The Mission, Vision and History at North Hills Community Outreach

Mission and History

*“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help from North Hills Community Outreach.” - Crystal*

Our Mission
North Hills Community Outreach is a community- and 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 needs to be 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

Inclusion Statement

Leadership Message

“North Hills Community Outreach believes in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our workplace, but among the communities we serve. Regardless of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability we all deserve respect and inclusion in the North Hills community that we call home. We pride ourselves on being an organization of open arms — all are welcome here.”

— Lizzy Zimmerman, Director of Development & Communications for North Hills Community Outreach

Two of North Hills Community Outreach’s four values are; Faith- recognizing the love of God for everyone; and Compassion- treating all individuals with dignity, understanding and caring. It is NHCO’s commitment to treat everyone in accordance with those values. We embrace our responsibility to educate ourselves and recognize our shortcomings in the past.

We believe that inclusion and diversity are imperative for many reasons, but most importantly to those that we serve. We hold our Leaders at North Hills Community Outreach accountable for their actions and expect them to act in accordance with our values. This includes playing an active role in creating an inclusive environment.

We have provided all of our staff with resources and conversation tools. We believe that these resources and tools will empower them to have productive conversations about race, equality and inclusion. We welcome and encourage conversations that will help us do better. We are committed to making changes that contribute to our growth so that our organization can be a role model for justice, fairness and equity.

At North Hills Community Outreach, our goal is to ensure that every person we serve feels welcomed and respected.

Diversity Statement: North Hills Community Outreach stands firm against racism and inequality. Discrimination in any form is not tolerated. We are reminded that our society and communities are still suffering from hatred. We are committed to being part of the solution by evolving as an organization.

Our History

In 1986, when flooding ravaged portions of the North Hills, local religious and community leaders began working together to assist flood victims, directing the resources offered by congregations, businesses, civic organizations and individuals to best meet the needs of affected families. When the flood work was over, it was clear that there was a real need in the community for an organization that addresses basic needs. As a result, North Hills Community Outreach was incorporated in 1987 as an organization of People Helping People. NHCO’s parent organization is St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

2023

NHCO's Transportation Resource Program expanded by opening an office in Turtle Creek in the Mon Valley. Allegheny County's Department of Human Services asked NHCO to expand the program to the area because of growing needs for the service.
NHCO's Millvale office celebrated 30 years in the community.
The NHCO Teen Leadership Coalition (TLC) forms. This group of teenage community leaders are dedicated to helping NHCO further its mission of addressing the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty.
Record funds are raised during NHCO's annual Salvation Army bell ringing campaign -- more than $23,700!

2022

Community Connectors donor program is launched. It's a monthly way to support NHCO that is easy and automatic. Donors can now register for monthly recurring donations that are automatically deducted from their bank account, PayPal account, or credit card.
NHCO begins partnership with Roots of Faith, a community center in Sharpsburg where residents can enroll in, and benefit from, NHCO’s Pathways Program.
NHCO partnered with students at A.W. Beattie Career Center to make and deliver fresh and free Thanksgiving Meals to older adults. The project has since become an annual event.
NHCO collaborated with The Hampton Rotary Club to provide $80,000 worth of milk, eggs, and butter to 15 different dates of food distribution at the food pantry.

2021

NHCO's Young Community Leaders Board (YCLB) was born. These volunteer leaders help support NHCO's mission and programs with guidance from NHCO's staff and board of directors.
The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber awarded NHCO with its first-ever Nonprofit Excellence Award.
The first North Boroughs 5k kicked off, benefiting NHCO and the Northgate Cross Country Boosters.
We celebrated the 10th anniversary of NHCO's Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden, a volunteer and community-supported organic garden that produces food that's distributed at our three food pantries.
NHCO launches its Legacy Society. This opportunity allows donors to leave a lasting legacy to our organization and the community we serve through planned giving.
NHCO On The Go starts. This mobile food distribution program seeks to address challenges associated with transportation limitations and make food available to as many people as possible.

2020

During Fiscal Year 2019-20, NHCO provided 25,215 Services to 3,259 families and individuals. Between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to the end of our fiscal year that July, 2,024 services were provided to 515 families. That number does not include our food pantry clients, where 320 new households were served.
NHCO celebrated 15 years of its Free Rides for Seniors program.
NHCO begins awarding its annual People Helping People award for community partners that exemplify NHCO's mission. Winners include Baierl Acura, North Allegheny Health and Physical Education Department, The Hampton Rotary, and Clean Express Auto Wash.
First ever Jump for the Hills. Students at all seven elementary schools in North Allegheny participate in this jump rope fundraiser that benefits NHCO. So far, $221,580 has been raised.

2019

Received new shed thanks to Lowes.
We relocated our North Boroughs office to Greenstone United Methodist Church, 939 California Ave in Bellevue.
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services awarded NHCO a two-year grant for a Transportation Assistance Community Initiative that has allowed NHCO to expand its transportation assistance into southern and northernmost communities in Allegheny County in partnership with South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) and the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC).
The Millvale Food Pantry was relocated to the Millvale Community Center.

2018

Our food pantries introduce healthy eating initiatives such as Produce of the Month and shelf-labeling for healthy choices.
Our Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden produces a record 5,222 pounds of organic produce for our three pantries: 4,934 pounds valued at $26,140.
Our two Free Rides for Seniors shuttles provide a record 7,650 rides to seniors in need.
NHCO provided direct assistance to 320 households after floods devastated several communities in NHCO’s service area.

