This Month
This month, we’re battling the heat and making the most of our summer.
While the excitement of seeing family members, experiencing the joy of sunshine and attending day camps fill our halls, we must admit the past year has been mentally taxing for all.
The grit our families have demonstrated on their journey to wholeness should be acknowledged and, more importantly, addressed with a holistic approach.
In recognition of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month, HEARTH is doubling down on our promise to be the support system our moms need to help get through any challenging season.
Our counseling services, made possible through community partnerships with Anchorpoint Counseling, Crisis Center North, Be Well! Pittsburgh, understand the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness. While each resident is different, we strive to make sure they never feel alone.
Read on to hear from one of our moms whose mental health prospered after joining the HEARTH community and learn how you can help us reach other moms just like her.
HEARTH Happenings
Discounted tickets to our 20th Annual Art of Wine and Food event are on sale now!
Don’t miss the opportunity to receive 10% off on an evening of adventure and awareness.
General admission tickets are $90, and VIP tickets are $135 until Wednesday, August 18 at noon.
Presented by Allegheny Financial Group and Associates in Ophthalmology, this year’s fundraising event will feature tastings of exclusive wines not available in Pennsylvania stores, sampling heavy hors d’oeuvres from the Pittsburgh Field Club, a robust silent auction, door prizes, and much more.
Proceeds from Art of Wine and Food go towards helping our families achieve economic mobility through safe, affordable housing and a suite of on-site services.
Less than a month away from The Pittsburgh Foundation’s 2021 #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert!
On Tuesday, August 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., every donation made through The Pittsburgh Foundation will be matched up to $1,000 from a pro-rated pool.
Every gift we receive brings new hope and new lives to women with children in need. For #ONEDAY, be the reason our moms are able to keep their families safe.
HEARTH News & Announcements
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of our new board president, Jamie Kuhn.
We’re confident that her expertise and commitment to our mission will drive HEARTH to further its impact and, ultimately, reach more families.
Join our Hops for HEARTH planning committee. As a member, you’ll play an essential role in organizing one of Pittsburgh’s best local craft beer events and help our families reach their full potential.
HEARTH Stories of Change
We’ve been providing housing for moms in need for over 26 years. Here we’ll share the stories of women who have found success and security at HEARTH.
| “At the start of the pandemic, I lost my job as a full-time nail technician. Two months later, the Allegheny County Health Department deemed my duplex unsafe due to mice infestation. My eight-year-old son and I moved in with my mom for a short time. Since my stepfather died, our relationship had been strained and unhealthy. |
| There were good days, and there were bad days. Soon the bad days outweighed the good, so I moved in with my aunt because I didn’t want him growing up in that type of environment. Not long after, my son and I tested positive for COVID-19. Our symptoms weren’t bad, but my aunt was dealing with pre-existing health conditions, and for her safety, she asked us to leave. My son’s school counselor recommended an apartment complex downtown. The building was participating in a grant-funded program where they would accept homeless and COVID-positive families. We were welcomed, moved in, and things seemed to be settling down. A month later, we were told the funding for the program ran out. Once again, we had to pick up and go. My son’s school counselor then recommended HEARTH. And, thank goodness she did. We moved in right before Christmas, which was an emotional moment because it meant my son would have a home for the holidays. The staff is incredible. Even though I had just moved in, they still gave Christmas decorations to hang up and even some gifts to put under the tree. After the holidays, they helped me find full-time employment as a CDC customer service representative. The position is temporary, but the peace of mind that comes from having a steady paycheck is worth it. |
My son is thriving! He loves the facility and all the things available to him. He used to be so shy, and I worried about him developing his social skills.
Now, I hardly know if he’s coming or going. He has friends here, and together they keep busy with different activities HEARTH plans for them. It’s clear he just needed the stability and freedom to be a kid again.
The fact that I, along with all of HEARTH’s support, can provide that for him motivates me to work harder towards the successful path that I’m on.
Our experience here has uplifted me and allowed me to regain my confidence, my self-esteem. I’m incredibly thankful for HEARTH and know they’ll always be in my corner as I move forward.”