THE COMMUNICATOR - February - March 2016 - Page 1

The Mon Valley Providers CouncilPresents

The CommunicatorFebruary - March 2016

Fall Resource Fairs: Big Impact

Contents

The Communicator is the official newsletter of the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), an alliance of over 70 human service agencies serving more than 37 communities in the Mon Valley of Allegheny County. The MVPC is a program of the Human Services Center, a United Way Agency. To learn more about the MVPC, our member agencies, and their services, read this edition and visit our website at www.hscc-mvpc.org.

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Human Services Center Corp. can be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Page

Community Resource Fairs ..... 1

Services at the Center ........... 2

Tenant Agencies at the HSCC .. 2

About the MVPC ................... 2

Leadership in the MVPC ......... 2

Communities Served ............. 2

2016 Member Agencies ......... 2

Free Tax Preparation ............. 3

Rapidly Expanding Careers .... 3

Career & Counseling Suite ..... 3

World AIDS Day ................... 3

Financial Aid Seminars ......... 3

Workforce Program ............... 3

Stress Management Classes .... 3

Customer Svc Rep Program .... 3

National Women & Girls Day ... 3

2015 MVPC Year in Review ..... 4

2015 Funder Recognition ...... 4

How to Get a Job and Keep It . 4

This past fall, the Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) partnered with Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) to host two resource fairs at South Campus in West Mifflin and hosted its 5th Annual Community Resource Fair in Turtle Creek. The goal of the Community Resource Fairs was to connect the public with available community services. Over 300 people attended these important events!

Two fairs were offered at CCAC on September 8th and 9th in the afternoon and evening to accommodate the largest cross-section of students and community members. Attendees received important information in areas such as mental health, health insurance, government benefits such as SNAP, credit counseling, and career services. Attendees also received snacks as well as got a chance to enter for several drawings for gift cards and prizes. Evaluations completed by

519 Penn Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145412-829-7112 • 412-829-4363 (fax) • www.hscc-mvpc.org

Mon Valley Providers Council

attendees indicated high levels of knowledge were obtained and overall satisfaction.

HSCC’s 5th Annual Community Resource Fair was held on October 22nd. Everyone in attendance received a ticket for free ice cream. Games, crafts, recipe making, and face painting were available. The

event also raffled off many prizes such as Giant Eagle gift cards, gift baskets for children, Pitt football and basketball tickets, as well as the grand prize of a $250 Visa gift card.

Thirty-four organizations attended the event. Services in attendance included medical

screenings, transportation, education, job training, family support, aging, food assistance, and housing.

The event was coordinated with Lights on After School to celebrate out of school programming.

Community Resource Fair attendee receives free flu shot from Eastern Area PreHospital Services staff

Page 2 - February - March 2016 - THE COMMUNICATOR

• Braddock• Braddock Hills• Chalfant• Clairton• Dravosburg• Duquesne• East McKeesport• East Pittsburgh• Elizabeth Borough• Elizabeth Township• Forest Hills• Forward Township• Glassport• Homestead• Jefferson Hills• Liberty• Lincoln• McKeesport• Monroeville• Munhall• North Braddock• North Versailles• Pitcairn• Port Vue• Rankin• South Versailles• Swissvale• Turtle Creek• Versailles• Wall• West Elizabeth• West Homestead• West Mifflin• Whitaker• White Oak• Wilkins• Wilmerding

Communitiesserved by the MVPC

Our Mission: The Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), in collaboration with individuals, families, and groups in the Mon Valley communities, will define and address mutual issues and needs. Building upon the providers and communities, the Mon Valley Providers Council will promote agendas and develop resources for collective action.

Who We Are: The Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), a program of the Human Services Center, is an alliance of human service and related organizations, which are based in or have a substantial service presence in the Mon Valley. The MVPC serves as a formal network for information and resource exchange among human service providers in the Mon Valley. The MVPC involves its member organizations in Working Groups, which address crucial issues in the Mon Valley in the areas of Employment and Training, Health, Housing, and Youth. These four Working Groups involve the participation of over 70 dues paying members and over 250 staff members of those organizations. Through these standing Working Groups, the MVPC promotes cooperation, coordination, and collaboration among its member and participating organizations in an effort to fill gaps in human services in the Mon Valley communities.

