Pittsburgh Nonprofits and Charities

Mainstay Life Services is an incredible organization that is committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Kim Sonafelt and the full leadership team at Mainstay Life Services are dedicated to ensuring the individuals supported by their organization receive the highest quality services, and Mainstay Human Services’ drive to support their mission is evident across their organization. PDC Pharmacy has the privilege of partnering with Mainstay Life Services for the provision of the highest quality pharmaceutical services for individuals served by their organization. Across our long-standing collaboration, Mainstay Life Services has continued to proactively support the pharmaceutical needs of each individual, and our PDC Pharmacy team has the honor of collaborating daily with the excellent clinical and residential teams at Mainstay Life Services, who show tremendous compassion, respect, and care for those they support.

I go to SLB after school on Thursdays for open mic night and on Saturdays for open studio. I attended a summer camp last summer and will be doing the same this summer. At SLB, I have found a small and unassuming, yet powerful place of opportunity in the basement of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Here, there is an amazing group of staff educators who care deeply about the space and the kids that come here to work on projects surrounding issues they care about. They are helping to create young musicians, poets, journalists, and activists and have created a perfect and comfortable space for youth to be seen and heard. I have made so many amazing friends here and can't wait to continue making friends and sharing my voice.

I’ve been handling bunnies for over 30 years, whether it was rescuing, fostering, finding forever homes or adopting, I’ve handled and loved hundreds of them. I met Suaz very early in my bunny journey. Before Rabbit Wranglers, she bunny-sat for me once, when I went on vacation. Since then, she has helped me, comforted me, educated me…she is my “go-to”. But my first experience with RW was when my son-in-law spotted a bunny at Schenley Park, he called his wife (my daughter) and she immediately realized it was an abandoned domesticated rabbit. She met him there but they were not able to catch him. I called Suaz, who immediately organized a rescue team…and it was done!!! My daughter adopted him and named him Schenley. Thanks to Rabbit Wranglers for all they do!!! I could comment forever about Suaz 💜

Getting LEGO sets from The Education Partnership was honestly amazing. This is such an expensive item and I felt so lucky to be able to bring them into my classroom. My students were immediately engaged. The excitement was unreal, and it turned into so many opportunities for creativity and problem-solving . Even some of my quieter students really opened up with the legos. It’s something I never would have been able to provide on my own and it made a huge impact. I’m so grateful that i got these from The Educational Partnership.

As a beneficiary of Hope for Ghana’s work, I have witnessed lives transformed. Their commitment to school infrastructure, medical equipment, health outreach, and potable water for deprived rural communities brings dignity, hope, and lasting impact. Hope for Ghana does not merely assist; they partner communities to build healthier, educated, and self-reliant futures. Dr. Steve Greene is doing fantastic work, where every cent in changing lives

I’ve been volunteering at Animal Friends as a dog walker, and it’s been an incredible experience. The staff truly care about the animals and make sure volunteers feel supported and appreciated. Every dog is treated with patience, respect, and love. It’s obvious how much thought goes into their care and placement. Animal Friends is well-run, welcoming, and genuinely focused on doing what’s best for the dogs. I’m proud to be part of an organization that makes such a difference.

This is a Roman Catholic charity supporting the mission work of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in remote parts of the world. I found out about this religious order and the Seraphic Mass Association years ago when they staffed a Catholic parish to which I belonged in St. Louis, Missouri. I was impressed by their devotion, their kindness and their dedication (two of them served WELL PAST normal retirement age). The Association offers Novenas throughout the year that donors can have their intentions and loved ones enrolled in and that is how I first started to contribute to them. In addition to the Novenas, for the past 13 years I have contributed to them quarterly as a "St. Anthony Mission Partner." Their donor services are efficient (they can tweak your mailing preferences virtually any way you want). In the past, they sent a confirmation listing my intentions, but now they just acknowledge the donation. Sometimes they are slow in processing my gift and sending a "thank you" letter.

