Do More Good

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CAMPAIGN FOR SHIM

Hello. We’re South Hills Interfaith Movement.

But please call us SHIM. SHIM VISION An inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

SHIM MISSION SHIM mobilizes community resources and implements sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS SHIM has been dedicated to strategically adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the South Hills community since being founded in 1968 by a priest, a rabbi, and a minister.

SHIM is a comprehensive, broad-based human services agency dedicated to empowering struggling individuals and families to find their own path towards self-sufficiency by providing food, clothing, education, and vital resources.

With dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners, SHIM reduces the devastating effects of suburban poverty among the working poor, unemployed, families, single parents, senior citizens, women, and a growing number of refugee families from around the world.

The South Hills is home to the largest community of refugees in the Pittsburgh region.

For more than 10 years, SHIM has been providing comprehensive support to immigrant families resettled in the United States, helping them make a better life.

Campaign Vision “For over 50 years, SHIM has been innovative in meeting needs in the South Hills. As we continue to evolve, SHIM’s Do More Good Campaign will transform SHIM from an organization that provides many good programs into one that provides a comprehensive service model to meet constituent needs over the long term.

Do More Good will also strengthen our financial structure to ensure sustainability and vitality well into the future.”

Jim Guffey Executive Director South Hills Interfaith Movement

“In the South Hills, hidden in plain sight, are people struggling with poverty, hunger, and building a better life for their families. Through Do More Good, SHIM will build upon past successes and capitalize on new opportunities to enhance core programs, build capacity to better serve the South Hills, and provide the flexibility to meet emerging needs in uniquely proven ways.”

John Schrott Board Chair South Hills Interfaith Movement President, Managing Principal Architect IKM Incorporated

How SHIM does good “SHIM is a valued partner in providing vital and critically needed human service programs in the South Hills. I’m always impressed with both the breadth and depth of services offered. From food pantries to children and youth programs to family support to community gardens, SHIM excels at providing for the unique needs of South Hills residents and families.”

Marc Cherna Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services

In 2018, more than 4,000 neighbors counted on SHIM to do good.

MEETING BASIC NEEDS Food Pantries

Nearly 175,000 lbs of food donated Served 1,300 households & 4,000+ individuals (35% were children)

Clothing

2,250 visited the community closet 25,500+ articles of clothing & 1,500+ household items received

SHIM has 3 food pantries to help put healthy meals on the table.

Families “shop” at no charge thanks to generous donations.

Utility Assistance

As a screening site for the Dollar Energy utility assistance program, SHIM provides neighbors with a one-time grant and connects households with other home energy assistance.

Back-to-School

SHIM helps students go to school with backpacks and supplies.

80+ families received Dollar Energy assistance 150+ families connected with alternative energy assistance

1,100 children went to school prepared for success

BUILDING COMMUNITY Community Gardens

15 community gardens provided 11,000+ lbs of fresh produce

Volunteers

270 active volunteers

SHIM’s gardens grow produce to provide families who use our food pantries with fresh fruits and vegetables.

SHIM wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without dedicated volunteers.

Holocaust Observance

Since 1979, the South Hills faith community has united each spring to remember Holocaust victims. Led by interfaith leaders, Holocaust Observance is a time to pray, reflect, discuss, and remember.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Held each November, Interfaith Thanksgiving uniquely brings four faiths together to celebrate in unity.

Over 28,000 hours volunteered time 1,300 people & 150 organizations made contributions

ACHIEVING SELF-SUFFICIENCY Immigrant Services and Connections SHIM assists refugees and immigrants with access to shelter, education, healthcare, and legal support. We are 1 of 5 sites coordinated by Jewish Family & Community Services of Pittsburgh.

Smart Investments

Smart Investments provides small grants to women experiencing a specific crisis.

Family Support

SHIM works with parents on health & well-being, positive parenting, economic self-sufficiency, and keeping children safe. SHIM offers home visits, child development screenings, parenting workshops, counseling, and support.

Community Counselling

Many of SHIM’s families have experienced severe trauma in their lives. Various support groups positively impact the lives of individuals in the community by providing a safe, therapeutic space to address issues related to stress, depression, wellness, and relationships.

Career Help

In partnership with Jewish Family & Community Services of Pittsburgh, WorkAble connects neighbors with a professional career consultant, employers, career fairs, alumni, and a strong volunteer base to help participants find meaningful employment.