Staff: The MVPC is staffed through the Human Services Center. Current MVPC staff are:David Coplan, DirectorDarrah Bird, Program Assistant

Aboutthe Mon Valley Providers Council

The Westinghouse Valley Human Services Center, located at 519 Penn Avenue in Turtle Creek, provides a variety of services to residents in eastern Allegheny County communities and the Westinghouse/Turtle Creek Valley.

• The Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension is open on Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Call 412-829-7112.

• Rental Assistance: The Urban League has monies available for individuals who are at least two months behind in their rent and possess a magistrate’s notice, or those who need first month’s rent and security deposit. Call 412-829-7112.

• Health Insurance (Affordable Care Act), Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Prescription Assistance, and FAFSA: YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will assist individuals with signing up for many services. Call 412-829-7112 to schedule an appointment.

• Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications, PACE/PACENET, ACCESS applications, Senior Bus Pass Applications, PennDOT forms and assistance with state related issues: State Senator Jim Brewster’s office can complete state related forms and provide assistance on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Call 412-829-7112 for more information.

• Turtle Creek Development Corporation meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Human Services Center (519 Penn Avenue). Call 412-464-4000.

• Turtle Creek Valley Historical Society: The Society meets on the second Saturday of the month. Call 412-816-1686.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA has a support group at the Center every Friday at 7:00pm. Call 412-824-1958.

• Overeaters Anonymous (OA): OA has a support group at the Center every Monday at 6:30pm. Call 412-829-7112.

• KOOL Summer Program is accepting applications. KOOL serves 150 youth in first through fifth grade. For more information, contact 412-829-7112.

• The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a workforce development program for high school seniors living in the Woodland Hills, East Allegheny, McKeesport Area, and West Mifflin School Districts. ELP is currently accepting applications. For more information, contact 412-829-7112.

• The McKeesport Collaborative helps women seeking to achieve self-sufficiency through goals of employment and/or education by providing referrals and guidance. For more information, call 412-829-7112.

Servicesat the Human Services Center

Adagio Health724-224-1530

Allegheny County Health Dept. – W.I.C. Program412-823-1333

Allegheny Intermediate Unit – Community School East 412-464-4043

Braddock Carnegie Library – Turtle Creek Extension412-829-7112

Eastern Area Adult Services412-824-6880

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council412-969-8486

Human Services Center Corporation412-829-7112

Learn “N” Play Development Center412-829-0240

Mon Valley Providers Council 412-829-7112

Pantry Network of Eastern Suburbs412-824-0006

Turtle Creek ValleyAdult Programs412-824-8510

Children, Adolescents and Families412-349-0632

Mobile Medication Team412-824-8510

Psychiatric and Social Rehabilitation412-461-4100

Tenant Agenciesat the Human Services Center

Laura Zinski, Chairperson, Mon Valley InitiativeNoreen Fredrick, Vice Chairperson, Mon Yough Community Services Tiffanee Heywood, GoodwillJamie Hightower-Poindexter, CCAC BoyceElli Latterman, McKeesport Hospital FoundationHolly Livingston, Gateway RehabPaula McWilliams, Heritage Community InitiativesTony Mitchell, Penn State Greater AlleghenyCharlene Newkirk, CCAC SouthNancy Osterhus, Ex-Officio MemberJim Phillips, Turtle Creek Valley MH/MRDarla Poole, AuberleLisa Scales, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food BankLynn Tatala, Project ELECTDick Wallace, Ex-Officio Member

Leadershipin the MVPC: The Steering Committee

ACTION Housing, Inc.AHN - Forbes Family MedicineAllegheny County Health DepartmentAllegheny County Juvenile ProbationAllegheny Family NetworkAllegheny Intermediate Unit -

