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News

October 10, 2023

Fathers Trying Together (Virtual)

Are you a father or caregiver in a child’s life? Do you have barriers that are affecting your family’s or child/ children’s life, and would like to learn about skills/ resources to overcome those challenges, like financial literacy, legal issues, or parenting? Join us for group discussions with peers who are fellow fathers/caregivers to discuss a variety of topics to reach solutions.

To receive the event link, please complete our online registration form. During registration, you will be asked to select from a list of  session dates. Please select all session dates that you wish to attend.

Event Details

  • Third Tuesday of Every Month
    11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location

Learn More

For more information, contact The Homewood Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.

 

News

Fathers Trying Together (Virtual)

Are you a father or caregiver in a child’s life? Do you have barriers that are affecting your family’s or child/ children’s life, and would like to learn about skills/ resources to overcome those challenges, like financial literacy, legal issues, or parenting? Join us for group discussions with peers who are fellow fathers/caregivers to discuss a variety of topics to reach solutions.

To receive the event link, please complete our online registration form. During registration, you will be asked to select from a list of  session dates. Please select all session dates that you wish to attend.

Event Details

  • Third Tuesday of Every Month
    11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location

Learn More

For more information, contact The Homewood Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website.

 

News

July 13, 2023

3 For Free: Free Admission in August for Three Local Museums

The Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and the Heinz History Center will be open to visitors free of charge every operating day throughout the month of August 2023.

‘3 For Free’ Campaign

The ‘3 For Free’ campaign will celebrate the museums’ recognition among the nation’s best. All three museums recently won honors from USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Through online voting, the museums collectively ranked in top five as some of the finest museums in the country: The Warhol (fourth in Best Art Museums), Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (second in Best Children’s Museums), and the Heinz History Center (second in Best History Museums).

Plan Your Visit

Visitors seeking free tickets during the ‘3 For Free’ month are encouraged to book online at each museum’s website. Advanced reservations are recommended, but not required.

Use the links below to secure your tickets:

This offer will be in addition to the annual free-admission RAD Days, which will begin in September.

Related Content & Resources

News

June 28, 2023

CitiParks Announces Free Pool Access for Area Youth

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks) recently announced that it will make access to CitiParks swimming pools free to all Pittsburgh children from birth to age 15.

About CitiParks Pool Access

Previously, Pittsburgh children needed a Recreation Center Membership Tag to access pools for free.  This summer, CitiParks is waiving the Recreation Membership Tag requirement for area youths.

Season passes are still available for purchase by Pittsburgh’s adult residents.  Non-residents of Pittsburgh are also able to purchase season tags.

Find full details and the 2023 Pool Tag form on the CitiParks website.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.

News

June 21, 2023

Soon-to-End Grant Opportunity Helps Eligible Families Pay for Critical Home Repairs

Action Housing Inc. is providing funds for low-income homeowners in Allegheny County to make whole-home repairs to severely damaged households through the federal Whole-Home Repairs Program.

Homeowners could receive up to $50,000 in funds to fix critical issues that pose safety issues to residents, like damage to the roof, windows, or foundation of a home. Money is also available to make modifications for someone managing a disability.

However, funds are limited* and based on need. Action Housing can likely only award 150-250 applicants grants. Still, families awarded grants will not need to repay the funds.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Friday, June 30. No applications will be accepted after this time.

*Disclaimer: Due to limited funding, Action Housing Inc. must prioritize homes with the worst damage. However, the application process will re-open for another 30-day period in mid to late fall. The exact time of this second application period will be announced at a later time.

About the Whole-Home Repairs Program

Who can apply? Who is eligible for a whole-home grant?

To qualify, an applicant must:

  • own and live in a house needing repairs in Allegheny County.
  • be living in a home with significant habitability issues like roof damage, unsafe electric wiring, or accessibility concerns.
  • have a total income that doesn’t exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Allegheny County. Please refer to the AMI chart to find AMI data.

How does the application process work?

  1. Apply online on the Allegheny County Whole-Home Repair Program website.
  2. If you are eligible and selected for a home inspection, someone from the Whole-Home Repairs Program will contact you to schedule it.
  3. A Whole-Home Repairs inspector will visit your home to determine if the repairs qualify for funding.
  4. If the inspector approves the repairs, Action Housing will connect you with a contractor certified by the Whole-Home Repairs Program to do the work.

How will applicants be notified?

If you apply online, you’ll get an email about your eligibility for the program. People submitting paper applications will be notified via U.S. mail.

How long does this process take?

Action Housing Inc. will work as quickly as possible to schedule inspections and start construction. Still, they can’t commit to a timeline. Many collaborate to finish this work, so estimating schedules and weather dependencies is challenging. The whole process could take anywhere from a few months to a year.

