Outing for Older Adult is More Than Just Shopping

It was a rainy, dreary day. However, that didn’t keep Gregg Brunner from sharing some sunshine on Linda’s afternoon. The NHCO In Service of Seniors (ISOS) Projects Coordinator took the slightly feisty and very lovable 79 year old out shopping. The widow and retired school cafeteria worker lives alone in an assisted living facility. For her, a ride to the store is essential for food and other necessities, but socializing is a very close second.

"Getting to my doctor's appointments...Getting shopping. Anyway I can get out, I love it," Linda said. "I like my apartment, but I don't like being in it."

Gregg oversees NHCO’s ISOS Volunteer Caregiving Program. In the program, older adults are paired with a volunteer who takes them to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and the occasional sweet treat.

On this damp day, they went to the eye doctor to have her glasses adjusted. Then to Target for groceries, followed by a frappe from McDonalds. Linda says she can live on the frozen chocolaty drink alone, if possible.

They talked about their relatives, both the pleasant and unpleasant ones. They exchanged cleaning tips, particularly how Dawn dish soap perfectly washes clothes. They debated the best tasting ice cream (Friendly’s Forbidden Chocolate is Linda’s favorite), and how Kodiak makes top notch frozen waffles.

Linda reminisced about how a piece of her heart is in Heaven with her husband. They met while ice skating at the North Park Rink, and were married for almost 48 years until he died in 2018. They have two sons together and three grandchildren. After hearing her touching tale, Gregg decided he’s going to start ice skating in the hopes finding his own love story.

“My favorite part of this program is the opportunity to really connect with our older neighbors in meaningful ways,” Gregg said. “The impact that has had on our older neighbors cannot be overstated. Hearing a familiar voice, or being in the presence of a kind, compassionate volunteer, brings something that can't be quantified in a simple number of services given.”

“Thank you very much for everything that Outreach (NHCO) does,” Linda added. “Without them I would be stuck in my chair in very bad shape."

Would you like to be the light in an older adult’s life? Contact Gregg at 412-487-6316 x3323 or grbrunner@NHCO.org

Through Their Eyes: A Glimpse into a Day of a Social Worker

Hiking the Appalachian Mountains, dancing in the rain, trekking through a blizzard, cuddling with adorable kittens, being caught in the ocean's riptide and winning the lottery. These are just some of the various ways I, as a service coordinator, try to put the feelings and emotions I experience daily into words. I honestly wouldn't change it for anything.

Helping people means standing with them as they face everyday struggles, and cheering them on while celebrating their successes. It may be getting rental assistance needed to keep someone in their home.

Or finding much-needed beds for a mom and her children.

Or applying for the right grant to avoid a gas shut-off.

Or successfully working with a client to find affordable housing.

Or helping a non-English speaking family navigate the path to find the right resources.

Whatever the day, each one promises to be different, exciting, challenging, tough, and sometimes difficult..

... but always, always rewarding.

Spring Kicks Off New Growing Season at NHCO Garden

NHCO’s Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden is a volunteer and community supported organic garden. Produce harvested goes towards our food pantries.

Waking up the garden after a winter slumber can be a daunting task. But more than 45 members of SEWA, a Hindu faith based nonprofit service that specializes in humanitarian services, spent a cold and overcast Saturday morning making it look easy.

“This was the largest group of volunteers that we've had at the garden in recent memory, and they worked like a well-oiled machine," said NHCO Garden Coordinator Kate Robson. “I cannot thank them enough for getting our garden season kicked off in such an amazing way.”

They unloaded a truck of nutritious manure, planted blackberry bushes, built and filled three new raised garden beds, and planted cabbage, kohlrabi, and other cool weather crops. They also weeded, and cleared dead branches and other debris.

Volunteer hours are open!

Individuals, families, community clubs, church groups, youth organizations and companies all contribute to the success of NHCO Gardens.

Everyone is welcome! No experience is necessary.

