GBU Foundation - GBU Life (2024)

Christine van Breukelen

Dayton, OH

GBU District 815 Referral Agent & Fraternal Secretary

District 815–Dayton, OH
GBU Freshman Scholarship, 1970 through 1974

University of Dayton, BS Medical Technology
University of Dayton, MBA

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“It’s so important when others believe in you and encourage your success. The GBU scholarship helped provide that confidence.”

Since I graduated:

“I started in medical technology, then medical sales. Serving as the referral agent gave me the flexibility for a career and family. My husband Wilfred and I live in Dayton. Our daughter Celine, also a GBU Scholar, lives in Anchorage.”

Gracie Jablonski

Altoona, PA

Prep, Mission BBQ

District 45-Altoona, PA
GBU Foundation Two-Year Scholarship, 2020

Pittsburgh Technical College
Culinary Arts School, Associate Degree, Food Science

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“It helped me succeed in what I needed to use to earn my degree. It paid for my knife kit and books for schooling.”

Theodore Roman

Pittsburgh, PA

Health Insurance Payor Digital Strategy Practice Lead & Engagement Manager, Adobe

District 171-Pittsburgh, PA GBU Foundation Freshman Scholarship, 2007 through 2011

Case Western Reserve University, BS Computer Science & BA Mathematics
Carnegie Mellon University, PhD Computational Biology

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“My GBU scholarship, along with other financial awards, made it possible for me to attend graduate school without the pressure of accumulating student loan debt.”

Katherine Kunz

Houston, TX

Senior Counsel, Hicks Thomas LLP, Houston, TX

District 815 – Dayton, OH
Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship, 1999 through 2002 Graduate Scholarship,
2005 through 2007

Yale University, B.A., Ethics, Politics and Economics, cum laude
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, J.D., cum laude

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“GBU gave me the support to attend the best educational institutions I could while worrying less about the cost of the program. I could focus more on my studies and integrating myself into my peer community with GBU’s support.”

Since I graduated:

“I was fortunate to clerk for two federal judges after graduating from law school, one in Toledo, Ohio, and one in San Antonio, Texas. I met my now husband in Texas and settled in Houston in 2012. We have three children. We have loved keeping in touch with our GBU community throughout the pandemic via the interactive children’s Zoom events.”

Steven D. Allison

Irvine, CA

Professor, University of California, Irvine

District 817 – Philadelphia, PA Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship, 1995

Pennsylvania State University, Biology, B.S.
Stanford University, Biosciences, PhD

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“The [GBU Foundation] scholarship was a boost to my confidence during my first year of college. It helped offset the cost of tuition so I could focus on my studies.”

Jonathan Naser

Canonsburg, PA

Customer Service Supervisor, GBU Life, Pittsburgh, PA

District 3000 – HRFA Scholarship, 2012
GBU Foundation Grant, 2014

University of Pittsburgh, Neuroscience, B.S.

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“My GBU Foundation Scholarship helped pay for my education and started my involvement with GBU. Thank you!”

The Organization Must:

The Organization Cannot:

Dare to Care Food Bank

Louisville, KY

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

Dare to Care Food Bank leads our community to feed the hungry and conquer the cycle of need.

Vision

Our vision is a hunger-free Kentuckiana.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Dare to Care is the largest hunger relief organization in our Kentuckiana community. We partner with nearly 300 local agencies across 13 counties to ensure neighbors have access to free, nutritious food.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

A $10,000 gift from GBU Life would assist in the distribution of ~30,000 meals to our Kentuckiana neighbors by supporting the following 1.) Fresh produce and non-perishable food items: such as potatoes, apples, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, etc. 2.) Related warehousing and freight: cost to store and transport food items safely and efficiently. 3.) Program management: formalized work to successfully guide the mission work and assess the performance/value of the work. 4.) Supplies: materials and equipment needed for operations/programs.
Together, we can work to ensure equitable access to free, nutritious food and contribute to flourishing, healthy Kentuckiana.

Feeding The Spirit

Greensburg, PA

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

Feeding the Spirit is a grassroots non-profit group dedicated to nourishing the bodies, minds, and spirits of our neighbors in need in the Westmoreland County community. Our Mission is to help people break through barriers of poverty, homelessness, and hunger through crisis management and transitional resources while instilling hope and dignity.

