A Safe Place Matters

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Fall 2018 Volume 32 Issue #3

A Safe Place Matters, is written and managed by Tara Maziarz

Comments? Call HEARTH at (412) 366-9801. www.hearth-bp.org

HEARTH for the Holidays

When Malia arrived at HEARTH last October, she was feeling a

variety of emotions. You see, she had just left her partner and father of

her children and now, she was homeless.

Malia loved her partner, he was warm, and kind. She loved him so

much, that they decided to try to have a child. When their first son was

son, they were through the moon with excitement. Malia and her

partner were the perfect parents. They were enamored with their son

and decided that he would be happier with a sibling to share all of their

loving attention. When their daughter was born it was clear things

would be different. She was born developmentally delayed. This did not

deter Malia from being the best mother she could be.

Unfortunately, that was a different story for her partner Jeff. Jeff couldn’t handle the new pressures and

stresses that came along with having a second child, let alone a child with special needs. He started acting

out, staying out late, not going to work, and belittling Malia. One day the fight’s escalated to violence and

Malia knew she had to leave, not only for herself, but for her children.

Malia was stuck, she didn’t know where to turn, but she knew she had to find a program that would not only

provide safe and stable housing, but would also help her make some important life changes. She found

HEARTH and it was the answer to all of her questions. “This time last year I was in a terrible spot, I had no

money, no place to live, and the holidays were right around the corner, how would I explain what was

happening to my children.”

Fast forward one year and Malia now has her CNA certification, both of her children are thriving within their

childcare classes, and she is getting ready for the holidays. ‘The holidays at HEARTH are magical, it’s like a

fairytale. The generosity from the community is astounding. My children and I are so grateful to live in a

community that cares so much for us.”

Malia’s Story

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A letter from our Executive Director: Judy Eakin Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving?! I have been the executive director at HEARTH for

twenty-three years and it feels as though each year goes by faster and faster. I think I feel this way

because HEARTH is continually growing and changing (for the better!). We have

fundraising events every season, new staff positions, drives and collections, and

even third party events! It can be a lot to keep up with, but myself, the staff, and

volunteers certainly have fun doing so.

HEARTH is always busy, but so are our staff, supporters, and families. It can be

a lot to manage at times… especially during the holidays. It seems like stress has an

even bigger impact during what many feel is the happiest time of the year. The

pressure to have the perfect holiday season is a lot for everyone, including the

families, staff, and volunteers at HEARTH. This month I would like to share with

you some practical tips for relieving stress around the holidays.

1. Practice self-care. It may not always be easy to find a moment for yourself but this is essential. Self-care looks

different for everyone, choose activities that help you relax. I enjoy a hot cup of tea in the morning with my cats or an

evening bubble bath with a good book. There are many different ways to practice self-care, but it is important to

carve out even a short amount of time for yourself! Think exercise, reading, quiet time, writing, yoga, etc.

2.Keep up with your healthy habits. I love cooking, baking and eating with all of my family and friends, but I also

know that I need to stick with my workout routine and have a salad. I try to find balance between all of the

delicious treats and my normal healthy meals and yoga routine. Making time to keep your body healthy not only

eliminates stress, but also helps your body stay healthy during cold and flu season! Choose your favorite treats

(cheese!) and eat in moderation. You don’t need to feel deprived.

3. Stick to a budget. Gift giving is wonderful, but money can be a huge stress not only at the holidays, but also in

everyday life. At HEARTH, we teach our families the importance of budgeting and that does not change around the

holidays. Keeping things realistic for yourself is important and your loved ones will be happy to just spend time to-

gether! A gift from the heart is always a treasure – DIY cards, food, bath salts, clothing, your imagination is the limit!

4. The holidays are a magical time, but do not try to make everything perfect. Social media can be an amazing con-

nector, but it can also make us feel a little down on ourselves. With all the picture-perfect Instagram and Facebook

pictures showing you the “ideal” holiday, remember, you do not need to be over the top. Complete tasks that you

have enough time for and do not over-schedule yourself. The holiday season is about spending time with your loved

ones, not an Instagram photo with 100 likes!