Learn more about the garden, and sign up to volunteer at NHCO.org/garden.

Make a Gift That Lasts

Planned giving can ensure you leave an impact well into the future with your most cherished causes. Donors can elect to support NHCO through different channels, such as a bequest or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, with little, if any, change to their daily lifestyle or budget. NHCO's Legacy Society allows your generosity to live on for years to come through the organization's important mission.

Additionally, there can be tax advantages to supporting your favorite charity. For example, you could make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who are 70½ years old or older to donate up to $105,000 total to one or more charities directly from a taxable IRA. This can also count towards your Required Minimum Distribution if you are required to take one. There is a lot of flexibility and it is important to work with professionals to get the full benefit.

Find out more about NHCO's Legacy Society by contacting Lizzy Zimmerman at 412-676-7812 or emzimmerman@nhco.org. But to be sure you are making the most of your charitable giving, please give NHCO supporter, The Leonard Advisory Group, a call at 412-998-PLAN (7526) or or schedule a call with Josh Leonard here.

Bringing Birthday Cheer: Group Delivers Boxes of Joy to Families in Need

Lexi has fond memories of her childhood birthdays. And she wants to share that experience.

"Growing up I always had really good birthday parties and presents and everything like that. I was pretty fortunate," Lexi said. "So to be able to give back to families who don't have those opportunities and make their kids have a good day is nice."

She and her A.W. Beattie Career Center Classmate Ella spent a day filling decorative boxes with cake makings complete with frosting, batter mix, cooking tins and sprinkles. They also added plates, candles and festive decorations. The boxes will be distributed to families who utilize NHCO’s food pantries for birthday celebrations as needed.

The two women, both early childhood education majors, became familiar with NHCO’s mission after volunteering for our annual Thanksgiving project for seniors. They, along with other Beattie students, prepared complete Thanksgiving meals that were delivered to older adults in NCHO’s In Service of Seniors Program.

"This is so cool helping all these families," Ella remembered. "What if we did something with birthdays, and helping the families? So we came up with the boxes."

NHCO's Education Assistance Grant Rekindles Recipient's Education Plans

Sovi almost gave up on her academic ambitions. Caring for her newborn was time consuming, and her husband was having difficulty finding a well-paying job. That’s when she applied for, and was awarded, a grant from NHCO’s Education Assistance Program.

“NHCO has been a blessing for our family,” Sovi added. “I was ready to say goodbye to my dream of working in the communication field, but NHCO has done their best to offer support where I had none. Thank you!”

NHCO provides grants to non-traditional students to further their education and reach their academic goals. Applicants have challenges outside a typical student’s life, such as caring for a child. According to NHCO's Education Assistance Committee Member Linda Dahl, they look for someone in disadvantageous circumstances who has an achievable educational plan that will better their career and life.

Sovi discovered she was pregnant soon after being accepted to graduate school at Duquesne University. Living in a small North Dakota town, she and her husband realized they could not pass up this opportunity, even though the cross-country move seemed daunting.

“When we got to Pittsburgh, we had arrived on our last dime and had a lot of trouble navigating an American city,” Sovi remembers.

The grant from NHCO helped pay for several textbooks and her child’s daycare, which allowed Sovi to work part time at the university. This May, she will graduate with a Master's in Rhetoric and Philosophy of Communication from Duquesne University. She hopes to teach at a high school or small college, or work in nonprofit communications and development.

Learn About NHCO’s Volunteer Opportunities at NHCO.org/Volunteer

If you're interested in volunteering and/or have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Harriet Klatte
Volunteer Coordinator
412-487-6316 x3204
hzklatte@nhco.org

NHCO's Sharing Projects and Other Ways to Help

Sharing Project and food donations can be dropped off at any of our three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. Our Allison Park location also accepts donations the first Saturday of the month between 9am-noon.

Spring Cleaning Collection, Now - June 10

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase cleaning supplies. These items can be an extra expense that many low-income families cannot afford. We’re holding a collection so we can provide each family with a bag of cleaning supplies to make their home sparkle.

