Community Impact Report, 2024-2025

During fiscal year 2024-2025, you helped NHCO provide 23,066 services to 4,290 families and individuals in our community

Celebrating Your Community Impact by Scott Shaffer, Executive Director

North Hills Community Outreach has a strong reputation for Community Impact. Every hour volunteered, every bag of groceries shared, and every dollar donated is carefully stewarded to make the greatest positive impact for our neighbors in need. Here are some of the ways that you helped make a positive impact over the past year:

Personal Impact

Every person who comes through our doors is seen, valued, and treated with dignity and respect. We are on your side, here to help with problems big and small. Whether you need a hand out of crisis, a hand up to self-sufficiency, or a hand to hold in the midst of the storm, we are here for you with outstretched arms. Every day we experience another inspiring story of transformational relationships formed between volunteers, staff, and community members in need—stories made possible by your support.

Immediate and Generational Impact

Our programs meet each person where they are, ensuring that everyone has their immediate needs met, while accompanying families on a journey towards the safety, stability, and support they need to thrive now and for generations to come. Every time you support a parent's educational goals, their children are provided with a greater chance of future financial success and upward mobility creating a compounding impact.

Community Impact

From anyone to everyone, we are a movement of people impacting people. With a broad base of support from businesses and congregations, civic organizations and government partners; 784 skilled and passionate volunteers from every walk of life; 27 staff members in seven locations across Allegheny County; and over 4,200 clients from more than 67 zip codes—NHCO is able to leverage broad, systemic impact in every corner of the community. We represent Pittsburgh at its best!

Thank you for the deep Community Impact on individuals, families, and neighborhoods across our region that is made possible through your ongoing support!

Community partnerships are the key to fulfilling our mission!

Thank you to those that donate their time & treasure to NHCO!  Visit NHCO.org/donors for a list of supporters.

Convenience Store Steps Up When Thousands Inconvenienced by Severe Storm

When a quick but severe storm swept through much of The North Hills in April, it left behind a trail of damage and widespread power outages. For many residents, the loss of electricity meant spoiled refrigerated and frozen food—further compounding an already difficult situation.

In the aftermath, David Williams, a manager at Sheetz, took swift action to support those affected. Recognizing the urgent need for food assistance, he organized a collection drive to benefit the neighbors that NHCO serves.

“With NHCO operating three food pantries, it was clear your organization was in the best position to quickly and effectively get food to those who needed it most,” David said.

Twelve Sheetz locations participated in the effort, stretching from Neville Island up to Cranberry. David rallied his team by posting flyers in store breakrooms and encouraged employees to contribute non-perishable goods. Their response was overwhelming—more than 800 food items were donated, helping support the 375+ families served by NHCO’s food pantries each month.

“At Sheetz, supporting our communities is a core value,” David added. “After hearing firsthand from our customers about the challenges they faced, I knew we had to step up and help.”

Support from our community ensures that Cathy can coordinate a range of essential services designed to help older adults live safe and healthy in their own homes.

These services include:

• Volunteer transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and errands

• Safety for Seniors home visits to identify fall and fire hazards

• Friendly visits and phone calls to reduce loneliness

Thousands of older adults have benefited from the compassion, dignity, and critical services that have led to countless thank-you notes (too many to count or keep) including one beautifully written thank-you note from a grateful older adult that Cathy remembers fondly.

“It flowed and was almost like a flower, with each petal in harmony with the other petals,” she recalls. “I used to read it over and over. It brought me so much joy.”

“I’ve dedicated my work to improving the health and well-being of older adults,” Cathy says. “But they’re not the only ones who benefit from our services—their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in good hands with NHCO.”

Cathy’s compassion, leadership, and commitment amplify the impact of our volunteers and the generosity of our community - a cornerstone to fulfilling NHCO’s mission.

By The Numbers

1,548 families and individuals were served by NHCO's three food pantries.

Food insecurity and general financial hardship were the top two reasons people sought help at NHCO.

NHCO food pantry clients save an average of $2,000 a year. They receive fresh produce from our community garden, shelf-stable items, fresh meat and other everyday essentials, ensuring that families can maintain a healthy diet.

Three pantry clients talk about their experience at one of our food pantries (from left to right)

“It's really nice, The people are friendly... It helps. Thank you for being there for us and all you do.”

After losing her job of fourteen years and her husband’s hours were reduced, Doris relies on NHCO for food - not just for herself, but also her pets.

“It helps out a lot...”

Courtney was picking up food at our pantry for her mom who broke her back in two places.

“I know I'm always welcome...The people are really great here. The volunteers are wonderful.”

Jack has been struggling since his wife passed after being together for seventy years.

Record-Breaking Season! Through NHCO’s Free Tax Prep Program, 713 federal tax returns were completed, with a total refund of $785,812

Many clients plan to use their refunds to pay for essentials—covering bills, buying food and clothing, and setting some aside for emergencies.

"Because of the Child Tax Credit, I’ll be able to better support my children.”
Latoya

“This takes the burden off of daily expenses and puts the money back into the community.”
Michael

“This has been such a blessing. In the past, I’ve paid for these services. Extra money always helps on a fixed income."
Beth

2,319 families assisted through one or more of NHCO's Seasonal Sharing Projects

• Sharing Winter Warmth

• Personal Care Items

• Spring Cleaning Products

• Back to School Supplies

• Winter Coat Distribution

• Thanksgiving on Every Table

• Holiday Toy Shop

418 people were assisted through NHCO's Older Adult Programs ensuring access to essential services, safe living environments and an absence of loneliness.

Volunteers provided rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and other errands through personal transportation and our Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle. They also conducted home safety checks, friendly home visits and telephone reassurance calls supporting our older neighbors.

For 78-year-old Bernie, the shuttle is far more than a free ride to the doctor, bank, or grocery store.

“When they (passengers) get on, they all talk, interact, and laugh,” he said. “It’s just like a big family party.”

In just five months of riding, Bernie’s social life has blossomed. He’s made a new friend to watch Steelers games with, and another to play darts and pool.

Because of experiences like his—and so many others—the shuttle has earned its fitting nickname: “A Community on Wheels.”

2,230 Households Received Housing and Utility Assistance

NHCO's rental assistance program prevents homelessness, and several utility partner programs help qualifying families keep their heat and lights on. NHCO also helps qualifying families and individuals with utility bills through various programs.

This quote on the refrigerator at our Millvale office serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact NHCO makes.

After leaving his job due to serious health issues, one of our clients faced the unimaginable—his savings depleted, and his future uncertain. That’s when he turned to NHCO. We stepped in, helping him apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and covering essential bills while he waited for approval.

THANK YOU!

784 volunteers gave 23,415 hours of service to our community! That’s the equivalent of more than eleven full time workers!

Board Members 2024-2025

• President
  Megan Melichar

• Vice President
  Trish Cawley

• Secretary
  Kathyrn Dougherty

• Treasurer
  Joseph Zovko

• Past President
  Sharon Miller

Members

• Kayla Busche

• Robyn Eisen

• Melissa Fann

• Jodie Fine-Sheriff

• Erin Forrester

• James Giel Jr.

• Peter Johnson

• Kristin Karsh

• Bill List

• Nate Locklin

• Jennifer McNabb

• Nora Curley Peace

• Melanie Rutan

• Mark Scaramuzzi

• Monica Snyder

• Dara Sterling

• Dr. Raghu Tadikamalla

• Bradley Wilkins

• Saiyed Zaidi