Man Gets Life Back on Track With NHCO's Support

Working at NHCO is not just a job; it's a passion. Maurice, an individual working with NHCO's Mikhaila Fogel, realized that while standing in his new apartment.

"I think it's more a her thing...you feel that it's coming from her heart," he said about Mikhaila's work style.

Over the summer, Maurice enrolled in NHCO's Pathways Program, a holistic approach that helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-reliance. He was diagnosed with PTSD from child and adulthood trauma, and suffered a severe injury while working in road construction. Through the program, he received bus passes so he could get to doctors appointments and Social Security disability insurance appeals.

His biggest goal was to find a place for him to live full-time, and for his kids part-time. He was living in a small, cramped apartment with his mother and siblings after leaving his girlfriend, with whom he has three kids.

“Finding an affordable apartment for Maurice was definitely a challenge, but Maurice worked so hard to get to where he is now. I helped him research different apartments and role-played calling the landlords but Maurice did the hard part," Mikhaila said. "No matter how many times he was turned down by landlords who weren’t willing to take a chance on him, it was never hard to encourage him to try to call 'just one more' apartment during our weekly appointments until we found something."

On his 45th birthday, she signed a lease and got the keys. On a rainy day in late November, Mikhaila helped him move in and get settled. They mostly unpacked household goods that he received through NHCO’s Sharing Projects.

After he heals, he hopes to run his own home improvement contracting business. But he knows being an attentive dad is most important.

"I'm trying to concentrate on getting back to being a full-time father...I got a solid place to live, thank God. Thank you," he said while looking at Mikhaila.

Local Project Knits Up a Storm to Keep Others Warm

“My favorite inspirational quote is 'No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!'" said Dana, founder of KnitHope. The charity organization uses hundreds of volunteers to knit scarves, hats and other comfy goods that are donated to nonprofits, including NHCO. These handmade goods go to those who benefit from our seasonal Sharing Projects and people in our Older Adults Programs.

In 2008, the novice knitter was a stay-at-home mom with a newborn and a two year old. She mostly made scarves that she gifted to friends and family until "everyone was pretty maxed out on scarves." Knitting was her creative outlet, so she decided to donate the goods to local organizations. Knowing that knitters love to knit, she convinced a local library to put out a donation box for other enthusiasts to contribute their handmade goods. The first year, she collected a hundred handmade scarves.

"I was really shocked. I thought maybe I'd get a handful of them," Dana added. At the time, she was volunteering at NHCO's North Boroughs food pantry and approached Cathy Pschirer, NHCO's In Service of Seniors Coordinator, about donating the goods.

KnitHope recently surpassed 10,000 donated and distributed handmade items. "That's ten thousand smiles," Dana said while quoting her mother's friend. Even after that milestone, Dana still stays humble. "I'm basically just the middle man between really great, creative volunteers and really great organizations."

Expanded Transportation Program Produces Immediate Impact

Angela Kearns received a heartfelt note from the first neighbor in need that she assisted.

"Thank you God. And thank you so much. I appreciate it! I appreciate everything that you have done for me. You don't know how much this means to me... and like I said before, everyone that I went to for help (turned) me down. You were the only one that actually showed interest, and actually did everything you could to help me.”

Angela oversees NHCO's Transportation Resource Program at our recently opened 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 services in the region are funded by a Community Services Block Grant administered by the Department. The program helps individuals stabilize their transportation to support work, job searches and education and vocational training.

The client needed a costly car repair and a renewed registration. He’s recovering from addiction, and is actviely working towards a more fulfilling life by going to school full time while working part time.

“He was so easy to work with, because he was so appreciative. It feels great to be able to help someone who really needs it and I think really deserves it. You could just hear the relief in his voice when I told him we could pay the repair bill,” Angela said.

Cancer Survivor and Her Boys Hold on to Apartment Thanks to NHCO

Maria, a single mother of two school-aged boys, had to take off work to undergo cancer treatments. However, rent was still due. Luckily, she was referred to NHCO’s Utilities and Rental Assistance Program where, in conjunction with partner organizations, she received three months rental assistance.

“Maria and her sons were able to stay in their home and Maria was able to focus on her health,” said Annelise O'Neill, NHCO Millvale Service Coordinator.

She completed chemo and radiation treatments and is back at work.

“Another chapter complete! I want to thank you again for all that you have done for myself and my kids,” Maria said.

“It's always so rewarding to see a client on the other side of their crisis. To have a client that was struggling that is now thriving and on her way to stability is extremely heartwarming. I love a good success story,” Annelise added.

Gift Bags Remind Older Adults Their Community Cares

One hundred seventy-two gift bags full of holiday cheer were mailed or delivered to older adults in NHCO’s ISOS Program.