Additional Information & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I have to pay for anything?

You have no cost if your application is eligible and repairs are approved.

I do not have a Social Security number. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! A Social Security number is requested in the application but is optional.

Is citizenship required for this program?

No, citizenship status is not a factor.

I know someone who wants to apply, but English isn’t their native language.

Call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021, and Action Housing Inc. will get a translator to meet with you in person or complete an application over the phone.

I, or someone I know, have a physical or mental impairment that makes applying challenging.

Call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 to talk about accommodating your needs.

I already applied for Whole-Home Repairs funding during the pilot phase of this program. When will someone contact me?

Action Housing Inc. received your application, but it’s taking some time to work through the volume of applications they received. Someone will contact you if they need more information to decide or to schedule a home inspection.

How is Action Housing Inc. determining who gets selected?

One of the requirements outlined in the passed state bill to fund Whole-Home Repairs is that Action Housing prioritize funding for certain groups of people. They are using data to help determine how to do this best. Because funding is limited, Action Housing is prioritizing neighborhoods not invested in historically.

 

To find a full list of FAQs, visit the Action Housing Inc. website.

Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements and need financial assistance for whole-home repairs, please apply now on the Allegheny County Whole-Home Repair Program website.

Additional Resources

Unfortunately, Action Housing Inc. cannot award grants to all eligible applicants. If you are in need of financial assistance for home repairs and are not eligible for or awarded a grant, please consult these resources:

Learn More

The Whole-Home Repair Program is a federal program and available in counties across the Commonwealth. If you do not live in Allegheny County but are in need of financial assistance for home repairs, you can apply through an agency within your county. Find a list of agencies supporting the Whole-Home Repair Program on the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

To learn more, please consult the Whole-Home Repair Program Manual or visit the Action Housing Inc. website.

News

June 20, 2023

OCDEL Extends Deadline to Order Two Free Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has extended the deadline for certified child care providers in Pennsylvania to order two complimentary First Alert carbon monoxide detectors to August 31.

The detectors are available to all certified child care providers in the state who want them. However, providers do not need to order or place the detectors.

(This article was updated on May 9, 2023 and June 20, 2023 to reflect new deadlines.)

Why is OCDEL offering carbon monoxide detectors?

In October 2022, a carbon monoxide leak occurred in a Pennsylvania child care facility. OCDEL is providing this opportunity for providers who want to increase the safety of their staff and the children in their care.

How do I order carbon monoxide detectors for my child care facility?

School Health, a national provider of health supplies, sent an email on March 1 to all certified child care providers in Pennsylvania. The email, sent from reply@email.schoolhealth.com, included a unique promotional code and instructions on how to order the carbon monoxide detectors.

Providers interested in ordering the detectors should follow the instructions in the School Health email to place their orders. The provided promotional code will cover the cost of purchase and shipping for two detectors.

Please note:

  • School Health promotional codes are unique. Child care providers should not share promotional codes or forward the School Health email to other child care providers.
  • OCDEL will only cover the cost of this one-time purchase and will not cover any other costs. Additional costs not covered include costs to replace lost or broken devices.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have any questions, or did not receive an email on March 1, please contact Kristi Leahy from School Health at kleahy@schoolhealth.com or 630-339-7943.

News

June 14, 2023

Carnegie Museums Offer Free Memberships to Teens

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are offering Teen Membership to area teenagers.

Teen Membership is a free pass to all four Carnegie Museums available to all teens 13–18 years old who are residents of Pennsylvania.

About Teen Membership

To qualify for the Teen Membership Program, applicants must:

  • be 13-18 years of age and a resident of the state of Pennsylvania
  • have the consent of parents or legal guardians, if under the age of 18

Teen members enjoy:

  • free general admission to Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum
  • invitations to events and programming designed just for teen members
  • free reciprocal admission at 300+ ASTC museums and science centers
  • discounts on classes, camps, educational films at the Rangos Giant Cinema, laser shows, lectures, and special events
  • a 10% discount in museum stores and cafes (20% store discount during Member Shopping Days)

Please note: Teen membership benefits are valid for one named teen per membership. Teen membership benefits do not extend to parents, guardians, caregivers, household members, or additional guests.

Apply for Teen Membership

To apply for a Teen Membership, fill out the online application on the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh website or complete and return a paper application to any of the four Carnegie Museums, or mail to:

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
ATTN: Membership
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh website.

News

June 5, 2023

OCDEL Invites Families to Participate in Free Professional Photo Session

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Team at the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invites pregnant and parenting families of children birth to age six to participate in a free professional photo session.

