Editor’s note: We asked the leaders of key local nonprofits the following question: What is your organization’s mission and what are you most in need of as we approach the holidays and 2025? The answers follow.
WENDY PARDEE, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Institute provides support and care unlike any other to children with disabilities and families with complex needs. Simply stated, our mission is this: To heal, to teach, to empower, and to amaze. It’s our North Star as we support the community we serve. The health of our mission is nurtured not only by our dedicated team of experts, but also by supporters and partners of The Children’s Institute who are passionate about the critical work we do. During this season of giving and well into 2025, our goal is to strengthen and grow these and new partnerships so that we’re well equipped to innovate and offer the world-class care we’ve provided for more than 120 years.
CAREY HARRIS, Literacy Pittsburgh
Literacy Pittsburgh’s mission is ensuring better lives through learning. We help adults to gain the educational skills needed to be successful as workers, parents, and neighbors. Literacy Pittsburgh sits at the nexus of three urgent local and national issues — the ongoing worker shortage, increased immigration, and rapid technological change — creating unprecedented waiting lists. We most need volunteer tutors to match with these students for one-to-one help and financial support to boost our classroom teaching capacity. This investment in adult education will make a difference for individuals, their children, the workforce, and the greater Pittsburgh region, bringing greater prosperity for us all.
LISA SCALES, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The work of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is something that we all do together as neighbors and a community. Our supporters, partners and volunteers have a collective agreement that food insecurity and hunger is an unacceptable reality for our neighbors. Charitable giving enables individuals and institutions to join in our vision of creating a community where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Donations, volunteerism and advocacy actions help us as individuals to play an important role in shaping strong, livable communities. Beyond human services and basic needs, charitable giving shapes arts and cultural offerings, education, the health of our communities and religious organizations. In short, charitable giving enables some of the most important aspects of quality of life. You have the power to make your community a better place — please consider giving generously.
AUGUST CARLINO, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation
Inspired by our region’s industrial and cultural heritage, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization initiatives throughout the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area by working to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations. Right now, the historical preservation work that is occurring at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark is paramount. Contributions to Rivers of Steel during this year’s giving season will provide valuable matching funds to support this restoration work — ensuring that this treasured industrial cathedral will remain standing for future generations to learn about our region’s illustrious past, as well as offering them context to imagine its future.
JOHN PLANTE, Family House
As the holidays approach, Family House remains committed to being a “home away from home” for patients and families visiting Pittsburgh for medical treatment. Since 1983, we’ve provided safe, affordable lodging near medical facilities, easing the emotional and financial burdens of healthcare crises. Our accommodations include communal spaces, daily healthy breakfast, and free transportation to local hospitals. To sustain our mission, we need volunteers to help maintain our welcoming environment, and financial contributions are essential for our daily breakfast and Family Assistance programs. We invite gifts to support the services we provide to patients and caregivers. By fostering a sense of community, Family House helps families navigate difficult times together. With your support, we can continue to provide compassion and care for those in need.
SAMANTHA ELLWOOD, The Woodlands Foundation
Discovering a place where you can truly be yourself is invaluable. That is why The Woodlands has established a 52-acre accessible campus, providing individuals with disabilities an inclusive environment to nurture independence, personal growth, and meaningful friendships. Our mission to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses drives us to continually develop innovative spaces and programs tailored to support our participants. As we approach the holiday season and the new year, we need funds to ensure our indoor winter programs are fully equipped with supplies and experiences. Additionally, the winter months are crucial for making essential repairs and enhancements to our facilities. Your support in these areas is important. Every contribution, regardless of size, leaves a lasting impact at The Woodlands. Please consider helping us unlock new possibilities and create lasting change.
HEATHER MCELWEE, Pittsburgh Glass Center
Glass Art: We teach it, we create it, we promote it, we support those who make it. When you fuel our mission by giving to Pittsburgh Glass Center this holiday season, you light the fire in a local community member’s creative journey. You support international artists from all over the world in the creation of their artwork. You provide housing to traveling instructors teaching classrooms full of creativity, collaboration, and community.
PATRICK FISHER, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
New mission, new vision, new values. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is in a stage of new beginnings and growth. As an arts service organization, our mission is to build a more resourced, connected, and informed arts sector, empowering artists and arts organizations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. By sharing resources, fostering significant relationships, leading advocacy initiatives, and increasing public awareness of arts and culture, the Arts Council cultivates a thriving, vibrant arts community for the Greater Pittsburgh region. Your financial support enables us to have a direct impact on the artists, arts administrators, and arts organizations we serve as we work to fulfill the findings of our new five-year strategic plan.
BOBBI WATT GEER, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
For almost a century, the United Way has mobilized the caring power of businesses, nonprofits and individuals. The people we serve have the same dreams for their children that we all have. What our community needs now is compassion and generosity. Our data show that 41% of working people regionally find it impossible to afford all of the essentials like child care, housing and utilities. It’s a testament to their resilience that families are doing as well as they are, despite the obstacles they face. It can be easy to look away, but I urge you to lean in. Please donate as generously as you can, and consider volunteering. If you’re not sure how, know that United Way is here to help you give back.
TONI SCHLIEPER, Junior Achievement of Western PA
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania (JAWPA) is the region’s premier organization that inspires and prepares young people to succeed. Together with educators, families, and the regional business community, JAWPA helps students simulate life beyond the classroom, giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams. By delivering hands-on programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, we empower the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world. This holiday season, give the gift of your time and talent by volunteering with JAWPA. Your support will help shape the future of local students, offering them valuable guidance as they embark on their paths to success. One in 10 students are impacted by Junior Achievement — imagine the possibilities if you step in to inspire the next one!
KATHLEEN BEAVER, Animal Friends
At Animal Friends, we envision a humane and compassionate future for every companion animal. Our lifesaving mission — to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in crisis — is focused on improving the lives of pets and the people who love them. We know the best way to keep animals out of shelters and in their own loving homes is through supportive programs and resources like our Affordable Veterinary Clinic, Pet Food Bank, and Behavior Training Classes. But we also know there are still many homeless, abused, and neglected animals in our region that need our help. Those with complex medical and behavior challenges often have few options, and with our experienced and talented team, that’s where we are able to step in. Support from the community, through financial contributions, volunteering and adoption, are just some of the ways that we can continue to save lives and give these animals the second and third chances they deserve. We invite you to join us.
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