Steering Through Change: Offering Seniors a Lifeline When Independence Fades

Imagine finding yourself lost in a bustling foreign city. You are desperately trying to make sense of your surroundings. You’ve learned some of the language, but everyone speaks so fast that you can’t keep up. It is incredibly difficult to process the information coming at you. You wish someone would slow down, look you in the eye, and take the time to truly communicate with you. Imagine that feeling in your hometow

As I turn 50 the memories that impact me the most are the goodwill of others. The simple act of a stranger’s kindness can make a lifetime impression. I have such happy memories as a child when my mom, sister and I would go shopping and getting an Icee and soft pretzel. 

What makes me great at helping others is that I prioritize taking care of myself. It's essential to look after your own well-being. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup.

Being a service coordinator can be stressful. I must stay organized and on top of my calls, appointments and paperwork. I also must be a grounding and resourceful force when clients come in for appointments. How do I do it? 

We are thrilled to introduce Scott Shaffer, NHCO's new Executive Director

The In Service of Seniors (ISOS) program does so much for our aging neighbors. It provides them with dignity, support, and friendship as they age. It reminds them that they are not forgotten, and a valued and loved members of our community.

NHCO supporters have a variety of ways to fundraise, both monetary and nonmonetary. One approach is creative fundraising, which often involves an art, craft, theater, or sports theme.

Does filing your income taxes scare you? Does it stress you out? Does it keep you up at night with worry?

It does for many of our tax clients that visit us at our Millvale and North Boroughs tax clinics, as well as our satellite locations at Roots of Faith, Westview Hub and Thomas Village Apartments.

I have so many things to say about NHCO I don't even know where to start!

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

The Generosity of Giving Time - Volunteering at North Hills Community Outreach.

“Community” can be defined as “a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” NHCO IS community. Millvale IS community. And together, we build community.

My past experiences prepared me for my time at NHCO. My desire to always help others prepared me to exemplify NHCO's motto, "People Helping People.

By Gregg Brunner, In Service of Seniors Projects Coordinator

About seven years ago I met Patty, 81-years old, when she worked at the flower shop next to the coffee shop where I worked. Working was putting it loosely, though—she wasn’t getting paid. Her friend Tad, who later became my friend, owned the flower shop and she helped out with sweeping, answering phones or whatever little things needed to be done. Patty had been a nurse her whole life and she would come over every day to get coffee and we became fast friends.

By Mikhaila Fogel, NHCO Service Coordinator

In September 2021, Marie came to NHCO looking for help paying various overdue bills. Now, after a year and a half of engaging in NHCO’s Pathways program, Marie feels much more in control of her finances and has managed to pay off three of her credit cards.

For Roots of Faith, community connection is the core of their values. They have run many programs designed to serve their neighborhood, Sharpsburg. During the pandemic they realized they needed help meeting the needs of the community. However, it quickly became clear that the outreach director, Kathleen Stanley, and her volunteer assistant, Mary Jane, would need help to keep up with the community's needs.That’s when they partnered with North Hills Community Outreach.

With some critical and creative thinking and our partner organizations' help, Michael is on a trail to happier times.

Michael is unemployed, disabled, and near financial ruin. Last October, the 60-year-old realized he needed help, so he contacted NHCO North Boroughs Service Coordinator Mick Karolac. Mick oversees our Pathways program, a holistic approach that helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-reliance. Through the past few months, he has been guiding Michael to a better life.

North Hills High School Seniors Emma and Maggie are spending their summer interning at NHCO's Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden. The volunteer and community-supported organic garden in Bellevue provides thousands of pounds of fresh produce to NHCO's food pantries. During NHCO's 2020-2021 fiscal year, 4,556.5 pounds of organic produce was harvested and distributed to those in need.