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Month: January 2025

PA Promise for Children Releases List of 12 Books for Kids in the Kitchen

News

January 7, 2025

PA Promise for Children Releases List of 12 Books for Kids in the Kitchen

Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has released a list of books that will help children learn while in the kitchen.

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The list 12 Books for in the Kitchen includes works that are appropriate for infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten children. Each month, PA Promise for Children releases lists that are aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.

The books on the list include:

  • The Doorbell Rang (Pat Hutchins)
  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
  • Pancakes, Pancakes! (Eric Carle)
  • The Kids’ Multicultural Cookbook (Deanna F. Cook)
  • Stone Soup (Marcia Brown)
  • We Eat Dinner in the Bathtub (Angela Shelf Medearis)
  • Lunch (Denise Fleming)
  • Chicken Soup with Rice (Maurice Sendak)
  • A Chocolate Moose for Dinner (Fred Gwynne)
  • The Wolf’s Chicken Stew (Keiko Kasza)
  • Jamberry (Bruce Degen)
  • Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up (Mollie Katzen)

For more information, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.

Survey Aims to Address Pittsburgh Black Community Concerns, Improve Retention

News

January 6, 2025

Survey Aims to Address Pittsburgh Black Community Concerns, Improve Retention

The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) is conducting a survey among Black Pittsburgh residents regarding their satisfaction with the city.

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The Black Pittsburgh Satisfaction and Retention Survey is aimed at those 18 years of age and above who self-identify as Black or African-American and live in the Pittsburgh region.

The survey was launched by B-PEP in December and is being conducted by the Center on Race and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work.

Its organizers said of the survey, “We are trying to capture the different experiences of what it means to be Black and live in this city, and what are the strengths that would make people want to live here long term as well as the challenges that might be contributing to the loss of Black residents.”

More Details

The survey launched on December 2 and will accept responses until March 31. The results of the survey will be shared later in the year.

Data compiled by the survey will be used to make resorts and recommendations on how to improve conditions for the Black community and reverse its population loss.

The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey and enter their email address will have the chance to win a $10 gift card, while supplies last.

The survey can be found online.

Immigrant Services and Connections Adds New Office Hours Location in Pittsburgh

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Immigrant Services and Connections Adds New Office Hours Location in Pittsburgh

Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) has added a new ISAC Office hours location in the Pittsburgh region.

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In collaboration with its community partner, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, an ISAC Navigator is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at the downtown library, located at 612 Smithfield St.

The Navigator is fluent in Dari, Pashto, and English, and will have access to telephonic interpretation to assist any immigrant resident of Allegheny County, regardless of their first language.

ISAC Office Hours do not require appointments and all locations are drop-in sites. Individuals and families can receive assistance, referrals, and education/cultural orientation on a wide variety of topics and issues.

Common activities at Office Hours include:

  • Assistance with reading and sorting mail
  • Ask public benefits questions
  • Start utility services and apply for utility financial assistance programs
  • Fill out housing applications
  • Schedule medical appointments and learn to fill prescriptions
  • Sign up for English classes
  • Connect with a food pantry
  • Connect with legal, employment, and other services
  • Learn to write checks or make online bill payments
  • Communicate with children’s teachers, family landlords, and others

While complex or crisis situations cannot adequately be addressed at Office Hours, Navigators will access or refer individuals or families to ISAC Service Coordination. 

A complete list of ISAC Office Hours is available online.

City Launches Basketball Initiative as Part of Violence Prevention Commitment

News

January 1, 2025

City Launches Basketball Initiative as Part of Violence Prevention Commitment

Mayor Ed Gainey and My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburgh has launched a late-night basketball initiative for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26.

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The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department’s CitiSports program, as part of the city’s commitment to violence prevention.

The initiative aims to provide safe places where at-risk young adults can take part in constructive activities. The program will also discuss with youths how to find a path to improve their personal and professional growth.

During the nine-week program, participants will have access to resources and information about supportive services that are available. The kickoff will consist of participants gathering to meet REACH workers and Stop the Violence organizations.

Participants will play basketball and attend weekly skills and training development workshops before each game. Workshop focus areas will be workforce development, financial education, violence prevention, health and wellness resources, and educational attainment.

Regular season games will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks at the South Side Market House. The first will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This will be followed by playoff games for three weeks towards the championship game and graduation from the initiative. 

“In this day and age, we recognize the importance of providing our young people with constructive outlets and activities, many of which graduate out of violence prevention programs due to age, and are left without many trusted safe spaces,” Gainey said.

Those interested in participating as a player, mentor, or coach can sign up online. Additional information on the program can be found on MBK Pittsburgh’s EngagePGH page.