“Let us remember the poor, and not forget kindness to strangers; above all, let us love God with all our soul, and might, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.” -- Athanasius of Alexandria (d. 373)

I recently started my term on the board of South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM). Jim Guffey, Executive Director, and the entire team did a great job of providing me an orientation to both the board and its staff.

While many of us know about the food pantries, Community Clothing Closet, and garden at SHIM Center in Bethel Park, it was my tour through the SHIM Family Center in Baldwin that was a real eye opener. The Family Center opened in 2007 in Whitehall Place (formerly Prospect Park), the largest concentration of refugees in Pittsburgh, and ran services out of seven apartments in this complex. In 2018, SHIM found expanded space at the Wallace school building owned by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. SHIM serves the immigrant/refugee population and other families with social services needs from this location.

SHIM helps entire families adjust to life in the U.S. with early childhood education, after school programs, summer youth programs, parenting classes, financial wellness help, and family social activities.

The picture above highlights young women from the refugee/immigrant community who are brand new graduates of Baldwin High School. They represent several different countries including Nepal, Thailand, and multiple African nations. Kritika Timsina (second from right in photo) was a valedictorian. Each of them and their families have been SHIM clients as they acclimated to the U.S. Now they can confidently take their next steps in life.

SHIM Volunteer Opportunities

Please check the SHIM website at shimcares.org/volunteer for volunteer opportunities at SHIM Center in Bethel Park or SHIM Family Center in Baldwin. These include van driver, homework helper, receptionist, youth mentoring, food pantry, financial mentor, and SHIM gardens.

Westminster Food Drive – Sunday, September 25 Drop off food at the church. We will take it to SHIM in our vehicles. If you would like to help, please contact Rob Wagner.

-- Rob Wagner