United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

This week, we're gearing up for our annual Meal Kit Packing event at Acrisure Stadium / PSSI Stadium LLC.! Hundreds of volunteers will gather to pack 1,750 meal kit boxes filled with nutritious food for families across our region. Each box includes six meals for a family of four along with pantry staples. We're dedicated to helping our community meet their basic needs, and we're thrilled to host one of our biggest volunteer events of the season! Read more about our upcoming volunteer Meal Kit Packing event here: bit.ly/3yiPU7d. Stay tuned to our social channels for live updates on the day of the event and a recap next week. #ChangemakersUnite #MealKitPacking

We had an incredible time last week at our Women United Grow Your Network breakfast at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg! The morning was filled with networking, fellowship and an inspiring talk from Renee Reitz (she/her), executive director of the Blackburn Center. She highlighted how United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania's funding supports survivors of domestic violence. We also collected creative and meditative activity donations for Blackburn Center clients to aid in their healing journey. A big thank you to our sponsors: UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, Highmark, and Allegheny Health Network for making this event possible! Want to learn more about Women United? Visit uwswpa.org/womenunited/. #ChangemakersUnite #WomenUnited #GrowYourNetwork

Since 2020, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Welcome Back Summer initiative has been supporting summer programs throughout our region. This year, staff at Welcome Back Summer locations are preparing to deepen their skills in culturally affirming social and emotional learning (SEL), focusing on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. Based on feedback from our partner agencies, we recognized that providing SEL training would be incredibly valuable for both program staff and the kids who attend these programs. Thanks to funding from the Staunton Farm Foundation, we're offering three SEL training sessions specifically for our Welcome Back Summer program staff in Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties. The sessions will be led by experienced trainers from the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. Visit our blog to learn more about our Welcome Back Summer program and these SEL training sessions. If you’d like to join the training, please register at bit.ly/UWSELTraining2024 by May 24, 2024. #WelcomeBackSummer #ChangeMakersUnite

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is honored to serve communities across five counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland. Today's spotlight is on Armstrong County , where the cost of surviving is more than twice the federal poverty level. At United Way, we're dedicated to keeping donor contributions close to home and to supporting our neighbors in their times of need. With the guidance of local community leaders, we ensure that our impact is as meaningful as possible. Stay tuned this month to learn more about each of our counties. #ChangemakersUnite #ArmstrongCounty

When landlords fail to maintain safe rental properties, it's the tenants who suffer from uninhabitable living conditions and may be forced to find new housing. Pennsylvania Representative Dave Madsen (D-104, Dauphin County) has proposed House Bill 1549 to protect tenants displaced due to unsafe conditions, ensuring everyone has the right to secure housing without it being taken away through no fault of their own. In our latest blog post, United Way's Sally Davis Ellwein MSW, MPH, director of Meeting Basic Needs, and Michele Breisinger, senior director of the PA 211 Southwest contact center, discuss how sudden evictions due to unsafe conditions impact tenants and what United Way's community impact staff and our 211 helpline hear from people seeking assistance with housing issues. Read more for their insight. https://lnkd.in/dDK-B5BS

Calling all young professionals! If you're passionate about networking and making a positive impact in the community, our United Way’s Next Gen Ambassador program may be a perfect fit. As a Next Gen Ambassador, you can commit your time, skills and financial support at a level that suits you. Your involvement helps families and individuals meet basic needs, move toward financial stability and build for success in school and life. Interested in making a difference? Learn more about our Next Gen program at uwswpa.org/next-gen/.

"Our program is dedicated to preparing youth for the challenges ahead by nurturing their talents and fostering personal growth. Together with passionate instructors and a supportive environment, we’re committed to helping every participant unlock their full potential!” – Jordan Allen Sr., camp counselor Summer is right around the corner, and we're thrilled to announce that Welcome Back Summer summer programs is back for its fifth year! This year, we’re funding 50 high-quality, innovative summer programs for children and youth. These programs help students build skills, make memories and set them up for success in school and life. Stay tuned to our social channels for a complete list of funded camps and special summer highlights! #ChangemakersUnite #WelcomeBackSummer24

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We're excited to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to every facet of American society. At United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we're committed to embracing equity and diversity in all we do. This month and every month we honor and uplift the remarkable achievements of the AANHPI community. Join us as we stand in solidarity and continue our work toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #ChangemakersUnite #AANHPIMonth

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania will honor some remarkable women at their 2024 Awards of Distinction on May 15, 2024. This award recognizes women who showcase outstanding leadership and serve as inspiring role models for Girl Scouts. We're proud to share that our very own president and CEO, Bobbi Watt Geer, along with Jayme Butcher, co-chair of our Tocqueville Society committee and board member, will be among this year's honorees. Keep an eye on our social channels for event highlights and celebrations! #ChangemakersUnite

Meet Natalie Gordon, our regional donor engagement manager of donor relations. Beyond her role at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Natalie is a Harry Potter enthusiast, devoted animal lover, mom and active community member. As she marks her one-year anniversary with us, she feels like working here was the perfect fit. Discover more about Natalie in her employee spotlight by visiting: https://lnkd.in/dedCHDuj #EmployeeSpotlight #ChangemakersUnite