July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Annual Report
A Year Like No Other…Rising to New Challenges
View and/or download the PDF version
All three of our food pantries experienced an increase in demand when the pandemic started.
During Fiscal Year 2019-20, NHCO Provided 25,215 Services to 3,259 Local Families and Individuals in Need.
Our Mission: North Hills Community Outreach is an interfaith-based organization
addressing the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty.
Our Vision: Northern Allegheny County is a sharing community where no one is cold, hungry or alone.
Our Values
Faith: Recognizing the love of God for everyone.
Compassion: Treating all individuals with dignity, understanding and caring.
Empowerment: Fostering self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.
Stewardship: Managing our resources in a trustworthy and responsible manner for the good of the community.
A year of generosity, kindness, and compassion.
Before March 2020, NHCO served approximately 400 - 500 families and individuals every month through our three food pantry sites. Since March and the beginning of the pandemic, we have served an additional 320 families and individuals.
2020 has been a year in which we have certainly taken Mister Rogers' advice and looked for the helpers. As Mister Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
It has been my long standing belief that there might not be an organization in our region that does more to help others than NHCO. This might have proven to be even more accurate during 2020. This year has brought out so much generosity, kindness, and compassion through the NHCO community. Our entire team is truly grateful. You are part of this group of do-gooders that has provided incredibly essential and important services to those in hardship.
2021 will bring many terrific highlights including a 10th Anniversary Celebration of our Garden in Bellevue, a ground breaking for our new Bio Shelter, our annual NHCO Block Party, a variety of Sharing Project distributions, dozens of food pantries, and an assortment of events that will bring us together. Through your generosity, we will be able to bring together 1,000+ volunteers to provide 3,500+ families with 25,000 direct services. The future is bright for NHCO and we are thrilled to have you as part of the team that will do so much good to help others in need during 2021.
- Tom Baker, Executive Director
A Message from Tom Baker, NHCO's New Executive Director
Tom, seen here in 2018, enjoys volunteering during our Salvation Army Kettle Campaign.
It has been a tremendous honor to begin my career with NHCO as Executive Director this fall. My family has been involved with NHCO for longer than a decade in many roles including my six years of service on our Board of Directors. We have thoroughly enjoyed all of our experiences including ringing bells for the kettle campaign for the holidays, Running for the Hills several years for our NHCO Marathon team, and attending and emceeing NHCO events as well over the years. NHCO has always held a special place in my heart and this opportunity to help lead our organization is truly one that means a great deal to me. People Helping People is what my life has been all about since my childhood and I wholeheartedly believe in our mission and vision of supporting our neighbors in the community through the 20 programs and services that NHCO coordinates and provides.
We have an amazing team of staff, board, volunteers, clients, and supporters. It has been such a rewarding experience to get to know so many facets of individuals and groups that serve within NHCO so far. As the weeks and months move along, I certainly hope to connect with all of you who are reading this. If there is anything at all that you would like to share with me, please never hesitate to email me at tjbaker@nhco.org. I am available every day of the week, including nights and weekends, to come and share about NHCO with your places of worship, schools, civic groups, or companies. We certainly hope to expand upon the current partnerships of NHCO in 2021 and look forward to collaborating with many new groups moving forward.
District 1 Difference Maker Award Winner
NHCO Executive Director Tom Baker (left) and NHCO Millvale Outreach Manager Jacqlyn Boggs (right) presented Glenn Smith with the award in 2019.
During the summer of 2018, heavy rains caused Girty’s Run in Millvale to overflow, damaging homes and business. Many families and individuals needed assistance recovering from the tragedy.
"I believe that volunteering to help others at a time of need is our responsibility. Working with the staff at NHCO is an opportunity to fulfill that responsibility in a professional and enjoyable way. To be recognized for those efforts by this award is very special and much appreciated."
Glenn went door to door and checked on homes affected by the floodwaters and offered assistance. He also organized other volunteers to clean, mop and power wash basements, and delivered dehumidifiers and other supplies.