Each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 and associated travel/mileage reimbursement for completing the approximately one-hour photoshoot. Families will also receive copies of their photos.

About Photo Sessions

Why is OCDEL providing this opportunity?

Photos of Pennsylvania children and their families play an instrumental role in conveying the importance of high-quality maternal and early childhood services in Pennsylvania. Additionally, they aid in outreach to families, professionals, legislators, business leaders, and other partners throughout the state.

By capturing photos of Pennsylvania families, OCDEL can better serve and advocate for them and the care of their children.

How will OCDEL use the photos?

OCDEL may use the photos for:

  • advertising (i.e. television, online, billboard, and print)
  • social media
  • printed displays and materials, such as annual reports, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

In using the photos, OCDEL will never share the names and locations of the families included in them.

Who can participate in the photo sessions?

All Pennsylvania families with children age six and younger are invited to participate, including those who reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania’s population. OCDEL would like to represent differences in identity such as:

  • race
  • ethnicity
  • gender
  • gender identity
  • sexual orientation
  • age
  • disability
  • geographic location across the Commonwealth

Siblings and grandparents are welcome and highly encouraged to participate, too.

Why should families participate?

Each participating family will receive electronic access to the professionally produced photos of their family taken during the photo session. They will be able to:

  • download and save the photos
  • print them
  • share them on their social media accounts (i.e. Facebook or Instagram)
  • email them to family and friends

Additionally, each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 for completing the approximately 1-hour photoshoot. Also, mileage reimbursement will be provided at a rate of 65.5 cents per mile.

ECCS is also able to reimburse other modes of transportation utilized to get to the photo session location, such as public transportation, Uber, or Lyft with receipts. ECCS will also reimburse tolls with receipts.

Where will photo sessions be held?

The ECCS team will host photo sessions:

  • June 27 in King of Prussia, Montgomery County
  • July 17 in Cranberry Township, Butler County
  • July 19 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County
  • July 25 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County

How can families sign-up to participate?

If you would like to participate, please complete the online registration form no later than June 15.

There is no cost to participate with the ECCS photo session. However, space is limited and registration is required.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website.

For questions, please contact Sadia Batool at c-sabatool@pa.gov.

News

May 30, 2023

LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District

The Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania (LDA of PA) is offering free reading tutoring to pre-k and kindergarten students living in the Hill District.

Tutoring takes place every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hill District Carnegie Library on Centre Avenue.

About Free Reading Tutoring

Free tutoring will help students with:

  • Print awareness
  • Phonological awareness
  • Phonemic awareness
  • Alphabetic principle
  • Sound mastery
  • Phonics
  • Vocabulary
  • High frequency/trick words
  • Fluency
  • Comprehension strategies
  • Handwriting
  • Spelling
  • Punctuation

Learn More

Snacks are provided during tutoring sessions.

Interested individuals with children who may benefit from free reading tutoring should email tutoring@ldaofpa.org or call 412.212.708 to enroll their child. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the LDA of PA website.

News

May 22, 2023

CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) Office of Special Events has announced its 2023 Summer Concert Series, 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, and 2023 Farmers Market schedules.

2023 Summer Concert Series

Three concert series will feature 22 events free to the public, including a July 9 performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“Stars at Riverview” Series

“Stars at Riverview” will once again bring local artists to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings throughout the entire summer. Concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”.

This series will take place each Saturday between June 10 an August 26,  from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park on Observatory Hill. Performances are as follows:

  • June 10: Trio Nova
  • June 17: Charelle Unique & Soul Drip
  • June 24: Ken Karsh Trio
  • July 1: Louie Castle & the Rooks
  • July 8: Lee Robinson & ISKA
  • July 15: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band
  • July 22: R.E.D. Experience
  • July 29: Rick Finkelstein
  • August 5: Ronni Weiss & Friends
  • August 12: Thomas Wendt Quartet
  • August 19: Steel City Calypso
  • August 26: NASH.V.ILL

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” Series

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” is a fan-favorite that entertains among the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees can satisfy their appetite for classical music on Sunday mornings, accompanied by a “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Join to celebrate 50 years of WQED along with a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program.

This series will take place each Sunday between June 25 and July 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mellon Park on Fifth and Shady Avenues. Performances are as follows:

  • June 25: Munhall Community Band
  • July 2: KleZlectic
  • July 9: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
  • July 16: Allegheny Brass Band
  • July 23: North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band
  • July 30: NEW – Local Artist Showcase

“Reservoir of Jazz” Series

Jazz enthusiasts can relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of performances by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. This series is supported by the Highland Park Community Council and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

This series will take place each Sunday between August 6 – 27, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Highland Park on Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive. Performances are as follows:

  • August 6: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band
  • August 13: Deanna Witkowski Trio
  • August 20: MCG Jazz presents Aurora
  • August 27: Reggie Watkins Quartet

Learn More

For more information and complete event schedules, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer.