Vision

At the heart of Feeding The Spirit’s mission, is an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and respect for each individual. Within this environment, we work to nourish the whole being of those whose lives we touch.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Our weekly Thursday Meal Service was the first and most successful program offered by Feeding the Spirit. Distribution of these meals is at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Greensburg. We serve over 200 meals every Thursday. We also offer rent assistance to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, arrange temporary shelter for people with a housing emergency, assist with payment for duplicate photo IDs and birth certificates which are needed to access other human services, supply pet food, toiletry items, adult and infant diapers/wipes, emergency food boxes, helping with transportation emergencies with gas cards, bus passes, auto repair, and any crisis we may be able to help. These services are available for our friends and neighbors in Westmoreland County, PA.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

As illustrated by the 2023 Budget for Feeding The Spirit, Client Crisis Housing is our biggest expense capturing over 35% of our budget. Crisis Housing is not only our current biggest expense, but the daily cost of housing continues to escalate. Due to these facts, Feeding The Spirit would allocate the entire $10,000 Grant to our Crisis Client Housing Program for 2024!

Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank

Duquesne, PA

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

Our mission is to leverage the power of community to achieve lasting solutions to hunger and its root causes.

Vision

Our vision is communities where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

At Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (Food Bank), we work to ensure that anyone who needs a healthy meal can get one. The Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that distributes food for 42 million meals annually across 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania through a network of more than 1,000 agencies, partners, and programs. Its mission is to leverage the power of community to achieve lasting solutions to hunger and its root causes. Founded in 1980, the Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the leading domestic hunger relief charity in the U.S. Over the past four decades, the Food Bank has moved beyond emergency food assistance. In addition to sourcing, warehousing, and distributing food via new methods, the Food Bank is actively engaged in confronting issues of chronic hunger, poor nutrition and health. Its work includes childhood hunger initiatives, special distributions to seniors and other vulnerable populations, SNAP enrollment assistance, nutrition education, and capacity-building efforts. The Food Bank is a primary driver in anti-hunger-related advocacy initiatives regionally, statewide and nationally.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Light of Life Rescue Mission

Pittsburgh, PA

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

We transform lives through the love of Christ by providing food, shelter, and hope to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction

Vision

We are a model community dedicated to providing services to meet the complex and challenging needs of our community’s most vulnerable by creating an environment where life transformation occurs from the inside out through the power of the Gospel

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Light of Life represents one of the area’s primary resources for the homeless. We provide clients with food and shelter and offer long-term recovery programs.
We serve breakfast and dinner 7 days a week to people in the community – everyone is welcome! Our emergency shelters for men, women, and children provide them with a safe place to sleep, evening and morning meals, access to showers, personal care products, clean clothing, chapel services, and the chance to receive case management. Our community outreach includes holiday meal service including local senior high-rises, Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need, Day of Hope community picnic, clothing distribution events, and community cleanup efforts on the Northside. We also have a donation center and a food pantry. Our Street Outreach team visits homeless camps and downtown areas to provide critical resources and build connections. Our Day Centers provide safe places for people to come during the day for support and services.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

The grant money would be used for our food pantry program.
Our food pantry is in the middle of a low-income Northside neighborhood. Over the past year, it received/distributed 631,701 pounds of food ($1.13+ million value; equivalent to 438,273 meals). The food is distributed to over 10 community partners every month, and once a week, the food pantry opens to the public and serves ~100 households each week.
Grant funds would be used to purchase food/supplies that are either in high demand or are not typically available through our donation process. This would include meat (e.g., steak, ground meat, bacon, or sausage) and orange or cranberry juice. Other high-need items are diapers for infants and toddlers and supplements and other items designed to support senior health. We also need reusable grocery bags for our guests.

One Block NYC

New York, NY

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

OUR MISSION:
CLEAN AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY.
EMPLOY THE HOMELESS.

Vision

Our goal is to expand across the Upper West Side and bring back coverage where we had to cut due to lack of funds. The more coverage we can provide, the more formerly homeless employees we are able to employ and support.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

ONE BLOCK is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that facilitates the filling of more than 1,000 bags of trash every week on the Upper West Side. We coordinate group events so neighbors can connect and clean their community. We also employ two full-time workers who were formerly homeless. These workers clean Broadway & Amsterdam (W 70th – 96th St) five days a week and are supported by ONE BLOCK in many different ways.
We currently have over 2,000 local supporters. We have limited government funding, so it is only through individual donations and sponsorships that we can pay for trash bags and the salaries of our ACE (Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless) employees. Our paid workers now have access to healthcare and even a 401K plan.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

These funds would help us continue to employ our two formerly homeless workers. We did have three workers at one point, but with the lack of funds we had to cut down to two. We run solely on donations and limited government funding, $10,000 would help us continue for another month as we wait for more funding to hit. We run on a shoestring budget, but we know the work we do is important for our community and our workers.

Twelve Loaves Soup Kitchen

New Brighton, PA

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Women’s Center and Shelter

Pittsburgh, PA

Pillar: Charitable Giving

Mission

Our current mission is to strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors. We are striving to achieve these objectives through initiatives such as enhancing our training and HR infrastructure, modifying, and expanding our programs to better meet client needs, and maintaining an Equity & Action Collaborative of staff and Board members and a Diversity Committee to address racial equity at all levels of our agency. Our values, which spell out SUCCESS, are Safety, Uplifting Others, Compassion, Courage, Equity, Survivor-Centered Advocacy, and Stewardship.

