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This article originally appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

In a world where the embrace of a caring community is more crucial than ever, the Foster Grandparent Program by Wesley Family Services helps create nurturing bonds for schoolchildren in southwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, senior volunteer participants enjoy the opportunity to serve with purpose and devotion, guiding students toward a brighter future.

Conceived by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, the Foster Grandparent Program emerged as a platform to bridge the wisdom and warmth of elder citizens with the needs of the community. As an integral part of AmeriCorps Seniors, this program extends across six counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington, all overseen by Wesley Family Services.

The magic of this program lies in its heartfelt pairings — a symphony of experience and innocence, where individuals aged 55 and above are matched with youngsters, from newborns to those blossoming into adulthood. With unwavering dedication, these volunteers provide a unique form of guidance, offering personalized attention that help support and fuel scholastic and personal growth. Program Director Rebecca Maletto-Cornell beautifully encapsulates this sentiment: “They become the extra eyes, the gentle hands, and the nurturing hearts that help a child become their truest and best self.”

The spectrum of assistance offered by these grandparent figures is as diverse as the children they embrace. From aiding with academic growth to imparting vital life skills, these volunteers carve pathways for holistic development. Through their patient guidance, they sow seeds of self-worth and a positive self-image, all the while cultivating connections that are frequently lacking.

Beneath the surface, the Foster Grandparent Program enriches the elder participants as well. Beyond the tangible stipends and material benefits, these volunteers find themselves transformed. As they watch the children they’ve nurtured flourish, they experience a rekindling their own vitality.

The heartwarming tales that emerge from the program bear testament to its enduring impact. With every story shared, it becomes evident that the Foster Grandparent Program extends beyond the classroom, enfolding participants, staff, teachers and volunteers alike into a tight-knit family. Bonds are forged, and relationships blossom, creating a supportive community where everyone thrives together.

Remarkably, the effects of this program ripple outwards, touching lives in ways unforeseen. Physical health improves, spirits lift, and feelings of isolation dissipate, as participants find solace in shared experiences and a united purpose. Maletto-Cornell reflects on the remarkable transformations she’s witnessed: “It’s not just the children who flourish within those walls. The volunteers find renewed purpose, and a profound sense of fulfillment uplifts the spirits of all involved.”

In the delicate tapestry woven by the Foster Grandparent Program, young hearts find unwavering support, older souls rediscover purpose, and the community flourishes with newfound connections. This heartwarming initiative stands as a testament to the timeless power of compassion and the enduring bonds between generations, fostering an atmosphere where love, growth and resilience intertwine.

To learn more about the remarkable AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program and discover ways to get involved, please reach out at 412-660-6841 or 412-660-7303. Further information is available at fostergrandparents.wfspa.org.

This article originally appeared on KDKA

8-6 Intersections Pt. 2 – CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)

This article originally appeared on the website for The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County

GREENSBURG, PA, JULY 13, 2023 – Eight Westmoreland County nonprofits providing direct human services support have received significant grants from the Human Services American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Program. The grants were announced by the Westmoreland County Commissioners and Westmoreland County Department of Human Services today and distributed through a partnership with The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC).

“Today, we celebrate the power of collaboration and compassion,” said Westmoreland County Commissioner Chair Sean Kertes in announcing the ARPA grants. “The ARPA human service funding will enable us to address critical needs, from mental health services to homeless prevention and housing. By investing in our residents and their well-being, we are nurturing a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

The awardees are:

• George Junior Republic for the Restore Program $375,730: To support previously incarcerated people make amends, improve mental health and successfully transition back into their respective environments through community service and job readiness.
• Life’sWork of Western PA, $159,000: For employment support services for up to 200 individuals in recovery from addictions and other related issues associated with substance use disorders.
• Pressley Ridge for The HELP Team, $499,905: For a mobile outreach behavioral health team that will respond to youth, young adults, and families in Westmoreland County who are experiencing a crisis.
• Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. for the PIC Out of School Time STEAM Enrichment Program, $238,000: To provide out-of-school time STEAM curriculum, tutoring and character development activities to Monessen elementary students to improve behavior and increase grades in a safe environment. Parent engagement will include mental health activities.
• SPHS Connect Inc.’s Welcome Home Emergency Homeless Shelter Renovation Project, $151,500: To fund complete renovations at the Welcome Home Emergency Shelter facility in Greensburg.