Community School EastAllegheny Intermediate Unit - Head

StartAllegheny Intermediate Unit - Project

ELECTAuberleCenter for VictimsCentury Heritage Federal Credit UnionChildren’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of

UPMC - Family Care Connection at Braddock/East

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC -

Family Care Connection at Turtle Creek

Citizens to Abolish Domestic Apartheid

Clairton Family CenterCommunity College of Allegheny

County – Boyce CampusCommunity College of Allegheny

College – South CampusDiscovery HouseDuquesne Family Center

2016 Membership Listingfor the MVPC

Duquesne Family Support CenterEast Allegheny Family CenterEastern Area Adult ServicesFamily ResourcesFamily Services of Western

PennsylvaniaForbes HospitalGateway RehabGoodwill of Southwestern PennsylvaniaGreater Pittsburgh Community Food

BankGreater Pittsburgh Literacy CouncilGwens GirlsHabitat for Humanity of Greater PghHeritage Community InitiativesHighlands Family CenterHoly Family InstituteHuman Services Center CorporationJefferson Regional FoundationJust HarvestLatino Family Center Life’s Work of Western PennsylvaniaLincoln Park Family CenterMacedonia FACE, Inc.McKeesport CollaborativeMcKeesport Family CenterMcKeesport First Steps Parenting

ProgramMcKeesport Hospital FoundationMon Valley Circles, Inc.

Mon Valley Initiative Mon Yough Area Chamber of CommerceMon Yough Community Services, Inc.MUSA NeighborWorks of Western

PennsylvaniaPA CareerLink at Allegheny EastPantry Network of Eastern SuburbsPenn State Greater AlleghenyRainbow Kitchen Community ServicesRankin Christian CenterState Senator Jay CostaState Senator Jim BrewsterSteel Center for Career and Technical

EducationSteel Valley Family CenterSto-Rox Family CenterThe Center for WomenTouching FamiliesTurtle Creek Valley MH/MRUniversity of Pittsburgh – School of

Social Work UPMC McKeesportUrban League of Greater Pittsburgh -

Hunger ServicesVeterans Leadership ProgramWilkinsburg Family CenterYMCA of Greater PittsburghYWCA Greater Pittsburgh

THE COMMUNICATOR - February - March 2016 - Page 3

Customer Service Representative

Training Program

There will be a series of classes held from January to June on a variety of topics. These topics will cover stress management, improving health and managing family stressors. These free sessions will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the Monroeville Medical Arts Building, 2550 Mosside Boulevard, Monroeville, PA 15146 (located close to Forbes Hospital).

Please call 412.457.1100 or email jjohns@wpahs.org to request a schedule or to get more information.

Life’sWork of Western PA offers the Computer and Customer Service Training Program (CSR). This free 8 week training program includes Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel, soft skills training, and phone skills. Creating a resume, practice interviews with UPMC and Pitt, and help with finding a job are included. Past employers include PSAN, PNC, UPMC, and Alorica.

For more information, please contact Beth Zwetsloot at 412-471-2600 extension 407 or via email at ezwetsloot@lifesworkwpa.org

Free Stress Management

ClassesForbes Family Medicine

Life’sWork of Western PA

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, the McKeesport Collaborative HIV/AIDS Working Group commemorated World AIDS Day for the 14th year with a cookout and information session in McKeesport.

The goal for holding the event has always been education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Hotdogs, nachos, and hot chili were provided to the community and all attendees were invited to step inside and receive valuable information about

World AIDS Day Commemoration in McKeesport

Mon Valley Providers Council

the virus from experts. Posters and community education projects from this past summer’s Project H.E.A.R.T., an 8-week in-depth HIV/AIDS and Job Readiness program for high school students, were also on display for attendees.

The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force offered testing for HIV and STI’s. 120 community members took part in the day’s events and gained valuable knowledge and skills.

The Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) is pleased to announce that free tax preparation through the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program and the Money In Your Pocket Coalition has begun!

The program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $45,000 as a family, or $25,000 as an individual, and need assistance in preparing their own tax return.