Vision

We exist to end domestic violence and create safe spaces for help, healing, and hope.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

At Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) we are advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected by domestic violence. Founded in 1974 by Ellen Berliner and Anne Steytler as one of the first six domestic violence programs in the country, WC&S has been a leader in advocacy for survivors of domestic violence in Allegheny County, PA for nearly 50 years. WC&S offers support to more than 7,500 individuals each year through Emergency Shelter, a Children’s Advocacy Program, Civil Law Project, Hotline Services, Immediate Needs Coordination, Legal Advocacy, Wellness Programs (therapy and support groups), Prevention and Outreach, and more. What started with three beds, three couches, three sleeping bags, and one crib has grown into a comprehensive program that serves all domestic violence survivors through personalized programs and services designed to keep them safe. WC&S engages on a deeper level through systems advocacy in the community on behalf of survivors and their children.
WC&S serves victims and survivors of DV including adults and children regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, sexuality, or gender identity; loved ones, friends, and colleagues/employers who want to support them; and, professionals, members of the medical community, students, and community members who receive educational programming and training from WC&S. Those who use abusive behaviors are educated through our MENS Groups (Men Embracing Non-Violence and Safety), with most participants mandated by the court to attend.
Presently, WC&S is the largest agency for all survivors of IPV/DV in Allegheny County, and the second largest in the state. WC&S is the only local program with its own Civil Law Project, battering intervention program, and dedicated teams of staff serving refugees, immigrants, and limited English speakers (RIL Team) and families involved in the child welfare system. The Immediate Needs Coordination (INC) program provides support for basic needs— safety planning, emotional support, and emergency financial assistance – to WC&S’ non-resident clients (i.e., clients who are seeking counseling, advocacy, and legal services as well as those who have exited Emergency Shelter). The INC Advocates and Supervisor assist survivors when applying for public benefits, seeking assistance with utilities, securing childcare, and obtaining financial support for school enrollment/regular attendance, and other necessities.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence (DV) and their children, helping them to navigate through incredibly challenging times. We are excited at the possibility of winning the first place $10,000 grant for our category from the GBU Foundation and the Community Grant Awards Program, which will enable us to refresh the technology infrastructure within our Children’s Advocacy Program (CAP) and Onsite Computer Lab.
The Children’s Advocacy Program (CAP) helps child survivors of DV and their mothers to heal from trauma by meeting their basic needs (such as medical care and school access), providing behavioral health services, parenting support, and offering recreation and educational activities. We partner with community agencies to provide services and activities that facilitate healing and healthy communication for children and their mothers. WC&S also has a Children, Youth, and Families program to serve individuals whose cases involve both DV and child abuse. CAP’s services provide a mother with time to engage in self-care, attend support groups, court hearings, job interviews, mental health and physical health appointments, house tours and housing appointments, and more. We also keep children and youth engaged, entertained, and educated while in shelter, and assist children in working through and understanding personal trauma. In addition, we provide specialized advocacy for children and teens working with WC&S. A Children’s Counselor is available to provide therapeutic support for children of all ages who have gone through difficult situations and trauma related to domestic violence.
By investing in technology updates for the Children’s Advocacy Program, we aim to achieve several positive outcomes:
– Enhanced Learning Environment: Updated computers will grant children access to modern educational resources, enriching their learning experiences, and supporting their academic development despite the challenges they are facing.
– Increased Engagement: Modern computing resources will make learning and interactive activities more engaging for children and teens, creating a positive and stimulating environment that encourages growth and healing.
– Opportunities for Normalcy: Access to computers for recreational purposes will provide children and teens with moments of joy and a sense of normalcy, helping them cope with the difficulties they encounter in their daily lives.
– Increased Efficiency and Effectiveness: New computers for CAP team members working with children and teens will assist in creating a more streamlined workflow, including data input. This will allow us to best work with each family on their individualized goal plans.
The Onsite Computer Lab allows WC&S’ resident and non-resident clients to enjoy a safe space in which to search for housing, work on a resumé, complete job or school applications, or simply keep in touch with friends and family via email or social media. A safe computer space/lab is especially important considering how many survivors are cyber-stalked by their ex-partners. By investing in technology updates for the Onsite Computer Lab, we will be able to upgrade the computers in the lab, thus enhancing the experience of survivors in completing a variety of tasks that will move them forward in their healing journeys, whatever they may be.
The proposed initiative to refresh the technology infrastructure of CAP and the Onsite Computer Lab represents a critical step in our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive care and support to adult and child survivors affected by domestic violence. By ensuring that our technology is up to date, we can best fulfill our main goals of creating a nurturing and empowering environment, helping survivors and their families to build new lives, free from abuse.