• Union Mission for affordable supportive housing expansion, $350,000: To expand safe, affordable housing options to strengthen the overall homeless response system and create a stronger move-on strategy.
• Wesley Family Services, $443,646: To create a comprehensive whole person care innovation hub at the New Kensington facility to address social determinants of health, provide transportation and strengthen families.
• Westmoreland Community Action, $782,219:  For welcome centers with crisis support to assist Westmoreland County residents in obtaining basic needs including housing and mental health support.

According to Department of Human Services Director Robert Hamilton, the fact that there were 44 applicants for the ARPA human service funding underscores the great need in the community. “There is urgent demand for mental health support, crisis response, homelessness prevention, children and youth services, and workforce development. With this funding, we are equipped to address these pressing needs and make a significant impact in Westmoreland County. Together, we are committed to ensuring a brighter future for all our residents.”

Hamilton’s office also created this information graphic to illustrate how grants were distributed by category.

McCrae Martino, executive director of CFWC, which developed guidelines and a request for proposal, credits the County Commissioners and DHS for leadership in developing the partnership.

“The County Commissioners has a vision for how government and philanthropy could work together. They saw the tremendous needs in this community and recognized that CFWC would be able to create a grants process to distribute ARPA dollars into the community quickly to meet the greatest needs,” Martino said.

A committee of community leaders, Foundation staff and experts from the Department of Human Services evaluated applications and made recommendations to the county commissioners, who provided final review and approval.

“We are excited to announce that the ARPA human service funding will provide us with the resources to address critical needs in our community,” said Westmoreland County Commission Vice Chair Douglas Chew. “By focusing on mental health, crisis response, homelessness prevention, children and youth services, and workforce development, we are creating a comprehensive support system that will empower our residents to thrive. Together, we will shape a brighter future for Westmoreland County.”

In 2021, Westmoreland County was awarded $105.3 million in ARPA funds for local recovery efforts and to support families and businesses struggling with related public health and economic impacts. The County Commissioners allocated $3 million of those funds to the Department of Human Services for distribution. DHS coordinated with CFWC to create an application and funding process.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to allocate the ARPA human service funding towards making a real difference in Westmoreland County. Through this investment, we will strengthen our crisis response capabilities, enhance mental health support, and provide essential services for children, youth, and our workforce. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient community,” said Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cirilli Thrasher.

Nonprofits will have until Dec. 31, 2024, to utilize the grants to expand service in the county, launch new programs to meet need or to fund innovations to existing programs.

 

NEW KENSINGTON, PA- Wesley Family Services is excited to announce that they have received a grant award from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) to co-fund the installation of a solar panel array for their Pioneer location at 1045 4th Ave in New Kensington.  Wesley Family Services provides a variety of behavioral health services, a drop-in center, and affordable housing to the community out of this location.

Completed in 2020, Wesley Family Services wanted to generate affordable housing for the community, create a new and sustainable set of offices for staff, and be a part of the economic development in New Kensington.  Designed to be solar ready, Pioneer exemplifies Wesley Family Services commitment to energy conservation, as the building is both LEED Gold Certified and meets Passive House standards.  Adding a solar array to Pioneer is the culmination of this project and will provide the building with a clean source of locally produced energy.

“We are thankful to have received the support of WPPSEF to help cover the cost and installation of these new solar panels. We not only believe in providing transformational care to those we treat but to the communities we support as well. This solar panel system will help our New Kensington location realize its initial vision of being energy independent and help the surrounding community,” said Doug Muetzel, CEO of Wesley Family Services.