2017

May: NHCO’s Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden receives a $30,000 grant from the Seeds of Change foundation, allowing us to continue to provide fresh organic produce for the families who use our three food pantries and to provide education opportunities for the community.
December: Transportation Assistance program is expanded. All donated vehicles are now sold at auction to fund the Transportation Assistance program, which helps people in need with transportation-related expenses such as car repairs, bus passes and CONNECT cards and car seats.

2016

NHCO begins offering Family Development/CSBG services in McKees Rocks at Focus On Renewal, establishing a partnership with organizations that serve people in need in the Sto-Rox area.

2015

NHCO obtains a 8’x10′ outdoor walk-in freezer with funds from a Walmart Foundation $20,000 grant and the assistance of a number of volunteers, local businesses and Shaler and Hampton townships.
NHCO adds a second Free Rides for Seniors shuttle service, with funding from St. Margaret Foundation, to transport seniors in communities along the Route 28 corridor to UPMC medical appointments.

2014

NHCO adds third food pantry, Millvale Food Cupboard
NHCO changes name of senior services program to In Service of Seniors: North (formerly Faith In Action) to unify our partnership with Family Services of Western PA.

2013

Smart Investments program is launched as a partnership between North Hills Community Outreach, South Hills Interfaith Ministries and Neighborworks. Funded by United Way, the program provides free financial skills, assistance, and more to women who have had a sudden financial setback.

2012

WorkAble program is launched as a partnership between North Hills Community Outreach, South Hills Interfaith Ministries and Jewish Family & Children’s Services. Funded by United Way, it provides free, holistic career counseling and job search coaching to unemployed and underemployed residents of Allegheny County.

2011

Allegheny County Economic Development provided funds for us to purchase a new Free Rides for Seniors shuttle, which was launched on April 4.

2010

Our Free Rides for Seniors shuttle surpasses 100,000 miles of free rides provided by volunteer drivers and dispatchers.

2009

NHCO is selected as one of five lead agencies in the county to provide significant rent and utility help through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Recovery Program.
NHCO is one of eight organizations to receive funding from United Way of Allegheny County to assist financially struggling adults and families.

2008

Donated land in Bellevue is cleared by Eagle Scout and volunteers. Property will be used as an organic community garden; produce will be distributed in our food pantries.
NHCO implements a training program for Volunteer Savings Coaches to provide individual help to participants in the Family Savings Accounts programs.
Free Rides for Seniors and Faith in Action-Hartwood programs move to donated space at UPMC Lighthouse Pointe.

2007

NHCO receives $240,000 for the Millvale Satellite Expansion from the Kresge Foundation for meeting their Challenge Grant. The building is officially paid off.
NHCO celebrates 20 years of service.

2006

NHCO moves its Millvale Satellite to the renovated and expanded Millvale Community Center.
NHCO consolidates its North Boroughs services at donated space on the second floor of Allegheny General Hospital, Suburban Campus.

2005

Construction begins on Millvale Satellite Expansion Project.
Faith in Action-Hartwood and Free Rides for Seniors programs begin (Fox Chapel, Allegheny Valley areas).

2004

NHCO begins Tobacco Free North program to provide education and outreach for tobacco-use prevention.
President George W. Bush once again highlights NHCO’s excellent services in a Pittsburgh speech.
NHCO’s North Boroughs Food Pantry relocates to Allegheny General Hospital, Suburban Campus.
NHCO embarks on $2.3 million capital campaign to expand and refurbish Millvale Community Center.

2003

President George W. Bush highlights NHCO in a nationally televised speech as an outstanding example of compassion and effectiveness.

2002

NHCO adds new program – Family Savings Accounts – with funding from the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development.
NHCO celebrates 15 years of service to the community with dinner for 240. President George W. Bush sends David Kuo, Special Assistant from the President’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives as his representative.
NHCO accepts responsibility for the North Boroughs Food Pantry, serving an additional 100 families a month, at the request of community leaders.

2001

NHCO breaks ground behind headquarters for a larger food pantry serving 175 families a month, using donated materials and labor, including volunteer architect.
NHCO opens third Satellite office, in space donated by Suburban General Hospital and adds new program – youth leadership.
NHCO adds new program – scholarships for nontraditional low-income students.
NHCO adds new program – Community Connections helping welfare recipients meet family responsibility goals.
NHCO adds new initiative enabling persons with severe disabilities to volunteer in more meaningful ways.
NHCO becomes the Salvation Army’s disbursal agent for their charitable funds in the Hampton area.

1999

NHCO adds new program – childcare grants – for low-income parents entering or returning to work.
NHCO becomes a training site for the County’s Senior Training and Employment Program, PA Job Corps and the County Jail.

1998

NHCO dedicates new 2,400 sq. ft. addition at Hampton headquarters, built without any debt, thanks to in-kind donations and volunteer labor, including volunteer architect.

1997

NHCO opens second Satellite office, in Bellevue, in space donated by a local congregation, Emanuel’s Lutheran.
NHCO moves Millvale Satellite to larger quarters donated by a local business and adds new program – utility help – in partnership with the local electric company, Duquesne Light.
NHCO adds new program – case management for families living in poverty.

1996

NHCO launches capital campaign to build an addition at its headquarters for program expansion.

1995

NHCO builds 500 sq. ft. food storage shed using all donated materials and all volunteer labor.
NHCO adds new initiative encouraging persons required by the courts to perform community service to do so in support of their neighbors in need.

1994

NHCO adds new program – Ask the Attorney – pro bono legal consultations for low-income families.
NHCO adds new program – volunteer caregiving – by receiving its first nationally competitive grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

1993

NHCO opens first Satellite office, in Millvale, in space donated by a local congregation, Christ Lutheran.

1987

June 18 – NHCO incorporated, with headquarters in Hampton.

Awards