An inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
SHIM mobilizes community resources and implements sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community.
We believe that an individual’s background, situation, and life circumstances contribute to a vibrant community. We believe that all our neighbors should be treated with dignity and respect.
We believe in addressing need holistically. We help people meet basic needs, and then leverage our comprehensive programs to help move people along their path to self-sufficiency.
We believe that our employees, volunteers, and donors are our greatest resource. We strive to ensure that our staff and volunteers feel respected, well-cared for, and have proper access to self-care resources.
We believe that the community is stronger when it comes together. We take pride in facilitating connections between people who need help and those able to provide help, enriching the lives of all involved and cultivating a community of neighbors helping neighbors.
As the largest human services agency in the South Hills, our greatest strength is our ability to convene stakeholders, serve as an effective partner, identify needs, and coordinate resources to serve the community.
“Our food pantries have been very busy. Since September, we have been serving over 3,000 individuals each month. In November, we served 3,781 people. It has been a struggle to keep up with this level of demand, especially with prices of staple items at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank often being higher.”
Molly Penderville, Sr. Operations Coordinator
OUR PANTRY RECIPIENTS
In 2022, our South Hills community struggled with the lingering effects of the pandemic coupled with record-high inflation. Families struggled every time they went to the grocery store, purchased gas, or paid a utility bill.
At SHIM, we saw more families and individuals turn to us for help than ever before. Because of you, we were able to feed them.
35% 15% ARE DISABLED 8%
ARE CHILDREN ARE SENIORS
6,205
INDIVIDUALS SERVED IN PANTRIES IN 2022 REPRESENTING
1,805 HOUSEHOLDS
44 NEW HOUSEHOLDS 663
183,200
LBS. OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED
760,542+ TRAVELED TO PICK UP 2,000+ MILES LBS. OF OF FOOD AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS DONATED
570,797
$107,000
$114,298
THROUGH 123 EMERGENCY GRANTS BENEFITING CLIENTS FROM 15 ZIP CODES
15,801
LBS. OF FOOD HARVESTED FROM SHIM’S 13 COMMUNITY GARDENS
GARDEN FACT: Did you know that some of SHIM’s Community Gardens grow Bitter Gourds for our neighbors from Nepal? This healthy vegetable is often used to make delicious curry.
SHIM’s youth programming served more than 300 students in 2022 by addressing economic, academic, cultural, and social barriers traditionally faced by vulnerable refugee and immigrant populations.
In 2022, we witnessed more of our amazing kids graduating from high school and heading off to college, trade school, or the workforce, many of whom began 12 years ago in our Early Childhood Program! Our comprehensive approach to youth education offers a trusting, foundational, and positive relationship for children and families, increasing the likelihood of a child’s academic success.
Academic achievement has always been a key focus, but mental health has become equally important in recent years. In 2022, SHIM enhanced the Youth Mentoring program by partnering with Outreach Teen and Family Services to provide an on-site licensed counselor. SHIM is grateful for generous support from the Staunton Farm Foundation to fund this necessary addition to the program.
SHIM’s South Hills Family Center is part of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services network and proudly serves more than 840 individuals through parenting classes, walkin assistance, in-home family development support, community support groups, and Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC)—a program of Jewish Family & Community Services.
SHIM has specialized in working with refugee and immigrant families for more than 15 years. Many of our families are originally from Nepal/Bhutan, Burma/ Thailand, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and various Middle Eastern countries.
“At our programs, everyone is welcome. Our families love sharing their culture with others. Don’t feel nervous about trying their food or asking them questions!”
Casey Rich, Family Center Site Director
In 2022, 600 seniors relied on SHIM for food and/or a friendly check-in call from CheckMates volunteers.
SHIM’s CheckMates program supports isolated seniors by connecting them with a caring volunteer. Each senior receives a weekly call from a volunteer giving them the opportunity to share any concerns or needs and enables them to connect in an otherwise isolated setting.
CHECKMATES PROGRAM BY THE NUMBERS
91 26
Individuals
Foundations
Business/Corporate
Religious Groups
To learn more about SHIM’s financials, download our 990 and financial audit by visiting: shimcares.org/about/financials
It’s a simple equation.
SHIM is grateful for the generous individuals, foundations, community groups, congregations, and businesses that directly support our South Hills community.
Our diverse staff members go above and beyond to make people feel comfortable asking for help, while building trusting relationships.
VOLUNTEERS
16,673 HOURS CONTRIBUTED BY VOLUNTEERS 59 NEW VOLUNTEERS
The need in the South Hills continued to grow in 2022. You have enabled SHIM to grow along with it. Following an in-depth data analysis considering trends in demographics, poverty rates, and social needs in the SHIM service area, the SHIM Board of Directors voted to approve a five-year strategic plan for the organization. Here are our goals:
IMPROVE SHIM’s organizational infrastructure and professional culture
ADAPT programs to better serve the South Hills community
INCREASE awareness and amplify impact
BUILD a sustainable organization
“It’s amazing to me when I speak to individuals who say ‘this has never happened to me before, I never expected this’. I tell them no one intends for this kind of thing to happen.”
Marcele Reola, Intake and Services
Audrey found out about SHIM during the pandemic. Even though she had a good job as a clerk at PNC, she ended up in debt after taking out a second mortgage to pay her mother’s medical bills. Without SHIM’s food pantries, Audrey wouldn’t be eating as nutritiously. She’s grateful for the help she receives, and she gives back by crocheting scarves for SHIM’s clothing closet.
“Without SHIM, we wouldn’t be eating fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re too expensive.”
Anna, food pantry client
Coordinator
Pace Markowitz, Chair NOVA Chemicals
Lejla Sehic, Vice Chair Broadridge Fi360
Jason Savarese, Treasurer Alcoa, Inc.
Linda Jones, Secretary United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Dennis Astorino DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design
Danielle Dietrich Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky
James Frantz TEDCO Construction
Alex Mezhinsky Deloitte
Timothy Millett PNC Bank
Dr. Kiran Patil St. Clair Hospital
Stacey Reibach WTAE-TV Hearst Pittsburgh
Barbara Rosenberger Event Planner/Consultant
Alexandria Samuel PNC Bank
Rev. Brian Snyder Bower Hill Community Church
Jay Sukernek Jewish Association on Aging
Robert Thumpston, Jr. ABART Coca-Cola Beverage
Rob Wagner Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
Dr. G. Alan Yeasted St. Clair Hospital
Cynthia Donahoe Recording Secretary