Mission: At Manchester Bidwell Corporation (MBC), we have a simple philosophy – environment shapes behavior. By constructing an empowering atmosphere of art, light, music and a staff that strives to realize the genius in everyone, we enable our students to become productive society members. We are the parent organization of four affiliates: Bidwell Training Center, Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (which includes MCG Jazz and MCG Youth & Arts), National Center for Arts & Technology and the Manchester Bidwell Development Trust. The Drew Mathieson Center is also a division of our corporation. Target demographics: We create empowering educational environments for adults-in-transition as well as high-need and at-risk youth. Direct beneficiaries per year: In the fiscal year of 2018-19, we served 490 students in our youth and arts program, 80% of students at or below the low-income threshold in our adult career-training program, 17,000 audience members in our jazz performances and 5,500 peopl

I first discovered the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library (PTLL) over 18 years ago when my oldest was around 3. He is now 21! I remember how much of a lifesaver it was for me after the birth of my daughter. At the time we were living in a small apartment not far from the Toy Library. We would walk there almost daily so my son could run and play, and I could sit on the comfy couch and breastfeed my baby. I was a young single mom stretched thin, and getting the encouragement, support, and companionship from other moms was exactly what I needed. <br><br>In 2020, I had my last child. I also decided to go back to school and finish my undergraduate degree. After Covid began to ease up, we began visiting the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library. A single mother again, it was one of the few places we could go, where my little one could play and I could study, while still keeping my eyes on him. <br><br>This time around, after being a volunteer member for about a year or two, I joined the board as Treasurer. I have been able to lend my experience of working with families and for nonprofits to help further our mission. <br><br>The Toy Lending Library is such a gem, because beyond being a place to play inside, or a place to discover new toys, it is also a community. I have lived in many cities around the US and there is really nothing else quite like the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library.<br><br>It is an absolute testament to the value of the PTLL to the Pittsburgh parenting community that we have been able to survive 50 years as a completely volunteer run organization. <br>

My children and I love coming here! I'm a teacher and find so many supplies we can use in projects (at home and at school). The folks who work at Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse are very friendly and help us find whatever odd or end we're looking for. I'm really glad for the work you do to help recycle rather than throw away such good stuff!

We have been so grateful for the Friendship Circle community. Our son has participated in their programming for several years and he enjoys going so much. They take great care of his needs whether dietary or making sure he has an interpreter. The organization is incredibly supportive and we feel really lucky to know each and every person working here!

I needed help with my electricity bill. Nabhi Christian Ministries was God sent. I followed their clear voicemail instructions and PJ emailed me back the same day. I.will be self sustainable in two weeks when I open my restaurant. I have been unemployed 6 months due to my health which made me unable to drive my school van a job I loved very much. I just needed a little help to keep the electricity on until I'm able to open up.

As the Executive Director of Shady Lane School, I am honored to share our profound appreciation for the Early Excellence Project (EEP). Their unwavering support through the Early Learners First program and executive coaching has been transformative for our institution.​<br><br>Through the Early Learners First initiative, EEP has significantly enhanced our capacity to provide high-quality early childhood education and support resources that impact early childhood educators. Their generous funding has enabled us to expand our programs, improve facilities, and offer comprehensive services to our young learners and their families. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission to foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. ​In addition, EEP has opened doors for us to form relationships with neighboring providers, and community partners to strengthen the act of cross collaboration in our sector. <br><br>EEP's commitment to equity and excellence in early childhood education is truly commendable. Their holistic approach, encompassing sourcing crucial resources for the field and professional development, has been pivotal in our journey toward continuous improvement. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and look forward to our ongoing collaboration to enrich the lives of young learners in our community.​<br><br>

I felt the love and warmth of this organization from the moment I stepped through it's doors. Angels' Place truly embodies the nurturing, caring and helpful persona they've built over the last 40 years. The organization is truly a blessing and each individual who works here genuinely cares about the community they serve.

I can’t say enough about how essential this organization is. When I got the heartbreaking diagnosis about our son, the world felt like it was spiraling out of control. I was suddenly faced with a mountain of decisions that no parent should need to make. The options all seemed impossible for me to survive. Thanks to the bereavements doulas I did not have to face this time alone.<br><br>When it came to the birth and the process of making memories, thanks to Sara, I have no regrets. She was with me in the hospital. After giving birth, she held my son and took beautiful photos of him so that I could rest. She took such time and care when I was utterly heartbroken. I am forever grateful.

Tickets for Kids has truly been a blessing to our organization. They have provided tickets to event that the children that frequent our programs would never be able to afford to attend. They are courteous and compassionate in doing their work. We don't know what we would ever do without Tickets for Kids.<br><br>If ever we have a problem, we contact them and they always answer back to us with a solution to our problem.

I have been working with Art Expression since the summer of 2024 and I have loved every second of it! The children love it. Art Expression makes the arts more accessible and there are clear benefits. They learn essential life skills with the help of art.

Outreach offers valuable and cost-effective support to youth and families in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. In a time where youth mental health is reaching a critical stage, having an exceptional organization like Outreach in our community is of utmost importance to sustain.

Autism Connection of PA helps people of all ages, including adults who have been diagnosed later in life and aren’t sure what to expect. The support group for late diagnosed adults is a great place to connect online.

