news and highlights

Wesley Family Services and Transitional Services have announced an official affiliation aimed at expanding access to transitional housing and behavioral health support for Western PA residents.

The agreement, approved unanimously by the boards of both organizations, is effective immediately/

This allows the two nonprofits to share resources, staff expertise, and improve coordination of services while maintaining their existing governance and operational structures.

“We are thrilled to welcome TSI as an affiliate organization and begin collaborating with their devoted staff members,” said Doug Muetzel, CEO of Wesley Family Services. “We want to continue to evolve by harnessing our innovative approach to services. Simply put, our organizations will be far more effective and efficient together and we’ll be able to reach more individuals that need our support.”

TSI, founded in 1969 specializes in housing and support services for adults navigating mental health diagnoses or intellectual disabilities, often following incarceration or homelessness.

Wesley Family Services, with nearly a century of service, operates more than 50 healthcare and therapeutic programs across Western Pennsylvania.

Its reach includes outpatient centers, autism services, educational support, and residential housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

TSI supports over 250 individuals each year with a staff of 50. Wesley Family Services serves more than 20,000 annually and employs more than 900 staff members.

The two organizations say the affiliation strengthens their mission to serve vulnerable populations more effectively through innovation and collaboration.

Read the full article on WICU-TV.

Pam Grandizio of O’Hara went through a week-long pizza training boot camp to prep for her latest food and beverage adventure — opening a nationally franchised pizza shop in O’Hara.

“I learned so much in five days I thought my head was going to explode,” said Grandizio, originally from Greenville, S.C.

Grandizio opened a Fox’s Pizza Den on April 2 in O’Hara.

She immersed herself in pizza world by shadowing for several days at a Fox’s in Plum.

She described the experience as overwhelming, even after decades-long restaurant experience on her restaurant resume that includes most recently, managing Pusadee’s Garden in Lawrenceville and before that, Noodlehead in Shadyside.

The decision to be her own boss was not an initial goal, but she’s happy it’s a reality.

“I loved it and gained so much experience. I didn’t think I’d do something on my own but all of the sudden, the pieces just started coming together,” Grandizio said.

Her decision was spurred on when she visited a Fox’s Pizza Den owned by a friend father’s in Johnstown.

“The minute I walked in, I knew,” Grandizio said. “I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 14. I never thought I would stay in that business.”

A Duquesne alumnus, Grandizio, 49, worked briefly after college as a social worker but returned to the food and hospitality industry.

She went from overseeing almost 200 employees while working for the owners of Pusadee’s Garden to around 10 employees at Fox’s, located along Old Freeport Road.

Her 12-year-old son Deacon is autistic and is enrolled in learning support at Hartwood Acres Elementary School in the Fox Chapel Area School District. He inspired an employment initiative.

“I had this idea because my son loves to cook. He’s non-verbal but can cook by following a recipe,” she said. “If my son can bake a cake with me and make dinner with me, then anyone can help at a pizza shop.”

Linda Robinson loves children, and Wesley Family Services’ Foster Grandparent Program provides her with the chance to work with them.

“Working with children is incredibly rewarding because of the genuine joy and positive impact it allows,” she said. “I witness their growth, learn from a unique perspective and I’m happy that I’m making a lasting difference in their lives. It makes me happy to see that they grasp whatever you’re teaching them.”

The foster grandparent program was established in 1965 to provide those 55 and older with an opportunity to connect with children with special needs and in the community, serving as mentors, tutors and caregivers. It is funded through AmeriCorps, and locally sponsored by Wesley Family Services.

The 60th anniversary of the program was recently celebrated with a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe. More than 100 senior volunteers from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties were honored. The program was presented with a certificate of congressional recognition by a member of state Rep. Summer Lee’s staff.

“The foster grandparent program connects older adults with children in need,” explained Rebecca Maletto-Cornell, director of the program. “They provide mentorship and support while enriching the lives of both the volunteer and the youth, whether it comes to social skills or emotional support. We operate under the three famous words – help, guide and assist. That’s what our foster grandparents do, they help, guide and assist. They meet that child where they are and help them overcome any obstacle they may see from a teacher’s standpoint and allow them to be their best self.”

Robinson, 67, of Donora, has participated in the program for nine years.

“I work with the children, helping each child develop social skills,” Robinson said. “We are to provide guidance and encouragement to all children who need extra support. We help students learn important skills such as independence, self confidence and social skills. I also work with the teachers, enhancing academic skills.”

Foster grandparents receive a small stipend, and are partnered with public and private schools, Head Start programs, day cares, child development centers and after-school programs.

“It’s always in a classroom setting,” Maletto-Cornell said. “There’s always structure involved.”

Steven Smart, a teacher at Ringgold North Elementary School, became involved when he was at Monongahela Elementary Center. He works in conjunction with Robinson, or “Miss Linda,” as he called her.

