Available Food Resources 

We understand that the possibility of a federal government shutdown may be creating uncertainty, especially for those who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. In the event that SNAP benefits are delayed or disrupted this month, we want you to know that you are not alone and that resources are available to support you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, here are some immediate options available:

1. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

🔗 Find Food Near You

• Enter your ZIP code to find nearby food distribution locations, including food pantries, churches, and community centers.
• You can filter by day of the week and time of day to find what works best for your schedule.

🛒 The Market at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

🔗 The Market Info

• Students who can travel to the food bank may shop in person at The Market, or use their pickup option.
• Location: 1 N. Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110 (verify current hours on the website).

2. The Salvation Army

🔗 Find a Location Near You

• Enter your ZIP code to find your local Salvation Army and view food distribution hours.
• Each location operates independently, so be sure to check specific details for your area.
• Additional support programs may include coat and toy distribution, utility assistance, and more.

Family Night at The Children's Museum

To reserve spaces, please email clair@helloneighbor.io with following info for each family:

• Family/household name
• Number of adults & children attending
• Primary or preferred language
• Phone number

Construction Trades Lunch and Learn

November Digital Skills Calendar

In November we give thanks for our blessings, including new digital skills opportunities! 

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Downtown, CCAC Homewood-Brushton, and Penn Hills Library. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientation, Intro to Zoom, and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help new students get started with classes.

Please note the updated Open Lab schedule!  

Open Lab Schedule (except as noted below):

• Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown; no Open Lab on Nov. 26)
• Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
• Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab on Nov. 27) 

We hope we have some classes that interest you! As always, please email us at DigitalPGH@LiteracyPittsburgh.org and please specify which class(es) and dates you are interested in.

Finally, don’t forget our calendars are also available at www.LPStudent.com/calendar. 

Literacy Pittsburgh will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Nov. 26, 27, and 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Happy November! We give thanks for our wonderful students!

Service Coordination Event

November Office Hours  

📍Monday, November 3 & Tuesday, November 4, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

We will be assisting students with finding local food resources and clothing vouchers.

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events 

Career Services is proud to announce we are bringing on two new volunteers to help us provide excellent service to the students we serve.

Anne Fleming is taking over the Waitlist Workshop, where she will be giving tips and tricks to spice up resumes and stay sharp on LinkedIn. Anne brings extensive experience from multiple start-up companies and has expertise in crafting compelling resumes to help students achieve professional growth.

Holly Caiazza will be helping with Career Service Virtual Drop-In Hours. Holly has worked as a recruiter and career consultant in the past. She will be an amazing addition to our Drop-In coverage.

Upwardly Global Open Lab
📍Every Tuesday, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center   
Literacy Pittsburgh career advisors and digital skills staff have collaborated to offer a space for interested students to study their Upwardly Global lessons. Use on-site computers and get assistance with any technical or instructional barriers during this weekly practice space. Questions? Email Dru at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.

Career Service Drop-In Hours
📍Times and dates can be found here. 
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center   
Drop-in hours are a time for individual career advising services and no appointment is required. Please ask for the career advisor at the front desk when you arrive. Services offered during drop-in hours may include:

• Upwardly Global registration
• Resume consultations
• Interview preparation
• Cover letter writing
• Assistance with job or school applications
• General advisement on goals and career exploration

Some services may not be appropriate if more than one student is in attendance. Translation is only available through Google Translate; however, we will do our best to assist in all cases. This service is not job placement. Students will apply for jobs with the guidance of advisors. Career advisors do not apply on behalf of students. If a student requires job placement services, contact information for staffing agencies can be provided.

Exploring Identity: Teen Voices

Give Big, Pittsburgh!

Mark your calendar for “Give Big, Pittsburgh!” – Pittsburgh’s Annual Day of Giving charitable donation event on December 2. Literacy Pittsburgh will be participating in this exciting fundraiser once again. You can make the holidays extra special for your fellow students and provide them with the tools they need to achieve their goals.

On December 2, just visit givebigpittsburgh.com and make a donation to Literacy Pittsburgh (or to any of the other great nonprofit organizations that are participating). The event will last for 24 hours only!

Here is what you can do:

• Make a donation at our Give Big Pittsburgh profile page on December 2 between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm. 
• Spread the word! Text a friend, forward this email, or post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #GiveBigPittsburgh. Or you can just tell someone in person – that works, too!

Double the impact of your gift! Thanks to a generous matching gift from a local family foundation, all gifts to Literacy Pittsburgh made on Tuesday, December 2 (or anytime in November or December) will be matched 100%. A gift of $25 becomes $50, $100 becomes $200 and $250 becomes $500.

Please tell your friends and family about the important work we do and ask them to join you in making a difference.

November Community Events

"Musical Sounds” is a lively workshop where young minds will learn the joy of musical expression! Through rhythmic games, instrument building and sound connection, you'll experience making music led by Squonk's Bassist “T-Funk” Tony Thomas. 

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

Hear his take on the impact of his education: “Literacy Pittsburgh helped me deal with other linguistically. It helped me prepare for speaking in interviews and working with my colleagues in the hospital. I love Literacy Pittsburgh, and I owe them a lot.”

What a powerful story!

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

"There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning." 
— Jiddu Krishnamurti 

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” 
— Malcolm X, civil rights activist