SHIM Impact Report 2024

Impact Report 2024 GROWIN G TO M EET T H E N E E D

shimcares.org

The Future We’re Building Together At SHIM, we believe in a South Hills community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As we reflect on the progress we’ve made together, we’re also looking ahead with renewed focus on our mission. Guided by three strategic goals—Elevating Our Impact, Investing in People and Culture, and Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability— this report highlights the strides we’ve taken to enhance our services, strengthen our infrastructure, and secure a sustainable future. Thanks to your support, we’re not just meeting today’s challenges; we’re building a brighter tomorrow for our neighbors in need. Together, we’re making a difference.

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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.

Values

EQUITY & INCLUSION

A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT

OUR PEOPLE ARE OUR PRIORITY

BUILDING COMMUNITY

PARTNERING FOR POWER

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ELEVATE OUR IMPACT

Enhance our services to promote clients’ economic self-sufficiency Your support has strengthened our food pantries, expanded crisis grants and service coordination, improved our clothing closet, and supported new facilities. You’ve also empowered youth through programs that build brighter futures. Your partnership makes a lasting difference in the South Hills.

FOOD FOODDISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION

808,909 lbs of food distributed to neighbors in need,

75% purchased from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

24,000

lbs in senior boxes

14 gardens provided 17,608 lbs of produce

197,510 lbs

of food donated by the community

7,905 people fed in 2024

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57 Zip codes

SHIM South Hills Family Center South Hills Interfaith Movement - SHIM

With your support, we have: •

Expanded pantry days

•

Introduced convenient drive-through and walk-through food distributions

•

Ensured essential deliveries reach neighbors in need, providing greater access to vital resources for our community

Nearly 90% of participants said SHIM’s pantries helped them make healthier food choices, and 81% reported being able to pay bills more easily.

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WHO ARE WE SERVING? SENIORS

603 per month 17%

of pantry participants

52 seniors received calls from 11 volunteers totaling

515 hours

KIDS

33%

1,338

of pantry participants

per month

LANGUAGES

Nepali, Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Turkish, Farsi, Swahili, English

41%

of households speak English About half of our pantry clients are from refugee and immigrant families.

EMPLOYMENT  Employed  Social Security or Disability  Unemployed  Other

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10% 29%

5%

56%

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

197,812 lbs

food purchased from GPCFB for Bethel Pantry only

130,714 lbs for GPCFB for Baldwin

2,000 lbs

239,265 lbs for GPCFB for Whitehall

14 gardens

purchased outside of GPCFB

provided 17,608 lbs of produce

24,000

lbs in senior boxes

197,510 lbs

of food donated by the community

DIRECT ASSISTANCE

$ 181 clients received

$110,527 in crisis grants

Approximately 150 clients received

$71,146 in

Dollar Energy grants

Service coordinators received

699 calls from people seeking help

CLOTHING CLOSET Clients received

of clothes and

14,124 items household items 7

SHIM Center in Bethel Park

BUILDING A COMMUNITY Since 2018, SHIM’s Family Center has operated from the Wallace Building, but parking and space challenges prompted a move. We’re excited to announce our new location at 1400 Lebanon Church Road, providing a brighter, more welcoming environment. Along with major renovations to the SHIM Center, these updates enhance our ability to serve the South Hills community.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, our environmental efforts have reduced our landfill waste by 75%, cutting waste by 6 tons per month. Stay tuned for updates as we transition!

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BUILDING SUCCESS SHIM’s Service Coordination program helps individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. Through programs like EMPath Mobility Mentoring, Immigrant Services & Connections (ISAC), and Steps to Success, our Service Coordinators provide one-on-one support, helping clients set goals, navigate challenges, and access resources for a more stable future.

“As a Mobility Mentoring Specialist, I help participants envision an exciting future— looking beyond today’s challenges to their long-term dreams. Together, we set goals, create a plan, and take steps to turn their vision into reality.”

— Olivia Montana, SHIM Mobility Mentoring Specialist

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This year’s SHIM Summer Camp had 349 participants

BUILDING A LIFE SHIM’s youth programs support children from early childhood through high school and beyond. This year, we introduced the SHIM Scholars program to help students with college readiness and career exploration. We’re also expanding our efforts to stay connected with students after graduation, ensuring ongoing support as they continue their journeys.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM The Early Childhood Program prepared young children for success by ensuring 100% of participants were registered for kindergarten on time and 80% of the 11 graduates did not require English as a Second Language support.

With a focus on early education and family engagement, the program equipped children with the foundational skills needed for a smooth transition to school and future academic success.

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18 Pre-school Students

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM The After School Program supported 48 students by providing homework help, fun activities, and a safe environment. Nearly all students received homework assistance, felt safe at SHIM, and had access to food, while the majority also reported having fun and building meaningful relationships.

48 Elementary Students

YOUTH MENTORING SHIM’s Youth Mentoring program empowered students through activities like homework help, mentoring groups, field trips, college visits, and FAFSA assistance. Students also explored healthcare careers in a Medical Class and built wellness and teamwork skills in the Running Club. With 78% reporting improved grades and 96% feeling their opinions were valued and heard, the program fostered academic success, personal growth, and future readiness.

This year’s Summer Camp, our biggest yet with 349 participants, played a vital role in bridging the gap between school years. It offered a safe, supportive environment where kids stayed engaged, built relationships, and continued learning, ensuring they were well-prepared for the year ahead.

155 Middle & High School Students

38 High School Graduates 11

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Invest in SHIM’s infrastructure to boost community impact through people and technology

Over the past 8 years, SHIM has grown from 13 to 27 staff members, with 14 employees having 7+ years of tenure. Our focus on employee retention, growth, and a positive work environment has fostered a diverse, inclusive team. Volunteers and environmental initiatives are key to advancing our mission, while investments in staff development and technology strengthen our operations. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our donors and board, which enables lasting change in the South Hills community.

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BUILDING A WAY TO GIVE BACK SHIM’s Volunteer Program has enhanced efficiency and engagement through the introduction of VicNet, an app used by 95 volunteers.

New opportunities like Flower Arranging, Composting, Sorting Textiles, and Shredding have expanded volunteer roles. SHIM also partners with Stellar Support Services to include differently-abled volunteers, fostering inclusivity and strengthening community involvement.

309 volunteers donated

15,302 hours saving the organization $512,464 13

FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY & REVENUE GROWTH

Ensure SHIM’s fiscal health through sound management and strategic use of reserves and assets for future growth SHIM’s fiscal health is bolstered by sound management, strategic investments, and enduring partnerships. With over $2 million in lifetime giving from 86 dedicated donors who have supported SHIM for more than 20 years, our long-standing supporters play a crucial role in sustaining our mission. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors continues to provide visionary leadership, guiding SHIM’s impact and growth.

Strong corporate and foundation partnerships, combined with cost-saving measures and prudent use of reserves, ensure program efficiency and effective resource allocation, paving the way for sustained growth and community impact.

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SUPPORTER/DONORS SUPPORTERS 4%

.3%

 Business & corporate  Community groups,

23%

4%

schools, nonprofit

45% 23%

 Foundations  Individual  Religious organizations  Allegheny County DHS

In 2024, SHIM received significant investments from the foundation community for our SHIM Center renovation and the new SHIM Family Center.

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