Additional Support and Resources

College Scholarships for Nontraditional Students
Family Savings Accounts
Legal Help
Support Groups

College Scholarships - Alicia Dal Lago of Alicia Photography initiated NHCO's College Scholarships in 2000 with a $3,000 gift. Soon other caring individuals, businesses and civic groups began to donate to the fund. Grants up to $2,000 per semester may be awarded, depending on financial need and availability of funds. Applicants must reside in or attend school in northern Allegheny County and demonstrate financial need. Most scholarships are granted to nontraditional-age students. Oftentimes, the scholarships can be used for any college-related expense, such as tuition, fees, books, childcare and transportation. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Download an application (Microsoft Word document).

Family Savings Accounts (FSA) - Eligible families in Allegheny, Butler, Beaver and Crawford Counties can receive up to $2,000 in matching funds (provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development). Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Download a PDF file of the application (requires Adobe Reader).

Download a Microsoft Word version of the application.

• Funds can be used to purchase or repair a home, buy a car, attend college or start a business
• Participants must save a minimum of $10 per week for three years and can receive a maximum match of $2,000 over that period.
• Participants must complete eight hours of financial literacy training, which can be completed through an on-line course.
• Participants must meet income guidelines listed on page two of the application. Gross income cannot exceed the amounts listed, which vary based on county and household size.

Ask the Attorney - NHCO, in cooperation with volunteer attorneys of the Allegheny County Bar Association, offers free 30-minute legal consultations to eligible low-income residents of northern Allegheny County. Any noncriminal matter can be discussed, such as divorce, bankruptcy, family matters and credit issues. Interested persons must meet income eligibility requirements.

Ask the Attorney is offered once a month and rotates among NHCO's offices. See the Calendar for a current schedule. Sessions are scheduled between 7-9 PM and appointments are required. For those who have made an appointment, please download, complete and return this questionnaire prior to your meeting with the attorney. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Support Groups

NHCO's resource coordinator can direct you to support groups for divorce, depression, bereavement, Alzheimer's and many other issues. Please contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

• Young Widows/Widowers Support Groups meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM at Kings Restaurant in Wexford. There are two different groups for varying ages and life circumstances. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.

Need additional help? NHCO's resource coordinator is available to address the concerns of those whose crisis or hardship is primarily emotional in nature. She "walks alongside" individuals facing life situations such as separation/divorce, grief, depression or anxiety until the individual can be referred to appropriate sources of help. Contact Harriet Gibbs at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3217.