The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center supports the early learning needs of young children, families, and early educators in the Homewood communities.
The Hub & Family Center offers:
- developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age nine;
- individual and group support for parents to set and meet goals for their family; and
- professional growth opportunities for center-, family-, and home-based early learning programs, and relative-providers.
The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center is a community resource of Trying Together.
Location
The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center merged together with the former operations at the Homewood-Brushton Family Center and The Homewood Early Learning Hub under one roof at 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. This change brings with it exciting new opportunities for serving the community in Homewood.
Families
A child’s home is the first and most influential environment in their development. Recognizing this, we collaborate in meaningful ways with families of young children to support this critical learning period in their lives.
As the lead organization for The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, Trying Together helps to foster responsive and caring family-child interactions through innovative programming and strategies.
Groups
Please visit our events calendar to view information about upcoming sessions.
- Story time at the Hub! | Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Story time at the Hub! is an interactive story time geared toward children birth to five years of age and their families!
- Tummy Time | Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Tummy Time provides caregivers and pre-walking infants an opportunity to socialize in a safe and welcoming setting.
- Book Babies Story Time | Wednesdays 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Book Babies Story Time provides dedicated story time for children as well as encourages play, nurturing, and such activities as crafts.
This bonding experience helps pre-walkers develop the muscles they need to strengthen their physical, emotional, social, and gross motor development. Families can also build a social network, providing an opportunity for caregivers to bond and support one another.
- Drop-In Playtime | Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; first Monday of the month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop-in play hours offer a fun and safe space for children to grow, learn, and play while building social skills. Caregivers must stay with their children. Hub staff are available for support.
- Rise Together | Fourth Fridays Monthly, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Need a family fun Friday night? Join families at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center for a night of fun-filled games and activities. Parents and caregivers can explore ways to interact with their children to promote growth through play.
For more information, contact Nicole Banner at nicole@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your networks.
Buzzword
Buzzword excites children from birth to age 5 and their families as they discover the words that are all around them. Through talk and play using math, science, and art, families can expand their young children’s vocabulary and conversation skills. The program engages families and community organizations in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood and the greater community.
The Buzzword collaborative consists of partner organizations with expertise in the arts and sciences. They provide interactive learning opportunities that encourage imagination, investigation, creation, and reflection for families. This initiative is supported by PNC Grow Up Great® and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.
Please email buzzword@tryingtogether.org for information on participating in Buzzword.
Early Educators
High-quality child care is essential to early childhood development. Through our work with community partners, families, and local early care and education professionals at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, we provide a place for the community to gather, learn, and play.
Healthy Child Care Alliance
Are you looking for an opportunity to receive support from other providers, access new resources, and increase the quality of your child care program? Join the Healthy Child Care Alliance (HCCA)!
Now recruiting family/group child care providers to participate in a supportive and dedicated community, the HCCA enhances child care quality through shared services and professional development. Together, we support positive child interactions and connect the provider community to expanded resources.
Benefits:
- professional development hours;
- shared purchasing options;
- mentoring opportunities;
- networking opportunities with other program participants;
- curriculum and planning support; and
- family engagement strategies and events.
For more information, please contact info@tryingtogether.org.
Resources
Diaper Bank
Diapers in sizes one to six and wipes are available to families in Homewood and surrounding communities. Each family can receive up to two packs of diapers and/or pull-ups every 60 days. To schedule a time to pick up diapers and wipes, please complete the interest form. Once you have completed the form, a member of our staff will contact you to arrange a pickup. Please note that opened diapers and wipes may not be returned or exchanged.
Please share this flyer with your networks.
Formula Bank
The Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center is partnering with The Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank, which is managed by Beverly’s PGH, to provide formula to families in need. Families can receive 12 standard cans of infant formula per year with no more than one standard can per visit. A visit is defined as one service within a 24-hour period.
Walk-In Clothing Distribution Center
If you would like to donate clothing, The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will be taking children’s clothing and items only.
412 Food Rescue
Are you in need of food assistance? Visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center every Monday and Friday from noon – 5 p.m. to receive free food items, including sandwiches, fruit, baked goods, and more.
Participants may pick up various perishable food items on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. This food distribution is walk-in only. Food items are provided by 412 Food Rescue.
For more information or questions, please get in touch with The Hub & Family Center at 412-545-5039.
Learn More
For more information about The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, see our full list of staff contacts, and see our events calendar.
The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center is one of 22 Family Centers located in neighborhoods around Allegheny County. The Family Center network, first established in 1997, has recently been updated to invite a more inclusive definition of “family” to include children under 18 and their caregivers. Read more on the Family Centers website.