For his volunteerism during that difficult time, County Councilman and current NHCO Executive Director Tom Baker recognized Glenn with the District 1 Difference Maker Award.
Responding to the Pandemic - New programs added and new protocols put in place to help those in crisis.
NHCO volunteers helped deliver boxes of food to local seniors.
Since March 1, 2020, 2,024 services were provided to 515 families. That number does not include our food pantry clients, where 320 NEW households were served
*These numbers only reflect our fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2020.
Some of the numbers you will see in this annual report will look different compared to past reports. The COVID-19 crisis caused a higher demand for many of our services. It also forced us to temporarily halt some of our programs and events. During this time, North Hills Community Outreach is still committed to helping our neighbors.
Starting in March, many of our programs began operating differently. We held all our food pantries outside with items pre-bagged to help with social distancing and minimize person-to-person contact. Our Sharing Project collections and distributions also operated under CDC safety protocols.
"For everyone's safety, we had to change the way we collected and distributed the Sharing Projects this year. With the support of donors and volunteers, we were able to meet the need for grateful families," said Vicki Burstynowicz, Sharing Projects Coordinator.
Programs including Free Tax Prep, Ask the Attorney and Education Assistance mostly operated via phone, email and Zoom. Our Free Rides For Seniors program was suspended, but slowly and safely returned to provide rides to medical appointments.
Initially, we asked our volunteers to stay home. As restrictions eased, we opened limited volunteer opportunities with safety precautions in place. Having fewer volunteers affected many of our programs, including our garden.
"The COVID-19 crisis in March impacted our spring planting and harvest until we could bring volunteers back. However, this allowed us to really focus on maximizing summer and fall plantings for an amazing harvest of beans, squash, lettuces and kale," said Alyssa Crawford, NHCO Garden Team Leader and Youth Coordinator.
We are grateful to our clients, volunteers, donors, supporters and staff who pulled together to help us all get through this difficult time.
New Position - CARES Service Coordinator
Stephanie Kobert's new position at NHCO focuses solely on those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone who experienced a job loss and/or reduction of income due to COVID-19 can get help finding services and applying for emergency relief. The position was developed as part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) Act passed by congress in March.
Stephanie can assist those applying for:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Free or reduced prices on school meals
Assistance with child care while at work
Medical assistance
Pennsylvania unemployment
She can also connect clients with other NHCO programs and resources.
Learn more at NHCO.org/Covid-19-Relief
New Program - Senior Buddy Check-In Calls
“Our goal is/was simply to offer our most vulnerable seniors a warm, caring and encouraging human connection during this unprecedented time of crisis and isolation and ensure that they know help is available, if needed.”
747 Senior Buddy Check-in Calls were made to 165 Seniors by 23 Volunteers from the In Service Of Seniors program
Volunteers are calling seniors who live alone, ensuring they’re safe, and their needs are met during the COVID-19 crisis. Needs can include food, medicine and other essentials. If they need anything, NHCO will arrange a way to get those goods or services to them. This is one of the ways we connect with seniors in our community to make sure they live healthy and safe with dignity at home. And for some seniors, hearing a friendly voice is all they need.
“They’ve been really happy to hear from me. They’re lonely, ” said Elaine, a volunteer caller. “One woman I’ve spoken with said she doesn’t have anybody. So she was just glad to hear my voice and happy to talk to somebody. It was mostly just chatting about whatever she wanted to talk about.”
Many of the seniors we serve live independently and have limited access to resources. Some do not have family or friends close by during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Since losing her husband and then her son-in-law, the calls have kept her positive and not so lonely. She is getting chattier and chattier with each phone call and that’s a great sign.”
New Project - Delivering Food to Seniors
Members from local police departments helped deliver boxes of food to seniors.
To help our seniors stay safe at home, NHCO organized food deliveries to their homes once a month for four months.
1,015 Boxes of Food some non-perishable and some fresh produce, were delivered to 195 Seniors.
30 Volunteers and members from 8 Local Police Departments made the deliveries
“Thank you very much. I really appreciate this so much. Good things in there. I’m sure everybody in our building appreciates it also.”