“This project is a great reminder to our older neighbors that we care about them,” said Gregg Brunner, ISOS Project Coordinator. “The volunteers care about them. Local churches and organizations care about them. Any opportunity we have to remind folks that they are a valued member of the community is one worth facilitating in my book.”

NHCO collaborated with local organizations for this project:

• Saint John Neumann and Saint Alexis Church donated gift cards.

• KnitHope donated knitted hats and scarves. 

• Hampton Elementary School students created handmade holiday cards.

An ISOS client sent this thank you note after receiving a bag.

"Dear Cathy, Gregg, Tracy, Nikkia and Angie, (NHCO’s ISOS staff)

Thank you so much for all that you have done for me. I love the hat. I so much appreciate the Giant Eagle gift card, it will be put to great use. The children’s cards are so special, truly touching. I am blessed to have each of you in my life. Many Thanks!"

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 Kettle Campaign Takes on Musical Ring

According to Zuzu Bailey from the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” If that’s true, then a lot of angels are flying above the North Hills.

Two hundred and twenty-one volunteers rang bells outside Kuhn’s in Allison Park and Walmart in Gibsonia during NHCO’s Salvation Army Campaign. The musically inclined volunteers strummed a guitar, banged drums, tooted a horn, thumped a uke or crooned a carol.

Because of these volunteers, $23,775.17 was raised during the campaign. That's an NHCO record!

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.

Sharing Winter Warmth, Winter 2024

With home heating costs forecasted to reach their highest levels in more than ten years, many families cannot afford to pay their monthly heating bills. Each winter, NHCO offers families a credit to be applied toward either their gas or electric bill to help off set this price increase. Help your neighbors by giving the gift of heat and light at NHCO.org/donate and select "Sharing Winter Warmth" as your designation.

Personal Care Collection, February 14 - April 18

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be used to purchase personal care items. NHCO collects these items and gives them to families and individuals who use our food pantries.

We Are Collecting Full Size (Unscented or Gender Neutral Scents Preferred):

• Body Lotion

• Body Wash

• Conditioner

• Disposable Razors

• Lip Balm

• Dental Floss

• Shaving Cream

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrushes

You can order personal care items from our Amazon Wishlist and have them shipped to NHCO's main office.

Five Easy Ways to Donate to NHCO

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 Roa
Allison Park, PA 15101

Corporate Matching Gifts
Double your impact with a matching gift or volunteer incentive grant from your employer. Many employers will match your financial donation in part or in full. Some will financially match your volunteer hours. Learn more at NHCO.org/Corporate-Matching-Gifts

It's Easy and Automatic - A Monthly Way to Support NHCO 
Donors can now register for monthly recurring donations that are automatically deducted from their bank account, PayPal account, or credit card. When you sign up for monthly donations, you'll become an NHCO Community Connector. NHCO's Board of Directors will donate $100 up to 30K for every individual that becomes a Community Connector. Please make your contribution today at NHCO.org/Donate and choose Monthly.

Summer Improvements at NHCO Garden Increase Winter Crops

Last summer, volunteers repaired and upgraded the high tunnel at NHCO's Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden. Their efforts are now paying off since the structure helps protect crops during the winter, allowing for a longer growing season.

"This was a huge project, completed by volunteers who had no idea what they were signing up for," said NHCO Garden Coordinator Kate Robson. "We used every tool in our arsenal to get the plastic on... And it has improved the quality of the plants and the look of the garden tremendously."

Kate is currently caring for cole crops - plants that do well in the cold and do not need to be pollinated by insects. These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and a variety of kale, including red Russian, white Russian and purple.

She's mulching, weeding and adding straw to help keep the moisture inground. This allows the roots to grow so the plants will flourish above ground when it's warm andsunny. The outcome is a more bountiful harvest that benefits NHCO's food pantry clients.

To learn more about NHCO's garden, please visit NHCO.org/garden. Volunteering begins in early spring.

Fundraisers and Events

Thank You Notes!

"I wanted to call and thank you for that wonderful Thanksgiving meal. I missed Thanksgiving last year due to a surgery, so I was so looking forward to a meal with family this year. That meal, made by Beattie, was so delicious and made my Thanksgiving so special. I am so appreciative!"
An older adult who received a free and fresh Thanksgiving meal

“Hi. 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."
A parent who received gifts through NHCO’s Toy Shop

"Your thoughtfulness and generosity is so appreciated. I truly am blessed. Thank you for the very special card and the scarf it so beautiful. Also, the generous gift card for Kuhn’s."
An older adult who received a gift bag over the holidays

“Thank you so much. I am so grateful to the program and everything you and your colleagues have done for me.
Thank you again so much!!!!”
A transportation assistance client

“Thank you once again so much in these hard times and for being so kind and getting back to me."
A utility assistance client