ACH Clear Pathways

Pittsburgh, PA

Pillar: Education

Mission

The mission of ACH is to nurture creativity through the visual and performing arts by providing an opportunity to youth and families within the arts.

Vision

The vision is to serve as an arts hub by providing artists and the community a place to thrive in the arts.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Founded in 2010 by Tyian Battle, ACH Clear Pathways is dedicated to the memory of her son, Amon Cashmere Harris (2001-2009), who passed away due to a heart condition. Amon loved the arts and Tyian wanted to honor his memory by creating an arts organization for youth in the Hill District which would offer them an alternative outlet to express themselves. The mission of ACH is to nurture creativity through the visual and performing arts by providing an opportunity to youth and families within the arts. The vision is to serve as an arts hub by providing artists and the community a place to thrive in the arts. In December 2020, ACH purchased the historic Kaufmann Center to serve as a new arts learning center for ACH to operate its arts programming and provide arts programming to the community, thereby ensuring it remains an arts and community hub in the Hill District.
ACH offers two sessions that correspond with the school year (Fall and Spring) and a summer creative camp for students, ages 5 to 13. In addition to academic tutoring, after-school programming includes classes such as visual arts, theater, dance, music, spoken word and poetry, digital media, and martial arts. The Creative Camp in the summer provides students with classes such as dance, music, and theater, as well as field trips and community service. Students showcase their talents and artwork at three performances throughout the year and several of our public art murals and mosaics are displayed on buildings in the Hill District. ACH Clear Pathways partners with Pittsburgh Public Schools during the school year to provide snacks and a hot meal during the after-school program. ACH also partners with the Pittsburgh Public Summer Food program which provides breakfast and lunch for youth who attend creative camp. ACH also provides snacks at the end of each day during creative camp.
In February 2022, ACH began programming for senior citizens which operates twice a week. Seniors are given food, have art and music classes, play bingo, and participate in the Inspire through Walls program which is the model for the program.
In early 2024, we will begin the pilot program, R.E.A.C.H., that focuses on justice-involved youth and/or their siblings. The program will include art classes targeted to the interests of the youth and will also offer group counseling sessions with professional psychologists.
In July 2022, ACH hosted the inaugural Hill District Arts Festival on Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh. This annual community festival was created to encourage and highlight local artists, as well as to bring positive awareness and a sense of community back to the Hill District. Over 1,000 community members attended the 2022 and 2023 festivals. The Hill District has been known for violence, poverty, and drugs. ACH Clear Pathways would like to change the narrative by showing people that the Hill District is still the home for many creative people with different talents. The festival has local artists and vendors, food trucks, performers, and a children’s activity area.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

If ACH Clear Pathways is awarded the $10,000, we will use the funds to support our arts programming, primarily for our senior citizens. When we conducted a survey with some of our participants, they provided feedback on the impact on their physical health, mental well-being, enjoyment of life, activity level/energy, and social life/people they have met. Unless a category was marked as “not applicable,” all respondents reported that the program helped a lot in each of the wellness/health categories. All of the seniors reported that they learned new things that were helpful to them. The seniors were asked what other activities they would like ACH Clear Pathways to offer and they suggested local trips, more exercise, more arts and crafts, sewing/knitting, more evening/weekend activities, painting/art, and a game day. Interest in our senior programming continues to increase and we would like to expand the types of programming we can offer our seniors.

Achieva

Pittsburgh, PA

Pillar: Education

Mission

Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.

Vision

Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

For more than 70 years, Achieva has been providing Advocacy and Family Support to people with disabilities and their families so that people with disabilities have access to quality, free, and appropriate education. Achieva’s educational work includes preparing students with disabilities for school through early intervention, and preparing students with disabilities for transition from school, when they graduate, to work or post-secondary education.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Funds will be used to support expenses to offer Advocacy and Family Support to people with disabilities and their families.

Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs

Moon Township, PA

Pillar: Education

National Aviary

Pittsburgh, PA

Pillar: Education

Mission

Our Mission: to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. The National Aviary educates people of all ages and backgrounds about birds, their habitats, the environmental pressures they face, and the role humans play in creating and mitigating these challenges. We recognize that it is our work with young minds that is essential for us to succeed at our mission. We reached more than 200,000 visitors in 2023!