Free Tax PreparationHuman Services Center

This year’s free tax preparation is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:00pm to 8:00pm by appointment only.

To register for an appointment, please call the United Way at 2-1-1. The HSCC is also pleased to offer two-day tax clinics in Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, and McKeesport. If you have any questions regarding the site or the clinics, please call 412-829-7112.

Do you have a teen that will be a senior next school year? Do you want your teen to have a set plan for after graduation to move on to a successful life after high school? Then the Human Services Center Corporation’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) may be a perfect fit!

ELP is a workforce development and college readiness program for seniors attending East Allegheny, McKeesport Area, West Miff lin Area, and Woodland Hills High Schools that is incorporated into the students’ school day.

Participants attend a weekly session during the school day

Workforce Development Program for High School Seniors

Human Services Center

State Senator Jim Brewster and PHEAA are sponsoring two upcoming financial aid seminars for those looking to further their education after high school. For more information or to RSVP for one of the dates, contact Kathy Jo in the Senator’s McKeesport District Office.

Saturday, March 5th - 10AM; Penn State Greater Allegheny, Ostermayer Room- Student Community Center, 4050 University Drive, McKeesport PA 15132.

Saturday, March 19th - 10AM; CCAC Boyce Campus, Auditorium/Theater, 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville PA 15146.

Financial Aid SeminarsState Senator Jim Brewster

Monroeville Office, One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 1015, Monroeville, PA 15146 • Phone: (412) 380-2242 • Fax: (412) 380-2249

McKeesport Office, 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100, McKeesport, PA 15132 • Phone: (412) 664-5200 • Fax: (412) 664-5202

Turtle Creek Satellite Office Hours, 1st Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Human Services Center Corp., 413 Penn Avenue Ext., Turtle Creek, PA 15145.

Massage Therapy has become increasingly important in the health and wellness professions; the need for massage therapists has risen dramatically. According to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2012, employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than average for all occupations. We offer certificate and degree options in spa and corrective modalities. Would you like to know more about a career in massage therapy?

Paramedics work closely with on-line medical command physicians providing lifesaving and life sustaining treatment in the home and field environment. CCAC is the only Paramedic Training Program in western Pennsylvania with a dedicated state-of-the-art science simulation lab and ambulance. Job opportunities include working with municipal and private ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, industrial sites, emergency 911

Rapidly Expanding CareersCCAC Boyce Campus

services, aeromedical services and hospitals.

The Anesthesia Technician Program being offered at Boyce Campus can train Anesthesia Technicians to assists with preparation of various types of equipment and pharmacology required for the delivery of anesthesia care. Anesthesia Technicians work under the supervision of an anesthesia provider and are employed in a variety of clinical settings that include hospital operating rooms, diagnostic radiology, labor and delivery units, intensive care units, emergency rooms, outpatient surgery suites and ambulatory surgery centers.

Enroll now in classes beginning in August 2016 for Paramedic and Massage Therapy.

For more information contact Dr. Elizabeth Strenkowski at 724-325-6626 or estrenkowski@ccac.edu.

The new Career and Counseling Suite had a grand opening open house and is open for business. The opening of the remodeled space was two years in the making at the Community College of Allegheny County South Campus. Over 40 students, staff and administrators attended the open house including Campus President Dr. Charlene Newkirk and CCAC College President Dr. Quintin Bullock. As part of the celebration food, refreshments and cake were offered for those in attendance.

The new office facility includes conference room space, an employer interview room, computers for student usage, staff offices, a student service counter, a welcoming lobby area and new electronic message monitors that are dedicated to CCAC Job Placement & Career Services and Counseling information and events.

“We want to continue to

Career and Counseling Suite OpenCCAC South Campus

develop an atmosphere where the students’ and community needs are what is most important,” Rick Roberts, Director, Job Placement & Career Services said. “We are excited to be in a space where we can assist and work with students and the community in an inviting and uplifting environment”.

After many months of design consultation, design draft updates and actual remodeling work which was completed by the South Campus facilities and maintenance staff, the office suite is ready for use by the students, staff and community members.