You can order items from our Amazon Wishlist or Walmart Wishlist and have them sent directly to our office.

We are collecting:

• Laundry detergent (size under 100oz )

• Disinfecting wipes

• All-Purpose cleaner

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Dish detergent

• Packs of sponges

• Rolls of paper towels

• Canvas shopping bags

Back to School Supplies Collection, June 10 - August 9

Because of our generous supporters, 889 students received back to school supplies last year. This was an increase compared to previous years, so the need is there.

You can order items from our Amazon Wishlist and have them sent directly to our office.

We’re collecting:

• New backpacks

• Colored pencils

• 24-pack crayons

• Erasers

• Glue sticks

• Highlighters and markers

• Loose-leaf paper

• Notebooks

• Binders

• Pens pencils/mechanical pencils

• Pencil boxes and sharpeners

• Pocket folders

• Rulers

• Scissors

• TI graphing calculators for advanced high school science and math (Texas Instruments). These can be gently used, as long as they are working.

Seven Easy Ways to Donate

1. NHCO.org/donate

2. Text NHCO to 44-321

3. Call our staff accountant to make a donation over the phone: Lin Kostura, 412-487-6316, opt. 1 x 3131

4. Send a check to:
North Hills Community Outreach
1975 Ferguson Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

5. Corporate Matching Gifts - Multiply your gift with a donation match from your employer. Visit NHCO.org/matching-gifts to see if your donation will be matched. Learn more at NHCO.org/corporate-matching-gifts

6. Become a monthly donor. It's easy and automatic. Please visit NHCO.org/donate and choose "monthly."

7. Planned giving - This opportunity allows donors to leave a lasting legacy to NHCO and the community we serve. Learn more at NHCO.org/legacy.

Kindness Club Cares

A food pantry client (right) grabs a bag of personal care items and treats from Avalon Elementary School students. The children are members of the school's Kindness Club, who spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day collecting and bagging the items, and then donated them to local charities.

A large portion of what NHCO distributes is donated. Interested in holding a collection? Please contact:
Abby Kelly
Development Coordinator
412-487-6316 x3205
aekelly@NHCO.org

Fundraisers and Events

NA Students Jump Their Hearts Out for Big NHCO fundraiser

1,190 students participated in the annual Jump for the Hills fundraiser which raised over $75,000!

Through January and February, North Allegheny elementary school students jumped rope and practiced jumping techniques while raising funds from friends and family. They also learned about NHCO's mission, and raised awareness of our important work in the community.

“I'd like to thank all of our students and the North Allegheny community for their hard work, kindness and generosity,” said Dean Boronyak, Health and Physical Education Department Facilitator at NA. ”We love teaching and supporting NHCO and their mission of ‘People Helping People.'"

This was the event’s fifth consecutive year.

"We are once again blown away by the students at North Allegheny Elementary School! A record number of students participated and raised funds that will be used to support our programs and services. We are so grateful to NA for making this possible and for encouraging their students to work towards a strong and healthy community," said NHCO Development Coordinator Abby Kelly, who oversaw the event.

Thank You Notes!

"I just wanted to thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts you gave me for my children. Thank you for helping me make their Christmas great. It's very much appreciated. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
A mother who received gifts through NHCO’s Toy Shop

"I don't know what black magic or white magic she does, but the gifts are always perfect."
A mother referring to NHCO's Sharing Project Coordinator

"I greatly appreciate your tremendous help with my life. Your wonderful volunteers are a blessing to me. Thank you for everything you do for me. You have improved my quality of life."
A client who uses our senior services

"Thank you for the generous food pantry every month. It is a great help."
A food pantry client

"Thank you Angela honestly I would of not been able to get my life and small business back on track if it wasn’t for this program thank you soooo very much and the staff that makes difficult times better…. Thank you Ms Kearns."
A note to Angela Kearns, NHCO's Transportation Resource Coordinator