Literacy Pittsburgh emailed students a Student Update Survey reminder in early February. The goal of the survey is to make sure that we have your correct contact information and to learn more about any employment and educational updates that you might have. Please look for the survey in your email and let your program coordinator, teacher, or tutor know if you have any questions!
One Big Table: An International Tasting
Celebrate with Literacy Pittsburgh!
Food samplings from international cuisines, open bar, artisan market, music by DJ Arie Cole, entertainment and activities...all with a global flair! Monday, March 13
Stage AE
6:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpecial student rate: $35 per ticket. Go to www.onebigtablepgh.com and enter the code STUDENT at checkout. If buying more than one ticket, you must buy each ticket separately to get the discount.
Career Spotlight: Community Health Worker
Do you have an interest in the health care field? Consider a position as a Community Health Worker (CHW). This position requires a GED or above. Training for a certificate is required. CHW’s are the first line of defense that make sure each patient gets the quality care they deserve. They bridge the gap between patient and professional. They help break down cultural barriers to treatment. The lowest entry wage is $29,780. Workers can gain experience and earn a wage of up to $51,100. The benefits of becoming a CHW is to strengthen community bonds, gain experience in the health care world, and grow in your career. If this is something that interests you, contact Callie Angelo at cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org or talk to your teacher or program coordinator. CCAC Information Session Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) will be speaking at Literacy Pittsburgh on Thursday, March 23, 2023. CCAC will speak with any current or former Literacy Pittsburgh students. They will present information about programs they provide, their costs, financial aid and any questions the students may have. If a student wants to apply that day, they will receive help individually from financial aid counselors. The presentation will be online via Zoom. In order to attend, all students must
register by March 21, 2023 with
this link. A Zoom link will be sent after the student registers for the event. Communicating with Success Want to learn more about professional communication in any job setting? Join the free 4-session class hosted by PA Women Work on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 14 – 23 from 2:00 to 4:45pm. In this class, you will learn key principles in professional communication, skills that create strong bonds with colleagues, conflict resolution techniques, and
more. This free, certified class is open to all Literacy Pittsburgh students. The class will be in-person at Literacy Pittsburgh’s Downtown Center (411 Seventh Avenue, Suite 525, Classroom 1, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219). To register for the class, please contact Callie Angelo by email: cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org or by phone: (412) 909-6499.
Free Essentials at Literacy Pittsburgh
Immigrant Services and Connections program at Literacy Pittsburgh keeps a cabinet at our Downtown Center with free essential items for any Literacy Pittsburgh student in need. These items include diapers, toothbrushes, female hygiene products, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion. We ask that each family only take one (1) pack of diapers per week due to limited supply. These are donated items so the cabinet may not have all of the items listed all the time. Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm, for more information contact:
Nora Andrews at (412) 320-9354 or nandrews@literacypittsburgh.org
Catholic Charities Health Fair
Catholic Charities will offer a Free Health Care Clinic and Community Wellness Fair at the First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne on March 18, 2023 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Free Health Screenings - Blood Pressure
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Glucose
- Hearing
- Oral
- Skin
- Vision
Additional Information
- Consultations with medical professionals available.
- Free prescription glasses can be arranged based on exam and obtained after Community Wellness Fair event.
- Free hearing aid while time and supplies permit. Must reserve a hearing aid appointment. Call 412-456-6931.
Let's Speak English at Carnegie Library
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) – Downtown Branch will be offering their Let's Speak English drop-in conversation groups again on Fridays from 1-2pm starting on Friday, April 7. CLP - East Liberty will start in April to offer every Saturday from 2-3pm.
CLP - Main/Oakland will start in April to offer every Wednesday from 5-6pm. Here is the link to East Liberty and Main/Oakland scheduling.
Bless A Dress: Free Prom Gowns
The organization Bless A Dress is holding its annual free prom gown event.
Where: Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena, 22 Rich Hill Road, Cheswick, PA 15024
When: Thursday, April 7, 4-8 pm; Friday, April 8, 4-8 pm; Saturday, April 9, 9am-2pm
For more information: Contact Michelle Simon at 412-760-0350 or blessadress@yahoo.com
SNAP Emergency Allowances to End in March 2023
Starting in March, people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will no longer receive the Emergency Allotment (EA) additional payments created during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will resume receiving one SNAP payment per month. Help is available for any individuals or families through Pennsylvania's charitable food partners.
Congratulations to the following students:
Ron joined a Literacy Pittsburgh computer skills class at the suggestion of PA CareerLink’s Career Resources Center (CRC). At his previous job, he struggled to work efficiently and effectively due to his limited tech abilities. In addition, he desperately needed to learn how to use email to communicate with future employers.
Ron took advantage of our open computer lab and completed the Using Email course, completing coursework through NorthStar online training portal and in-class instruction. Ron does not have a computer or internet access at home, so he worked at his local library and visited the CRC to practice outside of class. Ron successfully sent out his resume via email on his own. He received a response from three employers, which he accessed through email and responded to without assistance from an instructor. Due to his diligence, he gained the needed skills to succeed in a workplace environment. Ron accepted one of those three job offers and will be working for FedEx. He is excited for his new opportunity!
Brooke Billings, a student in Terra’s Math Brush-Up class, has reached her goal of passing the Bidwell entrance exam. She will enter into Bidwell’s Medical Assistant program this spring. After she graduates, her plan is to work at Children’s Hospital. She says her keys to success during her time in the class were the materials provided and Terra’s help with the problems she was not sure of. Her advice to new students? “Do all of the work and ask questions if you don’t know something.
Sarah aspired to build her computer skills to obtain a new job but she has gained so much more! Sarah has diligently worked since May 2022 to develop her computer skills, taking classes and workshops on various topics, practicing skills through NorthStar online learning, and attending many open computer lab times. Sara always asked questions and sought different ways to do digital tasks.
She has also helped other students in class work towards their goals by sharing her struggles, goals and successes so that other students would feel comfortable. Sara earned six NorthStar certificates, scoring 100% on five, and is determined to learn more in this new year!
Share your success story with us! You can help inspire others who are overcoming barriers and working toward their goals. Email it to Najlaa at nebrahim@literacypittsburgh.org
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”
— Chinese Proverb
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
— Robert Collier
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