CCAC-South encourages students, alumni and all community members to visit the space and explore accessing the multitude of free services that Job Placement & Career Services has to offer. Please contact Job Placement & Career Services at (412) 469-6214 or on line at www.ccac.edu/job-placement.

where they are instructed in a curriculum specifically created for seniors to prepare them for success after high school. A variety of professionals also present to the class throughout the year on their career fields and personal development as well as students are matched to job shadowing opportunities.

Participants work one-on-one with a staff person regularly to receive highly individualized attention and support in their pursuit of their goals. They create goal plans and refer to the plans throughout the year to stay on

track. Plus, participants will have the chance to earn money periodically based on participation and goal completion throughout the school year and post-graduation.

There will be limited spots available and your family must meet the designated requirements to participate. If you or your teen would like to hear more details about the program and/or apply starting in the spring, please call 412-829-7112. Spots fill up very quickly! Apply as soon as you receive an application!

Page 4 - February - March 2016 - THE COMMUNICATOR

• InApril,25 people benefitedfrom a housing event focused ontransportation, home ownership,and coordinated intake foremergency housing. Surveyresults indicated that providedinformationwasextremelyhelpfulandinformative.• 30 people attended the fallhousing roundtable “PiecingTogether theHousingPuzzle”andparticipatedinworkshopsfocusedon fair housing, home ownershipand credit, rental assistance,and transportation. Participantsadditionally received informationon housing with a criminalbackground, the United Way 211Helpline, obtaining low cost orfree home repairs, and section 8housing.• 25 social workers, healthcare workers, community activists, and membersattendedaseminaron LGBT Healthcare in November.Presentations included workingwith LGBT persons in healthcaresettings,olderLGBTindividuals,aswell as two personal perspectivesspeakers.Surveysindicatedahighdegree of satisfaction with theprogramandthatparticipants feltthe information was interesting,informative, and helpful to theirwork.• 20 individuals attendeda Voter Celebration Breakfast inNovember.

• Over70 job-seekersattendedthe annual How to get a Job andKeep It seminar at CommunityCollegeofAlleghenyCountySouthCampus. A larger percentage thanin the past were under 25 and/orhighschoolstudents.• 639 individuals werescreened for osteoporosis in 25locations across the Mon ValleyArea.• 25 people attended asensitivity trainingseminar in thespring sponsored by the WorkingGrouponHealthandEasternAreaAdultServicesfocusedonworkingwitholderadults.• 134 peoplewerescreened forvisionintheMonValley.• Over 60 people from MVPCmember agencies attended the2015AnnualMeetinginNovember.• 47 people attended twotrainings through the MVPC andconducted by the Universityof Pittsburgh Center for Socialand Urban Research on theSouthwestern Community Profilesdataextractiontool.• 25 decision makersprovidedleadership at the MVPC SynergiesForum in March to review the2015 MVPC Priorities. All ofthese priorities have either beencompleted,orarebeingworkedonbytheWorkingGroups.• Over70 people attended tworesource fairs co-sponsored and

hosted by the Community Collegeof Allegheny South Campus. Thefairs were offered during theafternoon and evening with overattendees and students receivinginformation on self-sufficiencyand poverty, housing, addictionand mental health, food andbenefit programs, healthcare andinsurance,workforcedevelopment,jobseeker services, and healthscreenings.• Over 200 people and 32 vendors participated in the 5thAnnual Community Resource Fairat the Human Services CenterCorporation.

• 60 people receivedinformation on adulteducation, employment, andGEDPrograms• 15 people were giveninformation on youth servicesandsinglemotherprograms• Over 30 people attainedinformation on sliding scalemedicalanddentalservices• Transportation servicesinformation was given to 11 individuals• Over 100 people receivedinformation on drug andalcoholservices• 50 people sought outinformation on seniortransportation and Medicarecounseling• Women’s health resourceswereprovidedto125 people• 40 people attainedinformationonself-sufficiencyandpovertyprograms• Healthy eating and recipeinformationwasprovidedto50 individuals

• 21 MVPC membersvolunteered, and 60 school counselors participated in apoverty simulation conducted inpartnership with the Departmentof Human Services Office ofCommunityOutreachatPittsburghTechnical Institute. Surveysindicated that participantsand volunteers gained insightand found the experience to bevaluable.• A total of143 free flu shotsweredistributed.