Vision

Our Vision:
The National Aviary will be a leading resource for information and experiences that advance the global conservation of birds and their habitats through education, entertainment, ecological research, husbandry, and healthcare.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Open year-round and ADA-accessible, the Aviary is proud to say that education is at the heart of all that we do. With the help of our generous funders, we provide many of our programs free or at a low cost to school groups that otherwise could not afford a trip to the Aviary. Age-appropriate and STEAM-focused, our education offerings align with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environment and Ecology Standards.
The animals the students interact with become important living illustrations of science concepts. We literally bring science to life!
Many of our young visitors live in urban areas, where unstructured exposure to nature, conservation, and habitat preservation may be limited. To meet this need, we deliver powerful forms of messaging to school groups that demonstrate the impact human beings have on the environment to change attitudes and behavior.
We also offer Sensory Friendly Mornings throughout the year for those youngsters who require a calmer atmosphere.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

We would be so honored to win first place! We will use these funds to meet the needs of students and teachers in our area and continue our impactful education programs.

Washington Health System Teen Outreach

Washington, PA

Pillar: Education

Mission

Vision

We believe self-worth is the key to education; our focus is on individualized curricula that celebrate and empower young people. #EachPersonIsAPersonofWorth

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

We host 8 youth educational programs, including a program for pregnant/parenting teens, a one-on-one educational mentoring program (ECHO – Educate Children for Healthy Outcomes), an Adolescent Advisory Board, the Real Talk Performers (a teen-driven educational drama group), Peer Education, TEAM Link (for young people living in foster care) Real Talk for Real Teens (a sexuality education program) and the Common Ground Teen Center. The Teen Center is teen-run and teen-directed – it is incredibly busy, with daily teen-facilitated activities like chess club, crochet club, cooking club, and art club.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

To sustain the Teen Center’s Summer Camps and weekly clubs. With the $10,000 from this grant, we will be able to continue our programming with only a $3,000 shortfall.

Western Allegheny Community Library

Oakdale, PA

Pillar: Education

Mission

The mission of Western Allegheny Community Library is to provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible community-centered library that is free to the public and empowers its residents’ personal, educational, and professional growth through our collection, programs, and services.

Vision

Our vision is for West Allegheny to be a vibrant, inclusive, connected, and informed community that is committed to lifelong learning.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

The Western Allegheny Community Library (WACL) serves the municipalities of Findlay, North Fayette, and Oakdale, totaling just under 15,000 residents. As a PA Forward Gold Star Library, WACL provides over 700 free, diverse, and educational programs annually.
Through collaboration with community partners like ALCOSAN, Covestro, Heinz History Center, Soldiers and Sailors, and Carnegie Science Center, the library offers programs for individuals of all ages and abilities that touch upon the five literacies: basic literacy, information literacy, civic and social literacy, health literacy and financial literacy.
Through our outreach initiatives, WACL conducts 16 visits to local preschools and daycares each month, offering our youngest residents access to enriching storytimes and providing them the opportunity to check out books via the book bus.
The library’s “Library of Things” complements our print and electronic collection, featuring items spanning kitchen appliances, tools, electronics, and recreational equipment.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Friends of the Saxonburg PA Police

Saxonburg, PA

Pillar: Hometown Hero Support

Mission

To stimulate public interest in, support for, and provide financial assistance to the Saxonburg Police Department by raising funds to supplement needed equipment and training of police officers. Through training and community partnership, we strive to help meet the challenging demands of our first responders. Assist the Saxonburg Police Department in the way of providing equipment and training, that is not available by way of the Saxonburg Municipal Budget, to assure that its police force can provide the best possible protection to its residents.

Vision

We aspire to help ensure a safe and secure community through community outreach and officer training. In partnership with our community First Responders, we work to make sure all officers serve the community with integrity, compassion, and respect for all.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Provides training and equipment to the local police department. Saxonburg, PA is a small community located North of Pittsburgh, PA. The majority of residents are retired and living on Social Security or pensions. The tax base is very small so the Police Budget is also small. There are two full-time police officers and some part-time police officers that constitute the Saxonburg Police Force. As the police force is a governmental agency, they are not allowed by law to participate in any fundraising activities for The Saxonburg Police. Whereas Volunteer Fire Departments are not Governmental Agencies, the members of the Volunteer Fire Department are free to go door to door asking for donations. These activities by the volunteer firemen include supporting carnivals and other like activities to raise money. The police department relies on The Friends of the Saxonburg Police (non-profit 501 C3) organization to help provide training and equipment that is not in the Saxonburg Budget. Recently the State of Pennsylvania has mandated that all Police Departments must upgrade their communication systems to new requirements. This includes a server that will cost around $30,000, in addition to other equipment ie. software for the server. The Friends of the Saxonburg Police have held several Fundraising events to help the town of Saxonburg with funding to assist in meeting the new State Mandates. In addition, we have raised money to upgrade Saxonburg’s police cars in situations where there was no money available from the yearly budget. Our source of funding is fundraising events, community business and resident donations, and an occasional grant.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Community outreach, officer training, and equipment. To help Saxonburg pay for meeting the State’s Mandate requiring the upgrade of communication equipment for the Police Department, as well as providing additional equipment that may be reaching the end of its safe use, ie. Bullet-resistant vests have a specific life and must be replaced at that time.

Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department

Hermitage, PA

Pillar: Hometown Hero Support

Mission

Our mission is to protect life and property.

Vision

Our vision is to provide professional and timely service to the public by providing our members with excellent training and quality equipment.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

The Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department is an all-hazards response organization meaning we respond to anything from fires to car accidents, rescues, hazardous conditions, hazardous materials releases, and even animal rescues.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Any grant monies awarded would be put towards a new training prop installed in 2023 used to conduct live fire evolutions as well as a multitude of other training evolutions. This training would be available to any fire department, not just our own.

Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association

Lehighton, PA

Pillar: Hometown Hero Support

Mission

The objective of this organization shall be to provide emergency medical service throughout the Mahoning Valley or any adjacent area, to give aid to the sick and injured, to seek at all times, materials and methods for the betterment of emergency medical services, and to promote community welfare.

Vision

The objective of this organization shall be to provide emergency medical service throughout the Mahoning Valley or any adjacent area, to give aid to the sick and injured, and to seek at all times, materials and methods for the betterment of emergency medical

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Our organization is first a 911 EMS service. Secondarily, our organization provides non-emergency transportation for patients in need of the service. Our third focus is our social hall which creates revenue to support and maintain our service and its solvency. Our fourth and newest area of focus is our educational center credentials that were newly acquired. This program opened the doors for us to partner with PERU from the University of Pittsburgh. This allows us to provide education for our providers, and the community, and helped launch our newest Naloxone Leave Behind program.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Our organization would use these funds to offset the cost of our water filtration system, and our charting software. Charting software is necessary for us to document incidents and patient records. The water filtration system would allow us to purify our water and allow us to maintain a low operating cost when it comes to water usage at the organization.

Operation Troop Appreciation

West Mifflin, PA

Pillar: Hometown Hero Support

Mission

To build and sustain the morale and well being of the military community, past and present, with the assurance that the American public supports and appreciates their selfless service and daily sacrifices.

Vision

Operation Troop Appreciations vision is to remain dedicated to the active and veteran members of our Armed Forces who serve and sacrifice for our country. By providing them with items that contribute to their morale and well being, we present a united front to our deployed military by supporting them as individuals, for every one of them.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Operation Troop Appreciation is a 100% volunteer 501 c 3 non-profit committed to the courageous members of the United States Military, past and present. We serve our military through our Active-Duty Wish List and Veteran Welcome Home Programs, providing critical support to those deployed overseas and when they return home.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

These funds will be used to support program costs for our Veteran Welcome Home Program, serving veterans in need residing in Western PA.

The Veterans Parsonage

Indiana, PA

Pillar: Hometown Hero Support

Mission

Serving God by Helping Veterans

Vision

To provide a place for homeless veterans to get on their feet (with the help of our local community) and to help them to reintegrate back into society

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

We provide homeless veterans with a place to live, job training (if needed), and transportation to VA clinics, hospitals, appointments, and area grocery stores. We have a full-time live-in Resident Manager to help assist homeless veterans staying at the Veteran’s Parsonage. We also encourage and assist our guests in getting involved in drug and alcohol community support groups, and with community mental health agencies as needed.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

To continue to provide outreach to our community. One example would be to help construct a gazebo/ Pavillion for a place where the homeless veterans could sit outside to enjoy being outside, meditate, pray, think, etc. Also, a place for groups to meet during spring, summer, and fall. A place where local bands could play during the car show and for local groups to play music to the veterans staying at the Veteran’s Parsonage and help us to continue to raise community awareness.

A Glimmer of Hope

Wexford, PA

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

A Glimmer of Hope Foundation’s aim is to provide services, programs, research, and technology that prevent breast cancer from advancing. This is only the start of what GOH can do for breast cancer patients in Western PA.

Vision

Today, the foundation is leading the battle against breast cancer through funding, cutting-edge cancer treatment programs, and most importantly, financing studies in premenopausal breast cancer. Seed Funding a vaccine trial shows our vision is clear. We w

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

A Glimmer of Hope Foundation implemented a program at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital that will screen women under 40 years of age regardless if they have health insurance or not. GOH has funded breast cancer research and integrated oncology services. A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Magee-Womens Research Institute, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is now examining a new and novel technology for monitoring and understanding breast cancer from a blood draw, also known as a ‘liquid biopsy’. This new study is setting protocol in research that will now impact the entire United States. Furthermore, this will allow real-time monitoring of the size and severity of breast cancer tumors and their response to therapy. Most recently, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh researchers will test a vaccine to prevent breast cancer in what they say is a revolutionary step in the fight against the most common cancer in women.
The seed money — $100,000 — to launch the clinical trial came from Glimmer of Hope.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

These funds will be used to support integrated oncology services for breast cancer patients. We provide acupuncture and massage therapy for patients with breast cancer at no cost to the patient.