The holiday season should not be something to dread. Taking the appropriate steps to channel your energy into a

stress-free mentality is not only beneficial for yourself, but also for those around you. I know it can be tough to take

the time out for yourself; I myself am guilty of that. Over the years however, I have learned that what your loved ones

want most at the holiday season is time together. Just like we tell the moms at HEARTH, memories are

created by time you spend together not money you spend on others.

Sincerely,

Judy Eakin

For more information on how to maintain stress through the holidays click here

A Safe Place Matters- Page 3

A letter from our Board President: Mike DiChiazza

The holiday season is almost here. I cannot believe we are just weeks away from

2019! While everyone seems to be getting into the holiday spirit earlier and earlier,

it is hard to ignore the violence that is happening in our own country. As I am sure all

of you are aware, the continued mass shootings have shaken entire communities.

It is scary enough for adults to see, but what about the children in our lives that are

also learning about these horrific events.

I say this in every letter, but, I’ll say it again, I love being a dad. My son is four years

old and I am constantly teaching him new life lessons. Recent tragedies have really

made me think about how I would explain something so horrific and hateful to my

son. What do you tell your child when it is hard to describe how you feel, event to

yourself. So, as any parent does I started researching information. I found a lot of

good information on ways to talk to your child about trauma. Our Jewish brothers and sisters were able to post some

very informative links and information regarding this important topic. I would like to share some of the information I

learned with you.

1. Children’s reactions will depend upon the severity of the trauma, their personality, the way they cope with stress

and the availability of support, the reaction of their caregivers. You, the parent, are the most important source of

strength when it comes to helping your children cope during times of crisis. I thought this was impactful. As parents,

our children often see us as super heroes. We may not always feel this way, but our kids are always looking to us for

guidance. It is important to talk to your children honestly about what happened, but to also let them know where you

stand in a caring, loving, and protective manner. Children watch us and learn from us.

2. Recognize/acknowledge their feelings – Attention and listening on your part provides the child with the opportunity

to express his experience and to obtain a sense of comfort and security. Your child may have many questions and many

feelings they do not understand. That is ok! Encourage your child to share their feelings with you. This is where your

empathetic parenting skills come in. Letting your child know that it is all right to feel upset is natural in this type of

process.

3.Try to keep to a normal routine and provide children with reassurances regarding their safety. This one is super im-

portant. As a parent, we want our children to be safe, but to feel safe too. It is important to talk about these events to

your children, but also make sure they know that their day-to-day life has to continue. Sticking to a routine and provid-

ing reassurance that you will always be there for your child are some of the best reinforcements you can make.

I know we are all tired of the violence. However, while we as a nation work together to find some type of solution to

the hatred in our world, we need to make sure the next generation understands empathy and love. I hope this

information has helped you. For more information about how to talk to your children about trauma, please see the

following resources:

https://jewishpgh.org/practical-advice-for-parents-how-to-help-your-child-following-a-trauma/?

eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a7d0e453-b177-481f-9d68-408807eb41dd

https://forward.com/life/family/412985/dont-avoid-talking-to-your-kids-about-the-pittsburgh-shooting/

A Safe Place Matters- Page 4

Get Involved at HEARTH!

HEARTH is in need of a few volunteers. Those interested should contact our

Volunteer Coordinator Vicky Gill at vlgill@hearth-bp.org or call (412) 366-9801 .

*Please note, our Volunteer Coordinator , Vicky Gill

does work part-time and will respond as quickly as possible.*

Looking to make a difference in a child’s life?

HEARTH is looking for volunteers for our Monday Night Child Care sessions. Timing is usually from

6:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. twice a month. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Clearances are required for

volunteers 18 and older. There is an orientation prior to the start of volunteering. You can choose how many

Monday’s you are able to attend!

Do you have other volunteer interests? Come join us at a volunteer day!

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Saturday, May 11, 2019

If you or your group are interested please e-mail our volunteer coordinator, Vicky Gill

at vlgill@hearth-bp.org. Projects will include cleaning the inside and outside of the building,

organizing hearth store, apartment storage, etc.

Interested in touring our facility?

