30 Years of Strength, Support, & Community
As we close out the summer and celebrate 30 Years of Strength, Support, and Community, we are reminded of how much we can accomplish together. From Tees & Traps and #ONEDAY, to Hope On Tap and Back to School, this season has been full of moments that reflect the heart of HEARTH. None of it would be possible without our incredible community of volunteers, supporters, businesses, and partners—thank you for making our mission a reality.
Letter from our CEO
Dear Friends of HEARTH,
This year has been especially meaningful as we celebrate 30 years of strength, support, and community. Looking back over the spring and summer, I am deeply inspired by the generosity, resilience, and hope that continue to shine through HEARTH families, volunteers, and supporters.
As we look toward the fall and our 30th Anniversary Celebration in November, I want to thank you for standing with HEARTH. Your support makes it possible for families to find stability, safety, healing, and a true place to call home.
Together, we are not only honoring the past 30 years—we are building the foundation for the next 30.
With gratitude,
Christy Pietryga
cpietryga@hearthpgh.org
Personalities of Pittsburgh Feature
We are thrilled to celebrate Christy for being recognized in the Personalities of Pittsburgh series by the Pittsburgh Business Times!
The feature highlights her leadership and the incredible work HEARTH does to support families and children in our community. Christy’s dedication continues to inspire our team, partners, and all who believe in creating safe, supportive housing for those in need.
Spring & Summer Events
This spring, our team completed the Safe & TogetherTM Core Training, enhancing our skills to better support families affected by domestic violence.
These certifications help us provide trauma-informed care that keeps children safe and families stronger.
Kennywood Fun
Thanks to our long-time partners Expressions in Harmony and Norwin Show Choir, families and staff enjoyed a memorable day at Kennywood this spring! From rides to laughter-filled moments, this special outing created lasting memories and reminded us how impactful community partnerships can be.
Tees & Traps
This summer’s Tees & Traps fundraiser brought together golfers, supporters, and community partners for a day of fun, friendly competition, and generosity. Thanks to everyone who participated or sponsored, we raised $74,000 to support families at HEARTH. An extra special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Costa Contracting, the Tees Event Committee, all of our event and cart sponsors, and the volunteers from BNY. Not only did they brave the heat, but BNY also donated a check valued for the time they spent with us. Your generosity and spirit made the day even more meaningful. We can’t wait for next year!
Hope on Tap with 11th Hour Brewing Co
This year’s Hope On Tap, hosted by our Emerging Leaders Board and 11th Hour Brewing Co., brought together friends for live music, food trucks, raffles, and prizes—all while supporting HEARTH’s mission. We are so grateful to 11th Hour Brewing and the many community partners who donated prizes, helping us raise $3,000! This annual celebration is one we look forward to every year, and thanks to everyone who came out, it was a wonderful success.
Back to School with Brentwood Bank
For the third year in a row, Brentwood Bank hosted a special Back to School event for all the kids at HEARTH, providing brand-new school supplies, a BBQ dinner, games, and plenty of fun. Thanks to their generosity and dedication, our students were set up for a successful school year, and smiles were everywhere! We are so grateful to Brentwood Bank and all the volunteers who helped make this day possible.
#ONEDAY 2025
Thanks to our incredible supporters, The Pittsburgh Foundation’s #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert 2025 was a huge success! Together, we raised over $36,000, surpassing our goal of $30,000—ranking HEARTH in 6th place out of 182 nonprofits during this one-day event.
Even more exciting, donations between $25 and $1,000 were matched through a special incentive, helping your generosity go even further. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, shared, and contributed!
Founders Breakfast & Life-changing Moments
On June 4th, we had the privilege of sitting down with HEARTH’s Founders and board members to hear stories, reflect on our history, and celebrate 30 years of impact. The morning was made even more memorable when, in partnership with Drive On and a generous donor, we were able to present a car to one of our moms—an incredible gift that will make a real difference in her life. It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, generosity, and support.
STEM Coding Lab: Creating the Future
This summer, our kids dove into a two-week workshop with STEM Coding Lab, learning coding skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. The program culminated with each student creating their own Tech Arcade games, showing off creativity and innovation in action. One child at HEARTH was even invited to submit their STEM Project to a regional competition!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community Partners!
We are so grateful to the incredible organizations and individuals who make our work possible. From supporting our food pantry, providing clothing, support with childcare, setting up and furnishing apartments with household items, organizing donation drives, and everything in between, your generosity touches every part of HEARTH’s mission. A special thank you goes to Federal Home Loan Bank, BNY Mellon, Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Treasure House Fashions, Elfinwild Church, Schneider Downs, Sisterson, Norwin Show Choir, and so many others who consistently step up to support our families.
Spotlight: Birgo Realty
Birgo Realty has gone above and beyond in supporting HEARTH! They organized a large group of volunteers for a hands-on service day and maintain an ongoing donation bin in their office, collecting goods for families in need. Their dedication and support make a lasting impact on our community.
Upcoming Events Fall 2025
Founders Breakfast
HEARTH Founders: Join us for a special morning celebrating our history, the visionary leaders who started it all, and the legacy that continues today. Hear stories from our past, reconnect with fellow founders, and meet members of our current board and team.
Wed, Oct 1 2025
10:00-11:30 AM
HEARTH Campus
For more information, contact Janine at jwytovich@hearthpgh.org.
October: domestic violence awareness month
Each October, we honor survivors, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with those affected. Join us on Purple Thursday, October 16th —wear purple to show your support and help spread the message that no one should face violence alone.
Three Decades of Impact: Celebrating HEARTH
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 5:30 – 9:30 PM
The Circuit Center
Make an Impact
How You Can Support HEARTH
Your support helps families and children thrive! Whether you have time, resources, or a special skill to share, there are many ways to get involved and make an impact in our community:
Volunteer: Become an after-school program volunteer or organize a work group.
Run a Drive: Collect household items, cleaning supplies, food, and other necessities.
Shop our Wish Lists: Help us provide essential items by purchasing from our Amazon, Walmart & Target wish lists.
Donate a Meal: Prepare or order a meal for our Monday Night Program and
nourish both bodies and spirits.
Your generosity, whether big or small, makes a tangible difference every day!
Interested? Please reach out to our Community Engagement Coordinator, Morgan Cable at mcable@hearthpgh.org.
