Additional Support and Resources

Tobacco Cessation and Prevention
College Scholarships for Nontraditional Students
Family Savings Accounts
Legal Help
Support Groups

Tobacco-Free North - Tobacco Free North is an education and outreach program housed at our Millvale Satellite that focuses on promoting quitting smoking among youth. Our goal is to prevent individuals from starting tobacco use, to educate those who already use it, and to help those who would like to quit smoking. In doing so, Tobacco Free North uses the American Lung Association’s programs, Not On Tobacco and Alternative to Suspension, directed specifically at teenagers. Tobacco Free North also emails tobacco education to school nurses in 19 school districts each week in a program called Facts for Fun. Tobacco Free North is funded in part by Tobacco Free Allegheny and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.

Links to Other Tobacco Free Allegheny Prevention Programs:

• Allegheny Intermediate Unit
• Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR
• Carlow University
• The Consortium for Public Education
• Addiction Medicine Services of Western Psychiatric Institute

For more information on ongoing Tobacco Free Allegheny coalition events, smoking cessation resources, or secondhand smoke, visit Tobacco Free Allegheny. For more information on school programs or for a cessation referral, please contact Nicole Davis at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3213. Nicole is available for health class presentations, health fairs and other wellness events as well.

To get help to quit smoking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call the PA free Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

College Scholarships - Alicia Dal Lago of Alicia Photography initiated NHCO's College Scholarships in 2000 with a $3,000 gift. Soon other caring individuals, businesses and civic groups began to donate to the fund. Grants up to $2,000 per semester may be awarded, depending on financial need and availability of funds. Applicants must reside in or attend school in northern Allegheny County and demonstrate financial need. Most scholarships are granted to nontraditional-age students. Oftentimes, the scholarships can be used for any college-related expense, such as tuition, fees, books, childcare and transportation. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Download an application (Microsoft Word document).

Family Savings Accounts (FSA) - Eligible families in Allegheny, Butler, Beaver and Crawford Counties can receive up to $2,000 in matching funds (provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development). Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Download a PDF file of the application (requires Adobe Reader).

Download a Microsoft Word version of the application.

• Funds can be used to purchase or repair a home, buy a car, attend college or start a business
• Participants must save a minimum of $10 per week for two years and can receive a maximum match of $2,000 over that period.
• Participants must complete eight hours of financial literacy training, which can be completed through an on-line course.
• Participants must meet income guidelines listed on page two of the application. Gross income cannot exceed the amounts listed, which vary based on county and household size.

Ask the Attorney - NHCO, in cooperation with volunteer attorneys of the Allegheny County Bar Association, offers free 30-minute legal consultations to eligible low-income residents of northern Allegheny County. Any noncriminal matter can be discussed, such as divorce, bankruptcy, family matters and credit issues.

Ask the Attorney is offered once a month and rotates among NHCO's offices. See the Calendar for a current schedule. Sessions are scheduled between 7-9 PM and appointments are required. For those who have made an appointment, please download, complete and return this questionnaire prior to your meeting with the attorney. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Support Groups

The Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group that used to meet at NHCO is now meeting at 4361 William Flynn Highway in Allison Park. The group is sponsored by Orion Assisted Living. Pre-registration is appreciated. Call 412-492-7200.

• Young Widows/Widowers Support Groups meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM at Kings Restaurant in Wexford. There are two different groups for varying ages and life circumstances. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.
• Bereavement Support Group meets the second Monday of the month at NHCO Allison Park. Sponsored by Gateway Health Hospice. Pre-registration is appreciated. Call Sister Elizabeth at 412-536-2020.

Need additional help? An NHCO Resource Coordinator is available to address the concerns of those whose crisis or hardship is primarily emotional in nature. She "walks alongside" individuals facing life situations such as separation/divorce, grief, depression or anxiety until the individual can be referred to appropriate sources of help. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.