“We applaud Wesley Family Services for building their Pioneer location to Passive House and LEED construction standards which will produce a more comfortable building and a building that has lower utility bills. Once the energy efficiency goals were met, WPPSEF provided some additional funding to support the installation of solar PV to produce on-site electric production. Wesley Family Services approach of addressing energy efficiency first followed by on-site electric production is the preferred pathway of building tomorrow’s building today”, said Joel Morrison, WPPSEF Fund Administrator.

 

This story was originally published in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Another free shuttle service is being launched to help give New Kensington residents in the city’s downtown “food desert” access to groceries.

Wesley Family Services, the New Ken Downtown Partnership and Westmoreland Community Action are partnering in the pilot transportation program, which will start Monday, April 10.

The Fresh Food Shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

A van will pick up residents at Kensington Arms, Pioneer Apartments and Parnassus Manor. They’ll be taken to the Golden Dawn and Aldi in New Kensington and the Walmart and Aldi in Frazer.

The program is starting with offering the service to residents of those high-rises, with the hope of expanding in the future.

“Everyone deserves access to healthy food options,” said Michelle Thom, president of the New Ken Downtown Partnership. “Communities around the New Kensington area have limited options to purchase healthy, nutritious meals. Often, members of this community will have to walk, ride the bus and travel long distances to purchase basic items. We are proud to offer this shuttle as a way to help community members meet their needs.”

The van will have room for seven to eight people. Riders must be 18 or older and can bring up to four bags.

There will be a schedule of four trips a day, made in one-hour increments.

Pickups can be scheduled by calling 724-895-8270.

Funding for the shuttle is coming from Westmoreland Community Action to be spent in New Kensington, while funds from an anonymous donor will allow it to eventually service Arnold.

Thom said officials plan to be flexible with pickup locations and destinations to accommodate residents’ needs.

“We encourage everyone who has a need to take advantage of this service, and we are excited and honored to be able to provide a small solution to the ‘food desert’ in downtown New Kensington,” Thom said.

The shuttle will join a grocery shopping program sponsored by Harrison-based Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation, that provides a free grocery bus twice a month, generally on Wednesdays, in New Kensington and Arnold. It picks up people at Kensington Manor, Arnold Towers, Citizens Plaza and Parnassus Manor and takes them to Walmart and Aldi in Frazer.

But that service, which began in 2021, is full with its regulars and can’t accommodate additional riders, said John Pastorek, the foundation’s president and CEO.

Having another shuttle running will be helpful, he said.

“We don’t have room to add more people.”

This story was originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Wesley Family Services held its annual gala at the Wyndham Grand, Downtown Saturday night. Nearly 300 people came to support WFS at the gala, which started with a cocktail reception and included a silent auction.

This year’s event showcased the Quality Whole Person Care model, which has a holistic approach and meets clients’ physical, emotional, social, financial and other needs.

WTAE-TV’s Shannon Perrine emceed and the gala chair was Len Corton.

“I want to thank everybody who attended the gala and supports our mission,” said Doug Muetzel, CEO of Wesley Family Services. “This event is so important to Wesley Family Services and the proceeds raised help us provide transformational care to members of our community throughout the year.”

Many were honored for serving a wide range of people, from those with intellectual disabilities to families going through difficulties to senior citizens. Among the honorees were Rose Morris and the Quality Whole Person Care Award winners Deanna Bennis, Mina Al Doori, Brendan Barnett, Mary Jo Thomson, Blanche Wedel, Deanna Bennis, Amy Kimicta-Savarino, Sherry Buford, Nicole Harris and Gale Foster.

“To be recognized by an organization that is led by someone as amazing as Doug and does such incredible work is beyond an honor,” said Morris.

“We could not think of better person to honor than Rose Morris and our Quality Whole Person Care Award winners  because they are true mission-advancers and valued members of our community,” noted Muetzel. The event grossed $170,000.

Among those applauding were KDKA’s Josh Taylor, Sean Biggart, Jim Patton, Art and Ann Cipriani, Danny and Debbie Brown and Andrea Bowser.