Alleghenies Unlimited Care Providers

Johnstown, PA

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

Helping people live independently every day, with quality care.

Vision

An autonomous community that is unbiased, valued, and has unencumbered access to resources.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Our Ability Works Inclusive Activity Program is offered to our individuals, other organizations’ individuals, and anyone in the community who lives with a disability, of any kind. Our program breaks down the barriers of the social determinants people with disabilities face, daily: Isolation, discrimination, socio-economic, employment, transportation, access to health care, and education. This program is designed to not only give them a judgement-free place to socialize, but we incorporate speakers and other educational tools to help them with these determinants. We also plan activities that focus on getting them out into the community through events and giving back to the community. An example of this is packing care packages to send to active military members. Of course, we also have fun! In June, we hosted a prom and helped some of the ladies find prom dresses, while the rest went prom dress shopping with their families. A student from Vo-Tech did their hair and volunteers did their makeup and nails. The guys were decked out in suits and suspenders and the dance floor was hoppin’ all night! Each monthly activity provides lunch. We offer this program to the community, absolutely FREE. An annual fundraiser and individual donations fund this program. The program has grown tremendously and we are seeing upwards of 85 individuals each month.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

As this program continues to grow, the program’s operating budget needs to be adjusted each month. In October, we saw 91 participants, in November, 72, and in December 112. This grant will provide food and drinks, craft supplies, tickets to community events, and other resources needed to fulfill the goals of this program.

ALS Association

Millvale, PA

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

To discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

Vision

Create a world without ALS.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

The ALS Association (ALSA) helps patients and families cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with ALS by providing information, resources, and referrals to many sources, including a wide variety of community services. According to a study completed through the National ALSA office, the annual costs of living with ALS can be $250,000 or more. These costs include factors such as lost wages for the person with ALS and/or caregiver/spouse, ALS medications, co-pays for durable medical equipment, private-duty caregiving, transportation, travel expenses for attending the ALS specialty clinic, and other expenses related to living with ALS. Our services are provided at NO cost to the individuals we serve, regardless of income or financial resources. We offer loaned medical equipment, financial grants covering costs that insurance companies won’t cover, support groups for both the individual living with ALS and their caregiver, bereavement programs, and multidisciplinary clinics. In addition to these direct services, the ALS Association funds global research and advocates nationwide to improve the lives of people living with ALS and their families.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

If awarded the first-place $10,000 grant in our category, the ALS Association aims to significantly enhance our ongoing support for individuals and families affected by ALS. Currently servicing 31 counties in western and central Pennsylvania, our commitment to aiding over 300 individuals annually drives our efforts to provide essential resources and compassionate care.
The ALS Association’s Equipment Loan Program stands as a crucial pillar of our support system for the ALS community. This program offers vital durable medical equipment, addressing scenarios where individuals may lack financial means, face insurance limitations, or require immediate access to equipment. Notably, the most requested item in our Loan Closet Program over the past year has been portable motorized wheelchairs.
With the generous support of the GBU Community Foundation, the ALS Association plans to allocate the $10,000 grant towards procuring a minimum of five portable power wheelchairs, such as a Literider Envy. A Literider Envy is priced at approximately $1,800. This investment will significantly bolster our ability to serve more ALS patients through our Equipment Loan Program.
The financial strain stemming from an ALS diagnosis is immense, averaging $250,000 annually for advanced-stage care, exclusive of medication expenses. Costs encompass crucial elements such as respite care, in-home nursing, nutritional supplements, and specialized devices like speech-generating devices. Notably, a single power wheelchair can exceed $20,000, with additional thousands required for repairs and modifications. Allowing the opportunity for individuals living with ALS to loan a portable motorized wheelchair is a great step before using insurance to purchase a more advanced wheelchair.
The LiteRider Envy motorized wheelchair, our most requested item, offers unparalleled versatility. Its easy disassembly facilitates transportation in standard car trunks, with the heaviest piece weighing only 35 lbs. Featuring a comfortable stadium-style seat and rear-wheel drive for effortless maneuvering, this mobility aid significantly improves the daily lives of ALS patients.
An impactful testament to the transformative nature of this equipment comes from individuals like Bud Hackimer, whose daughter shared how the portable powerchair enabled cherished moments, fostering independence and participation in significant life events, like attending a baseball game or the Walk to Defeat ALS.
“For my Dad, his portable powerchair meant independence and continued memories. As my Dad’s ALS progressed, he was able to attend a Pirates Game, walk his dog, and attend the Walk to Defeat ALS thanks to his portable powerchair. This smaller power wheelchair option gave him the freedom to be transported in a regular car with his chair stored in the trunk. His portable powerchair helped him save his energy for fun moments like cheering his beloved Bucs, instead of getting burnt out by the walk to the ballpark. We are so thankful to The ALS Association for providing him with this equipment, free of charge.”
ALS inflicts profound financial strain, often forcing patients to halt work shortly after diagnosis. Many encounter barriers to insurance coverage due to restrictive policies, high deductibles, or bureaucratic delays. These limitations leave ALS patients devoid of critical resources necessary for their well-being, amplifying the urgency for programs like the Equipment Loan Program.
Your support enables us to cater uniquely to the diverse needs of individuals battling ALS. With these funds, we can continue providing essential equipment and support services, offering comfort, independence, and dignity to those navigating this challenging journey.