2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park

In July and August, return to your favorite weekly movie location for Cinema in the Park. The 2023 schedule includes contemporary box office hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Lightyear”, while also offering classic titles including “Matilda” and “Jaws”.

All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk.

Schenley Park – Schenley Plaza

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy every Sunday between July 2 and August 27. Showings are as follows:

  • July 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 9: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 16: Matilda (PG)
  • July 23: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • July 30: Shrek (PG)
  • August 6: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 13: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)
  • August 20: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)
  • August 27: Sunset Boulevard (1950) (not rated)

West End Overlook – Rue Grande Vue Street

Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 3 and Monday, July 31. Showings are as follows:

  • July 3: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 31: Shrek (PG)

Banksville Park – Crane Avenue

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 10, and Monday, August 7. Showings are as follows:

  • July 10: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • August 7: Turning Red (PG)

McBride Park – McBride Street

Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 14. Showings are as follows:

  • July 17: Matilda (PG)
  • August 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)

Highland Park – Reservoir Drive

Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 24, and Monday, August 21. Showings are as follows:

  • July 24: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 21: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Ormsby Park – S. 22nd Street

Movies at this venue will take place Tuesdays between July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Showings are as follows:

  • July 11: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 25: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 8: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 22: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Schenley Park – Flagstaff Hill

Movies at this venue will take place each Wednesday between July 12 and August 30. Showings are as follows:

  • July 12: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13)
  • July 19: School of Rock (PG-13)
  • July 26: Batman (1989) (PG-13)
  • August 2: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
  • August 9: The Batman (PG-13)
  • August 16: Back to the Future (PG)
  • August 23: Cave Rescue (PG-13)
  • August 30: Cool Hand Luke (PG)

Brookline Memorial Park – Oakridge Street

Movies at this venue will take place Thursdays between July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17. Showings are as follows:

  • July 6: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 20: Matilda (PG)
  • August 3: Shrek (PG)
  • August 17: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)

Arsenal Park – 40th St. at Davison St

Movies at this venue will take place Fridays between July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25. Showings are as follows:

  • July 14: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 28: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 11: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Grandview Park – Bailey Avenue

Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows:

  • July 1: The Incredibles (PG)
  • July 8: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
  • July 15: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)
  • July 22: Matilda (PG)
  • July 29: DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
  • August 5: Shrek (PG)
  • August 12: Turning Red (PG)
  • August 19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)
  • August 26: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

Riverview Park – Observatory Hill

Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows:

  • July 1: Jaws (PG)
  • July 8: Fall (PG-13)
  • July 15: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13)
  • July 22: School of Rock (PG-13)
  • July 29: Batman (1989) (PG-13)
  • August 5: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
  • August 12: The Batman (PG-13)
  • August 19: Back to the Future (PG)
  • August 26: Cave Rescue (PG-13)

Learn More

Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star serving as media partner.

2023 Farmers Market

All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts, and hot prepared foods to go.

The Squirrel Hill Market opens one week early, with a special market on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special day at our Squirrel Hill Market will include a photo booth and a Mother’s Day Card crafting table for kids. Normal market operations begin Sunday, May 21, and will run through November 20.

2023 Market Locations & Schedule

The 2023 market locations and schedule are as follows:

  • Sundays: Squirrel Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Beacon/Bartlett parking lot
    • May 14 – November 19
  • Mondays: East End, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Liberty Green Park, Larimer Ave.
    • May 22 – November 20
  • Wednesdays: Carrick, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Rd.
    • May 24 – November 15
  • Fridays: North Side, 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave.
    • May 26 – November 17

Learn More

All four CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. SNAP shoppers can get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. (Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases.) Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and veggies. For every $5 spent on food stamps, receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For more information, visit justharvest.org/fresh-access

This year, the East End Market will feature a booth operated by Catapult who will rotate through new food entrepreneurs as part of their food business incubator program. 25 Carrick will provide entertainment for the Carrick Market with DJs from their youth apprenticeship program. CitiParks is also excited to help foster the next generation of up-and-coming young farmers and budding Pittsburgh urban growers with a shared communal stand at the Squirrel Hill Market.

One additional surprise for this year’s Markets is an original oil painting by local artist Marlon Gist, commissioned by the City. Marlon’s painting captures the colorful spirit of Farmers Markets, and; his artwork will be on display during opening week at all 4 Markets.