Please contact Marketing and Corporate Relations Manager, Tara Maziarz at least 4 days prior to the tour

date to be scheduled. Contact: trmaziarz@hearth-bp.org or 412-366-9801x.3913

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 – 6pm

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – noon

Thursday, January 10, 2019— noon

Wednesday, January 23, 2019— 6pm

Amazon Smile

Don’t forget your “amazon smile” for HEARTH by making your

amazon purchase through www.smile.amazon.com. Choose HEARTH as

the charity of choice and the agency will receive 0.5% from your

purchase. So quick. So easy. Why not?

A Safe Place Matters- Page 5

HEARTH’s Signature Events

Friday, March 22, 2019

Alloy 26

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, No-

vember 20th at a special

discount!

www.bidpal.net/hopsforhearth2019

Thursday, June 20, 2019

To volunteer, sponsor, or participate in these upcoming events, please contact HEARTH Special Events

and Development Coordinator , Morgan Ceschini at mlceschini@hearth-bp.org or 412-366-9801 ext. 12

This year we had more fun than ever at the 17th annual ‘ The Art of Wine &

Food’ to benefit HEARTH! We had some great new vendors and sponsors

along with some seasoned veterans! This year’s event also managed to raise

over $65,000!!! This is incredible! Thank you to our amazing volunteers, ven-

dors, and sponsors for making this year truly unforgettable!

2018 Vendors—Aladdin’s Eatery, Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange, Andora Fox Chapel,

A Sweet Morsel Co., Aviva Brick Oven, Betsy Ann Chocolates, Bonefish Grill, BreadWorks Bakery,

Chantal’s Cheese Shop, Dave & Buster’s, Eadie’s Market & Catering, The Foundry Table & Tap

Gateway Clipper Fleet, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Hartwood Restaurant & Whisper’s Pub, Hough’s Taproom &

Brewpub, Il Pizzaiolo, Monte Cello’s Italian Restaurant, Myrna’s Catering, Inc., Nothing Bundt Cakes

Pretzel Crazy, and Vecenie Distributing Co.

2018 Sponsors— Allegheny Financial Group, Associates in Ophthalmology, First National Bank, Sherrard,

German, Kelly P.C., Fort Pitt Capital Group, TriState Capital Bank, SSI, Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci, LLC, Chuck

& Jackie Fusina, UPMC Health Plan, Standard Bank, Heritage Valley Health System, RIG Consulting, Inc.,

Dollar Bank, M2B Retirement Consulting, In memory of James Eakin, Bill and Donna Gaughan, Joe and

Ruth Barsotti, Barsotti Wines, Total Equipment , Dani and Dr. Brian Kazienko, Kelley Owen, In Memory of

Debbie Mendoza, Nova Environmental Services, Inc., North Hills Monthly Magazine, 91.3 WYEP,

Allegheny Health Network

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Join our Tees & Traps

committee for a special hap-

py hour on January 8th to

learn more about how you

can get involved!

Allegheny Financial Group presents: ‘The Art of Wine & Food’ to benefit HEARTH

A Safe Place Matters- Page 6

HEARTH in the Community

Christ Episcopal Church of the North Hills held their annual Run

for Thy Neighbor 5k at North Park. This year they selected

HEARTH as their benefiting charity.

The event had perfect running weather and a great turnout!

Raising over $3,000! Thank you to all involved for putting on an

amazing race!

HEARTH’s Associate Board hosted a Halloween Costume Contest and Bantam Night at Wigle Whiskey’s Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden.

Local band ‘Still not Sober’ donated their amazing talents for the evening and there were some amazing costumes! HEARTH’s Associate Board hosts a variety of fun awareness raising events; including, Guest bar tending at Sidelines Bar & Grill in Millvale and a Mad Mex benefit dinner. If you are a young professional looking to serve your community while having a great time, contact Tara Maziarz for more information on our Associate Board. trmaziarz@hearth-bp.org

The second Sample, Sip, and Smile was held on Sunday,

September 30th in The Lincoln Room at The Carnegie

Library of Carnegie. This event is held in memory of

Alexis Hilewitz.

Guests sampled local appetizers and tasted some very

unique wines.

This event raised over $4,000 this year with a combined

total over $10,000 for the past two years! Thank you

everyone who supported and planned a beautiful event.

A Safe Place Matters- Page 7

THANK YOU for your continued interest & support!

Contact us:

Phone :412-366-9801

Web: www.hearth-bp.org

Social Media: click the icons to follow us!

Or search us @hearthpgh