“It’s been amazing to have the foster grandparents in my classroom,” Smart said. “It helps because there’s an extra adult in the room to work one-on-one with children who need extra help or extra attention with academics or behavior. It’s great for the grandparents to work in a school environment with so many children who love and care for them. It’s very rewarding. Miss Linda and I are very close. She’s almost like my own grandmother. It’s a beautiful thing.”

The program operates in six counties (Washington, Fayette, Greene, Allegheny, Beaver and Butler) in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Programs involved include Blueprints; Ringgold North and South Elementary schools; East End United Community Center and Asbury Preschool, both in Uniontown; Pathways, and California Area School District.

Children in the program range in age from birth to 21. Some foster grandparents will stay with the program for that long, or even longer

“Once they start, it becomes a calling,” Maletto-Cornell said. “Most of them say, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without it; it gave me a reason to get up every morning.’ It becomes an extension of family and becomes something they really look forward to.”

Maletto-Cornell added that many grandparents involved have seen some positive benefits as a result of their time with the kids.

“I have one grandpa who has lost a lot of weight because he’s moving,” she said.

The children, too, have benefited. Annual surveys chart the students’ progress and routinely the majority of the students improved.

“It’s that extended relationship they have with everyone involved in that classroom,” Maletto-Cornell said. “They learn from each other.”

Anyone who may be interested in becoming a foster grandparent may call 412-660-6841 or 412-660-7303.

Read the full article on the Observer-Reporter.

Wesley Family Services is excited to welcome ten new Board Members. These individuals bring a wealth of skills and experience, and we look forward to their contributions as part of the WFS family of mission-driven advocates.

The new Board Members are:

• Brenasia Ward Caldwell, Security Technical Specialist, Microsoft
• Andrés Franco, Executive Director, DNA Works
• Donny Hamilton, Jr., Gateway Project Manager, Federal Railroad Administration
• Kristin Lesker Eisel, Vice President of Human Resources, Kurt J. Lesker Company
• Amy Lindenfelder, Attorney, University of Pittsburgh
• Carla Panzella, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
• David Rancatore, Mortgage Lending Officer, Lending Heights
• Joe Sharp, CFO/Chief of Operations, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby
• Andrew Yamarick, VP of Sales, Northeast at Agiliti
• David Yanchik, III Managing Director, KPMG

Additionally, we proudly recognize our new Board Officers stepping into leadership roles this year:

• J. Nicole Rhodes, Chair
• Tia LaFleur, 1st Vice-Chair
• Brandi Phillips, 2nd Vice-Chair
• Mark Twerdok, Treasurer
• Clare Frederick, Secretary

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the seven outgoing Board Members who completed their terms on June 30, 2024. Their collective 79 years of service have been instrumental in advancing our mission and providing Quality Whole Person Care®.

• Tammy Aupperle
• Ross Chambers
• Shanicka Kennedy
• Scott O’Mara
• Christine Probert
• Bob Reilly
• Drew Schauble

View article on the Pittsburgh Business Times

There is a new program – and approach – for families looking for autism support in Allegheny County – and its goal is to provide support earlier in a hands-on, integrative environment. 

“The need is obviously there,” said Carrie Winner, Program Director for Intensive Behavioral Health Services. “We’re really hoping to alleviate some of the pressure for families waiting for services. And most importantly, early autism intervention is key.” 

Wesley Family Service’s new Autism Center for Growth officially opened its doors on April 1st of this year. Families will find a welcoming atmosphere which includes a sensory room (pictured), a gym area, and multiple classrooms and spaces to interact with clients and their families.  

The school-like setup is intentional, as children at the Autism Center for Growth will take part in extensive early-childhood skill development geared toward preparing them for success in school and social situations.  

The program provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services through evidence-based practices and is specifically for children aged 12 months through seven years (or entry to kindergarten). 

Winner says it is designed to cater to this group’s cognitive strengths. 

“It is really based on the knowledge that our brains can absorb and learn much more quickly at this early age,” she said. 

The Center utilizes natural environment teaching methods, which includes play-based interventions to focuses on teaching communication skills, play skills, imitation skills, and limited daily living skills.  In a nutshell, the program emphasizes building skills needed in a kindergarten setting. 

“We work on things like potty training, if that needs to be addressed. We’re targeting skills like sitting at a table and eating, as opposed to running around,” said Winner. “We also work on incorporating increased food preferences, because our little ones with autism sometimes can be very picky eaters.” 

More specifically, the Center also focuses on various developmental challenges, including communication delays, difficulties with imitation, aggressive behavior, self-injurious actions, restricted play abilities and other gaps in adaptive skills.  

Additionally, the program will also focus on providing parents and caregivers with their own skills through individualized training.    

Families looking for more information can call 412-342-2270 or fill out a form on the website. As of now, the program is only available to families in Allegheny County. An Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis is required for enrollment.  

For more information, visit Wesley Family Services website, at WFSPA.org.