East Toledo Family Center

Toledo, OH

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

Strengthening and serving our community one life at a time.

Vision

A valuable partner in an empowered community.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

The East Toledo Family Center provides programs and services to babies to senior citizens.
Those programs/services include preschool/Head Start, youth enrichment/athletics, home visiting, and seniors services.
We also connect our families with community programs and services that help to educate, engage, and empower them to improve their lives.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

The East Toledo Family Center will use the funding to connect our families to the mental health agencies in our community. The funding would allow us to hold our second annual Mental Health Fair in 2024 – Heart and Mind. And, to offer bi-weekly sessions throughout the year. We held our first fair in 2023 and it was a great success.
The main goal is to stamp out the stigma that mental health should be hidden and not discussed. We must get the information into the hands of our families. And, provide them opportunities to address mental health issues/concerns that they are dealing with in their everyday life.

InVision Human Services

Wexford, PA

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

To build person-driven services with people who experience disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.

Vision

A future where all people are heard, their choices valued, and their life visions honored. InVision utilizes a person-centered mindset incorporating risk mitigation techniques which promotes independence, growth, and provides the opportunity for the individual to define his/her/their quality of life.

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Founded in 1992, InVision Human Services builds customized person-driven services with people with
disabilities. We accomplish our mission by working alongside the people we support to create a level of independence they never thought possible. InVision recognizes that people whose disabilities and circ*mstances were more challenging for traditional approaches and methods deserved the opportunity to identify and live their vision of a meaningful life.
InVision supports people who have complex diagnoses that others often deem too complicated to support. They experience multiple intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum
disorders; cognitive and psychiatric disorders; and neurological, physical, and environmental disabilities.
InVision supports over 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western Pennsylvania. The counties we reach include Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington,
and Westmoreland.
We honor the strengths, hopes, and dreams of each person we support, and their unique needs drive everything we do. Our programs provide opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build and experience lives filled with independence and purpose.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability. People with disabilities are excluded from countless neighborhoods because housing does not exist for them. While some of the over 200 people we support are gainfully employed on their own, the majority are not able to work and rely on government waivers for income. They fall within guidelines established by the US Department of Health & Human Services and have no supplemental income, which causes financial instability in their living situation.
Funds awarded will be used to support our ongoing programs for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing opportunities for them to build and experience lives filled with independence and purpose. While basic needs are provided, funding does not provide support for the safety, security, and comfort the people we support need in their houses: stability that comes from living in a purchased home; or customized behavioral health services. InVision ensures that the living environment is compatible with their daily life activities and routines. Every decision is made with respect for and in conjunction with the person being supported.

The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation

Monroeville, PA

Pillar: Wellness

Mission

To support families grieving the loss of an infant, educate on Safe Sleep Practices for infants, and promote SIDS awareness to families across the U.S.

Vision

Every grieving family should have resources that support their grief process and provide various ways to heal, at any stage of their loss journey. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family members and friends. Toby’s Foundation has a vision of building and operating a Grief Retreat Center here in Western Pennsylvania to serve grieving families from across the country (and beyond).

Describe what this organization does to serve its local community.

Mission: To support families grieving the loss of an infant through workshops and weekend grief retreats. Our goal is to ensure that every grieving family is provided the resources and a haven to grieve and heal after the death of their baby.

If this organization wins the first place $10,000 grant for your category, how will funds be used?

If awarded first place Toby’s Foundation would utilize these funds towards the hosting of ~2 grief retreat weekends in 2024 for grieving couples, mothers, and fathers. It is our goal to host 4 grief retreat weekends throughout 2024 (budget ~$8k for each), at a minimal cost to the attendees. Those attending would experience an extended weekend with other grieving parents with therapy (group and individual); yoga; meditation; art therapy; journaling and connectivity with others who are on a similar path. These programs help grievers build a toolbox of practices that can help them manage grief on a day-to-day basis.