limited supply at the Allison Park office. For more information, contact Vicki at 412-487-6316, option 1, x3111.

Winter Coat Collection Underway From September 2 through October 31, North Hills Community Outreach is accepting donations of new and gently worn winter coats to be distributed to low-income families in need. NHCO does not have facilities or funds to wash the coats, so only CLEAN coats can be accepted. Last year, 445 local families received 2,125 coats; an additional 800 coats were distributed to 25 other social service agencies. Donations may be dropped off weekdays at 1975 Ferguson Road in Allison Park. For more information or to make alternate drop-off arrangements, contact Judy Murchak at 412-487-6316, option 1.

Volunteer Mentors Needed for FSA Savers Volunteer mentors (or Savings Coaches) are needed to provide one-on-one financial counseling and guidance to NHCO’s Family Savings Account savers. This is a great opportunity for retired professionals or individuals with a few hours a month to help someone in need accomplish an important goal.

Prospective volunteers should have:

• Good money management skills; work experience in finance field helpful!
• Life experience in one or all of the following FSA asset goals: home purchase, home repair/improvements, car purchase, small business start-up, post-secondary education.
• Desire to listen and build a rapport with an FSA saver in an effort to answer the saver’s questions and help keep him/her motivated.

Savings Coach Responsibilities:

• Support and Monitor FSA Savers in fulfilling FSA requirements.
• Encourage savers to participate in the financial literacy workshop early in the participation period.
• Reinforce what is taught in the workshops when discussing saving efforts with the FSA Saver.
• Assist staff in helping savers successfully reach financial savings goals.
• Provide guidance to prepare the saver for the purchase of his/her asset goal.
• Prepare saver for continued positive saving and budgeting habits, and choosing wise investment options.
• Complete necessary FSA documentation forms.

Volunteers will need to attend a training on October 18 from 9:30-2:00 at NHCO's Millvale Satellite. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Bridge Club Needs New Members - "Bridge-O-Rama" is seeking new members to join their group. Foursomes meet at different players' homes throughout the northern communities once a month, and there is a banquet every May. Dues are just $16 for the entire season - and all dues are donated to North Hills Community Outreach. Each year, between $400-$500 is donated to NHCO by the club's membership. To join (you need to have a partner) or for more information, please contact Roma Vosc at 724-774-0817.

Rare Disease Threatens Local Woman's Life In 2004, 41-year-old BethAnne Lankey of Ross was diagnosed with a little understood autoimmune blood clotting disease called Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). APS causes blood clots to form in any artery or vein without provocation. The damage can be devastating, and the disease can be fatal.

At the time of her diagnosis, BethAnne was working full time and active with various charities, social activities, sports and friends. She can no longer work, volunteer, or play sports (walking up a flight of stairs is often too taxing). Her health is a full time job now.

NHCO is assisting BethAnne with living and other expenses. For more of BethAnne's story and how you can help, please click here.