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.

Please Say Thank You to a Social Worker this March

According to the website SocialWorkLicenseMap.com, social workers are professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people.

That description also defines many of the goals and much of our work at NHCO. Several staff members earned a degree in social work, which prepared them for their duties.

Tuesday, November 30 is Giving Tuesday

People Helping People - That's what we do at North Hills Community Outreach. This short story that illustrates how we are serving those in need.

A trio of programs at North Hills Community Outreach is helping a 44-year-old woman get on track to a better life. Melissa first came to NHCO this past summer to get help with paying utility bills. The childcare center where she worked closed because of the pandemic. She was also in the process of leaving a very unhealthy and unhappy marriage that was straining her mentally and financially.

From Recipient to Donor: A Veteran’s Story

Three years ago, a Vietnam Veteran who retired from the real estate business could not afford his car's inspection.

"I was retired, living on social security alone and nothing else. So I was living pretty much on gas fumes," Dan remembered. "When the car needed something done I couldn't afford it."

North Hills Community Outreach has selected Tom Baker as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Earleen, 68, lives alone on a very tight budget and is prone to falls. She heard of NHCO’s Safety for Seniors Home Checks and requested a visit.

Buying a car is never easy. And doing it on a limited budget can be a real challenge, but not impossible. The best option when on a tight budget is to find a reliable and well-maintained used car.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Parent Faculty Association at Franklin Elementary School donated $2,000 to NHCO. This generous gift was made in honor of the school’s teachers and staff.