Early Childhood Program

Each week, 3- & 4-year-olds come to SHIM’s Early Childhood Program to learn and get ready for Kindergarten. SHIM teachers ensure students are learning with curriculum that engages all kids.

After School Program

Students grades K-5 get support that their foreignborn parents may not be able to provide, like homework assistance; weekly themed study lessons; and activities in art, gym, library, and more.

Summer Camp

Children grades Pre-K-8 engage in arts, crafts, games, group activities, and playground time. Events include swimming lessons, STEM activities, gardening, and field trips.

Youth Mentoring Program

Mentoring fosters academic and emotional development of middle and high school students, empowering them to graduate from high school and achieve success in college or the workplace. These students came to the U.S. with their families from refugee camps and are working hard to adapt to life in their new country.

346 people served

25 women received grants

465 families served representing 1,015 individuals

67 people served

17 individuals received career counseling assistance

25+ children, most are from international families with limited English language proficiency

75 children, with a waiting list

150+ children

90 teens

How SHIM will do more good.

Today, the South Hills faces many of the same challenges SHIM founders saw and a few they never could have envisioned. As suburban poverty is growing at a rate five times faster than urban poverty, SHIM is strengthening services to help more neighbors in need, including a growing number of refugee and immigrant families.

There is also an increasing number of children living in poverty. Today, nearly 4,500 kids are eligible for free or reduced priced lunch – nearly 1/4 of the students in the six school districts SHIM serves (BaldwinWhitehall, Bethel Park, Keystone Oaks, Mt. Lebanon, South Park, and Upper St. Clair).

SHIM is building upon past successes and capitalizing on new opportunities to enhance core programs, build capacity to better serve the South Hills, and provide the flexibility to meet emerging needs in uniquely proven ways.

SHIM is focused on making the South Hills an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

To rise to meet these challenges, SHIM is undertaking the Do More Good campaign to strengthen infrastructure, fortify existing bestpractice programs, and create a responsive model of service delivery that allows SHIM to meet the emerging needs of the suburban South Hills well into the future.

SHIM has completed the readiness phase of the Do More Good effort, enabling the 2018 relocation of family and youth programs to the Wallace School building in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. SHIM’s Do More Good next phase includes:

Strengthening Infrastructure

From purchasing a vehicle for weekly food pickups at the Food Bank to repaving the parking lot for the hundreds of people that visit monthly for food, SHIM has some one-time costs that will strengthen the infrastructure at the Bethel Park facility and, in turn, strengthen programs.

Supporting & Strengthening Key Services

Through food pantries, community gardens, volunteer programs, early childhood learning, middle- and highschool mentoring, direct assistance, and service coordination, SHIM reduces the effects of suburban poverty. It is essential to invest in these programs to continue to increase impact.

Enhancing Capacity Building

SHIM understands the importance of investing in people – neighbors in need and staff and volunteers who diligently provide top-notch programs.

SHIM is committed to staff development and training, creating a culture of innovation.

Supporting LongTerm Sustainability & Developing a Comprehensive Service Delivery Model By strengthening infrastructure, investing in key programs, and enhancing capacity, SHIM will significantly strengthen financially to ensure longterm fiscal soundness. These investments will help SHIM develop a comprehensive service delivery system to better meet community needs, creating greater and deeper impact.

CAMPAIGN FOR SHIM

$4 Million Campaign Needs PROJECTS

Readiness Phase (Completed)

• The Readiness Phase enabled SHIM to relocate the family and youth programs to the Wallace School building in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District in 2018. The school provides a warmer, more welcoming, and safe environment to deliver and expand programs.

Supporting & Strengthening Key Services

• Key program investments in the food pantries, community gardens, volunteer program, early childcare program, direct assistance, and service coordination will continue to improve and enhance impact.

COSTS $ 385,000

$ 2,150,000

Strengthening Facility & Equipment Infrastructure

$ 750,000

Supporting Long-Term Sustainability & Developing a Comprehensive Service Delivery Model

$ 465,000

Enhancing Capacity Building

$ 150,000

Campaign Costs

$ 100,000

• Bethel Park facility renovations include repaving the parking lot; upgrading the HVAC system; wrapping building for improved installation and aesthetics; installing french drains; and purchasing new transportation and cargo vehicles.

• Upgrade computer technology.

• Strengthen financial structure to ensure long-term sustainability and vitality.

• Develop a comprehensive service delivery model for programs to create greater and deeper impact.

Total Campaign Goal

$4,000,000

5301 Park Avenue Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-854-9120 shimcares.org