2015 Year in ReviewMVPC Outcomes and Achievements

2015 Funder Recognition HSCC & MVPC (as of 12/31/2015)

Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services

BNY Mellon Foundation of SW PACitizens BankDSF Charitable FoundationDuquesne LightEden Hall FoundationFEMAG.C. Murphy Company FoundationGrable FoundationThe Heinz EndowmentsHighmark Blue Cross/Blue ShieldHillman FoundationKennywoodMassey Charitable TrustMcKeesport Healthier Communities

PartnerSHIP

McKeesport Hospital FoundationMellon Bank N.A.Howard and Nell E. Miller FoundationPA Department of Economic

DevelopmentPeoples Natural GasPNCSandcastleSteel DynamicsThe Techs, a Division of Steel DynamicsThree Rivers Workforce Investment

BoardUnited Way of Allegheny CountyUPMC Health PlanWestinghouse Electric

$2,500 and above

$1,000 - 2,499Christine and Dave CoplanDenise Daugherty

Up to $999 (Including Pittsburgh Gives and United Way Contributor Choice Donors)

Aerion AbneyChrystal AlexanderJames AndersonAnonymous ContributorsAuberleStephanie and Joe BechelSuzy BergerCharles BostaphLauren BrownSarah BurgerKeith CaldwellCentury Heritage Federal Credit UnionVin CerasuoloAlicia and Ryan ChatkinMallory ClarkCommunity Improvement Advisory

CommitteeCompass Federal Savings BankGarrett CooperEitan CorenblumKyle CrawfordDebbie DavenportArwen and Tom DavisJo DeBoltKelly DidomenicoDollar Bank FoundationJoe DombroskyNathan DorfmanMarina DuaneVanessa DunnSaundra EchtlerEMP Sales AssociatesUrsula EscalanteStephanie EsonShane EssayColleen FedorVicki FettermanLauri Fink and Kevin BarlettaBill and Helen FlanneryKate and Tony FlorenceNoreen FredrickGregory GalfordDeanna GloverH.B. South PrintersTiffanee HeywoodPaul JenknerThe Hillman CompanyPatti JohnsonTyrone JohnsonWayne and Brenda JonesMary Ann KandalaDr. Kevin KearnsPenny and Bryan KernBeth LacknerPatrick T. Lanigan Funeral HomeEliana LattermanDonna LittleMarie Linebaugh

Holly LivingstonErica MaloneyMichele and Bill MatuchMcKeesport Hospital FoundationBonnie McLainMarjorie McMullanPaula McWilliamsJessica MerchantJudy MeyersDr. Tony MitchellRobert MitnikMon Valley InitiativeKara MostowyDaniel MurrayCharlene NewkirkAlyssa NixWilliam NonamakerLeah and Tim O’ReillyNancy OsterhusPalmieri’s RestaurantPanta Rhei MediaLerah PasqualinoKevin PerkeyMary Phan-GruberJim PhillipsPitcairn Circles InitiativeMark PlassmeyerJamie Hightower PoindexterJoan PolesnakDarla PooleMelanie PorachPPG IndustriesMark PrescottDave PriselacRainbow Kitchen Comm. Serv.Beth SavageLisa ScalesShealer ChiropracticKathy SimonEllen SkakalskiRose SmeltzerMichelle SmithRuth and Ron SmithJoann SniderTracy SoskaJim SpindlerErica SzewczykLynn TatalaRyan and Jen ThomasTurtle Creek Valley MH/MRDick WallaceFran WigandDamion WilsonJake YeagerAndrew YalenichLuke ZappaLaura Zinski

James Daugherty