Food and Emergency Services
Food insecurity and general financial hardship are the top two reasons people sought help at NHCO.
2,124 Families received food and emergency assistance
1,296 Families used one of NHCO’s three food pantries and/or received emergency food
“I just want to thank you very much for what you did yesterday. I haven’t had any types of snacks or protein foods or anything like that probably for three or four months. It lit me up when I opened the box and saw what you gave me.”
46 Families received disaster relief, including 3 Families who received help after a fire and 43 Families who received help for flood damage.
Services
North Hills Community Outreach helps qualifying families with utilities through various programs. We assist clients with rent or a security deposit to prevent homelessness.
“North Hills Community Outreach is a bright shining light. I had to call and tell you that. Thank you so much.”
104 Households received help with LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Crisis Assistance applications
198 Households received Dollar Energy Grants
111 Households were provided with Housing Financial Assistance, including rent and security deposits
108 Households received utility assistance to prevent shut-offs, restore service, or arrange affordable payments
54 Individuals participated in our Pathways Program
“Thank you so much for the computer. I appreciate your kindness and I can’t begin to tell you how much it means that you listened to my situation and offered support. I struggle daily financially, emotionally and physically. Thank you again - your friend.”
Senior Services
Two NHCO volunteers install a grab bar in the shower at a senior's home during a home safety check.
Through our In Service Of Seniors program, NHCO helped 629 Seniors in our community live healthy and safely in their homes.
NHCO provided 8,966 Services for our seniors, including:
Transportation
Home safety checks
Food delivery
Senior buddy check-in calls
Yard work
Snow shoveling
205 Seniors took 5,084 Rides on NHCO’s Free Rides For Seniors Shuttles.
Support and Resources
After an individual’s emergency needs are met, our resource programs help with job searches, education assistance and legal help. We also refer clients to other agencies and programs for additional support if needed.
273 Individuals received Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) through our Free Tax Preparation program
61 Unemployed or Underemployed Individuals received Employment Assistance through WorkAble, a United Way Program, including help with their resumes and skills for interviewing
117 Individuals received legal resources, including 48 Individuals through our Ask The Attorney Program
10 Non-Traditional Students were awarded Education Assistance grants to help them become economically self-sufficient
“I got them and I’m absolutely in love with my printer! It makes learning so much more easier and fun! Thank you so much!!!!! I love everything I’ve received and have been using them frequently!”
Sharing Projects
Throughout the year, generous members of our community donate items that we distribute to those less fortunate.
Khushi and her sister Riya held a back to school supply collection that benefitted NHCO's Back to School Sharing Project.
1,127 Families received items and assistance through our eight seasonal Sharing Projects including:
222 Families including 1,164 Children received new back packs and school supplies
222 individuals received a new winter coat
480 Families received a complete Thanksgiving dinner
303 Children received new toys, games and other gifts for the holidays
192 Families received utility credits through Sharing Holiday Warmth
311 Families received a complete spring dinner
375 Families received personal care products
329 Families received spring cleaning products
Transportation Assistance Program
NHCO sells donated vehicles through auction and uses the funds to help low-income families and individuals with transportation needs.
120 People received transportation assistance in one of the following ways:
Financial assistance for car repairs
Insurance payments
Car payments or down payments
Bus passes
Gas cards and fees for ride sharing services
AAA membership
Car seats
Individual consultations and referrals.
“If it wasn’t for North Hills Community and Dan and you guys, I wouldn’t be able to drive my car and go back to work.”
Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden
North Hills Community Outreach’s (NHCO) Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden is a volunteer, community-supported organic garden. The produce grown is distributed at our three food pantries.
4,271 pounds of organic produce was harvested from NHCO’s garden and distributed to our three food pantries.