When my brother passed away, this organization accepter his medical equipment for someone else's use. This was a blessing for our family. My church, Full Life Cathedral Deliverance wanted to donate to help with your efforts of reaching those in disaster areas of our country. God Bless you for the work you continue to do.

This is a high-caliber educational institution that truly cares about its students and the Penn Hills Community. PHCSE provides a holistic approach to education, nurturing the whole child, from academics to social emotional learning, to developing leadership skills and confidence. Students graduate PHCSE with public speaking skills, the ability to collaborate, and problem solving skills.

Wesley Family Services recently determined that a child involved in an extremely contentious custody case NOT receive counseling despite a PCP recommendation that the child would benefit from counseling BOTH before and after they completed their assessment. The assessment was done by a therapist and her supervisor. <br> <br>There are MANY concerning issues in this case that were not accurately reported in the assessment. <br> <br>The father has a now adult daughter who was cutting, engaged in delinquency, drug use and was even reported by the news as missing. There are allegations that he coerced her into sleeping in bed with him as a child. Father is now doing the same thing to the subject child in this case and despite the supervisor admitting to mom that the child admitted to her that he disclosed sleeping in Father’s bed “with the dog” they still refuse to provide services to the child. <br> <br>Father is into questionable images and has “couple pics” of 6 and 7 year old children on HIS bedroom mirror. Apparently Wesley Family Services thinks this is ok as they were shown these photos as well. <br> <br>Interestingly, there were blatant lies told by the custody evaluator and GAL during the custody proceedings. They reported that there were no safety concerns in Father’s home. It has since been proven that there is BLACK MOLD and also another TOXIC mold present that the child has been proven to be allergic to. <br> <br>Mother provided dated photos of the child’s bloody toenails that he chews as well as photos of him clearly showing anxiety in the meat section of a grocery store. <br> <br>The child drew the attached drawing soon after Father listed him as a witness in his pretrial statement and he was stuttering. He told Mom that his Father was acting like his former, married girlfriend who has been on Suboxone for years and whose own son filed a PFA against her. Mom asked the child what he meant by that and if it would be easier to draw since he was having a hard time verbalizing what happened. <br> <br>The assessment reflects many inaccuracies regarding what Mom reported. Apparently the therapist wasn’t even listening and is clearly incompetent. <br> <br>The Father is so resistant to transparency that he filed a “private dependency petition” and asked the state to take custody of the child shortly after Mom’s custody was restored. (He gave the child his inhaler on the way to a Pulmonary Function Test in order to skew the results.) <br> <br>Wesley family services “brokers” aka pimps out foster parents and makes a considerable amount of money doing so. Custody evaluators are the linchpins that courts rely on when terminating parental rights. When that happens a lot of money changes hands due to title IV funding and adoption incentives. <br> <br>Recently a Termination of Parental Rights appeal became public and the specific evaluator who ignored allegations of abuse in this particular case worked on that case with a representative from Wesley Family Services. <br> <br>It wouldn’t look too good for the custody evaluator if previously ignored allegations of abuse were to come to light now would it? <br> <br>Not only is Wesley Family Services incompetent it appears that they are possibly corrupt as well.

I am extremely satisfied with all the services that the Veterans Leadership Program has provided with over the years. When I was homeless they helped me find housing and when I was struggling financially they provided assistance with rent, food, utilities etc… After attending Job fairs provided by the VLP with their recommendations I got hired at Pittsburgh Regional Transit in the maintenance department. I Truly Appreciate The Veterans Leadership Program! <br> Truly,<br> Spayne J. Swindle

As a board member, I have the privilege of witnessing the unwavering dedication and passion that drives the mission of Sarah Heinz House. The commitment to nurturing and supporting our children is evident in every aspect of the organization. From the enriching summer camps to the comprehensive swimming programs and a myriad of other activities, Sarah Heinz House offers a diverse range of experiences that engage and inspire all children.<br><br>The House is more than just a place; it is a welcoming community where children are encouraged to grow, learn, and thrive. The staff's dedication to putting the children first ensures that each child feels a profound sense of belonging and acceptance. Their tireless efforts create an environment where every child can prosper and reach their full potential.<br><br>I am continually inspired by the positive impact Sarah Heinz House has on our youth, and I am proud to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of so many.

Coalition for Christian Outreach meets today's college students' biggest need. That need, for the transforming power of Jesus Christ, was unmet when I went looking during my own undergraduate experience. By partnering with local churches, the CCO provides students with discipleship, community, and context. Students of today desperately need what the CCO offers.