~~ HIGHLIGHTS OF AGENCY SERVICES ~~

A few service highlights for the past year include:

  • The agency distributed an astonishing 59,825 pounds (almost 30 tons!) of food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank through our two food pantries. Two to three more tons were collected in local food drives with Curves, Duquesne University, South Side Chamber of Commerce, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, Phillips Elementary School, and the South Side Local Development Company’s Mid-Winter Soup Contest.
  • At the Henry Kaufmann Center, from 2006 to 2007, pantry utilization rose by 11% with increases in utilization throughout 2008.
  • Holiday assistance reached 2,049 people—over 1,500 toys were distributed to area children and families received food vouchers for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Through Operation Warm, area children received new winter coats.
  • Because of a generous donation from Akustica, Incorporated, we were able to equip the children of thirty low income families with back-to-school supplies.
  • Through the efforts of our two case managers, 239 Dollar Energy assistance clients received a total of $90,250 in grants to defray utility costs.Our agency placed among the top five agencies in Allegheny County in service to those seeking energy assistance!
  • Children’s programs reached over 145 children during the school year.Art education and mentoring programs served children throughout nine South Pittsburgh communities.
  • In partnership with Grandview Elementary, Brashear offered an extended day summer school program, providing Allentown area families with structured educational services and child care throughout the duration of summer school.
  • More than 20 South Side businesses opened their doors to area children as a part of Brashear’s Discover South Side Program.
  • Students enrolled in Brashear’s New Artist programs produced hundreds of pieces of artwork during the school year and over 100 people attended the 2008 Student Art Exhibit held at the new site of the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community. The exhibit featured works created by students in Allentown Arts, Arts Apprenticeship, and New Artists programs.
  • Brashear’s Neighborhood Employment Center placed 67 people in jobs, exceeding contract goals by 34%. The Brashear NEC placed first among all NECs in the number of people placed in jobs as a percentage of total intakes.
  • As a result of our partnership with Duquesne University, over 300 student volunteers participated in community projects throughout South Pittsburgh, generating over 2000 reported hours of volunteer service.