1,114 Volunteers gave 21,044.25 Hours
Data Entry- 19 volunteers gave 1,338.25 hours
Bulk Mailing - 1 volunteers gave 4.25 hours
Receptionists - 39 volunteers gave 3,226.75 hours
Clerical - 13 volunteers gave 426.5 hours
Ask The Attorney - 16 volunteers gave 41.75 hours
Education Assistance - 3 volunteers gave 15 hours
Food Pantry - 198 volunteers gave 4,490.25 hours
Sharing Projects - 108 Volunteers gave 503.5 hours
In Service of Seniors - 105 volunteers gave 2098.5 hours
Maintenance/Building - 13 volunteers gave 105.75 hours
Special Events/Fundraisers - 221 volunteers gave 853 hours
Free Rides For Seniors - 44 volunteers gave 2,446.5 hours
Services for Clients - 21 volunteers gave 2,501 hours
Information Technology - 1 volunteer gave 111.25 hours
Garden - 254 volunteers gave 1,234.5 hours
Board of Directors - 27 volunteers gave 790 hours
Free Tax Prep - 28 volunteers gave 848.25 hours
Miscellaneous - volunteers gave 9.25 hours
195 Youth Volunteers gave 6 hours including:
Receptionists - 1 volunteers gave 6 hours
Food Pantry - 28 volunteers gave 230.5 hours
Sharing Projects - 10 Volunteers gave 22 hours
In Service of Seniors - 5 volunteers gave 33.25 hours
Special Events/Fundraisers - 35 volunteers gave 122.5 hours
Services for Clients - 3 volunteers gave 267.5 hours
Garden - 112 volunteers gave 426.5 hours
Free Tax Prep - 1 volunteer gave 31 hours
Revenue
Outreach Assistance - Financial and InKind
Our Donors
We are grateful to everyone who donates time, talent and resources to North Hills Community Outreach. The link below takes you to a list of businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, schools, foundations, governments and religious organizations that donated to NHCO.
2,797 individuals gave between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. They are listed on the list.
Thank you!
Board of Directors
President
Briana Mihok, Hampton
University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics
Hampton Presbyterian
Vice President
Nathan Locklin, Ross
PPG Industries, Sr. Database Analyst
St. John’s Lutheran of Highland
Secretary
J. Sean Frank, Shaler Township,
St. Mary of Assumption-Middle Road
Treasurer
Tim Huffmyer, CPA, McCandless
Smith Micro
St. John’s Lutheran of Highland
Sigma Nu Fraternity
Past President
Wendelynne J. Newton, Esq, Franklin Park
Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney
Ingomar United Methodist
Ray Amelio, Franklin Park
Robin Clay, MEd, Marshall
Seneca Valley School District
Kathy Dougherty, Shaler
VCA Duncan Manor Animal Hospital
Temple Ohav Shalom
James Giel, Shaler
Dollar Bank, Assistant VP Human Resources/Benefits
Elfinwild Presbyterian
Daniel Halle, McCandless
P & A Group
Diane Hallett, McCandless
St. Alexis Church
Nicholas Hannan, City of Pittsburgh
North Allegheny School District, Secondary Mathematics Teacher
St. Paul’s Methodist Church
Jeremy Hartzell, JD, MBA, Pine
Hill Barth and King LLC, Principal in Charge
Dutilh Methodist Church
Eric Kofmehl, PhD, McCandless
Health Care, Retired
St. John’s Lutheran of Highland
Asim Kokan, JD, Franklin Park
Engineer, Retired
Islamic Center
Lori Krall, MSN, Richland
UPMC Outpatient Clinic, Certified Nurse Practitioner
St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
Lisa Krieg, MA, Shaler
Carnegie Mellon University, Associate Vice President, Director of Enrollment Services and International Programs
Carol MacPhail, Franklin Park
Robert Morris University, St.
Mary's Parish of Glenfield
Sharon Miller, Pine
Highmark, Inc., VP Market Performance & Implementation
Nora Peace, JD, McCandless
Attorney
Bethlehem Lutheran
Ruth Ann Pritchard, Franklin Park
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Board Emeritus
Lorna L. Andrew-Jaja
Donald E. Hook
Shirley McIlvried, RN