Genesis of Pittsburgh Inc.

Our story is just starting. After a horrific experience with Abrazo adoption associates in San Antonio texas we are looking forward to working with Genesis and their caring staff.

The Genesis office in Washington Pennsylvania has very caring and excellent, knowledgeable staff who are extremely committed to helping the clients that they serve

An organization that truly walks the walk! I found out about them thru my brother who bought their raffle tickets for me (I won $100!!). Genesis gives practical, concrete help to expectant mothers and families in need with counseling, prenatal classes, adoption, foster care. I wish I'd heard of them sooner. I admire people who take constructive action and don't just talk. Such a worthwhile charity. Thanks Genesis for all the good you do.

Genesis of Pittsburgh arranged my adoption. My birth mother was in college when she got pregnant with me. Genesis provided her with the resources she needed during that time and helped her place me up for adoption. They did a wonderful job placing me with an adoptive family that gave me a great upbringing, and no one would even guess I am adopted because I look so much like my adoptive mother. When I was 7 they helped my adoptive parents by doing some of the work needed to help them adopt a set of siblings from an orphanage in Poland. I have since met my birth parents, and I think I have probably had one of the best possible experiences as an adoptee.

My husband and I attended classes at the Learning center at Genesis prior to the birth of our daughter and we found them to be very informational and extreemly helpful. There are so many things that we learned that I believe already mothers would not think to tell new mommys cause its just second nature to them.

Genesis has helped myself and husband and children a lot I would like to personal thank them! when I was pregnant I took classes at genesis and earned a crib. If it wasn't for the classes I wouldn't have learned child CPR and adult CRP my husband and I are very grateful for everything they helped and did for us!

Thanks Again

I lived at Genesis about three years ago. I was pregnant, homeless, and had no true source of income. I was also new in recovery and therefore needed a lot of support and encouragement. Genesis helped me in so many ways. First and foremost, they put a roof over my head but they were also very caring and willing to do anything to help as long as I was also willing to do anything to help myself . The parenting center prepared me so much for a newborn and instilled techniques and characteristics in me that continue to make me a good mother today. I am now 2.5 years clean, employed full time, have my bachelors and excited for the future! My daughter just turned two and I know if i walked into The Genesis Center tomorrow needing help I would be greeted with open arms. Donating to Genesis of Pittsburgh doesn't only help a pregnant woman in need, it will also greatly effect the life inside her and how mother and child relate and interact with each other for a lifetime. Honestly, I hope one day I can give back to them for all they did for me and my daughter. Truely Thankful, Laura and Kiah

Genesis and their staff helped me prepare for motherhodd as well as treating me with respect in all areas I am a single mother who is as recovering addict,. I have 16 months clean and my son is a healthy 8 month old who is happy,loved, and well cared for due to the help I received through them I was able to earn a crib and mattress as well as a car seat in which being a single mother would be hard to provide right away. This program offers hope to women and their children!!! Thank you Genesis you made a difference in my life as well as my sons!!! Greatly appreciated!!

Genesis of Pittsburgh helped my husband and I become a family through their adoption services. We have volunteered for Genesis and always felt a feeling of family at every event. It just seems to be woven into the fibers that make up Genesis of Pittsburgh. No one is ever turned away and help always seems to multiply to make the lives of children and families so much better for having used Genesis' services. Genesis of Pittsburgh helped us realize our dreams to become parents and brought 4 very special children into our lives. For this and so many other reasons, Genesis will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I have volunteered for many years off and on, in many capacities. Services are given to EVERYONE that needs them and in the best and most professional ways. No client is ever turned away. Professional people of all arenas come together and give of themselves for the full benefit of the client, and always with understanding and compassion.

This organization is the most giving I have ever worked with as everyone has and shows their passion in what they are doing.

I am impressed with the breadth and depth of services that Genesis provides to young pregnant women in crisis. I had no idea of how many ways they help service the women they work with; from continuing education and tutoring, to parenting classes and daily living skills. I especially like their emphasis on young mothers earning things they cannot afford through educational programming hours they attend. Kudos Genesis!

Genesis of Pittsburgh was invited to our Church for a baby shower for their organization. The speaker who is also the director presented an inspiration talk about the good works of Genesis House. The support Genesis of Pittsburgh gives to the community is outstanding. They are a light in the darkness for individuals who need their help. I give them 5 stars and a prayer that they continue in their mission!

Genesis is such a great organization that helps young mothers, children and families.

After many years of trying to have a family and not being successful, a friend from work referred us to Genesis. We started volunteering and getting to know several people involved with Genesis. Everyone was so warm and welcoming and we finially felt like we weren't alone. I started teaching art classes to some of the clients served by Genesis and saw first hand the affect Genesis has on the community. Genesis helps so many woman, men, and children everyday. It is amazing to me how hard working and dedicated the staff and volunteers are to this organization. After waiting some time Genesis blessed us by matching us with a birth mother and helping us in the process to adopt a beautiful little boy. We can't thank Genesis enough for their remarkable efforts and the infinate amount of joy they have brought into our lives through the blessing of our son.

I can't say enough good things about Genesis of Pittsburgh. Within a week of submitting our application to adopt, we were matched with an expectant mother who was an amazing fit with us. During the period leading up to the birth, our social worker kept us fully informed of all developments, and even called to provide reassurance during a particularly stressful time.

Immediately after applying, we were also asked to participate in a volunteer capacity for a fundraiser Genesis was hosting. This allowed us to meet and interact with the other waiting couples, and with the staff on a very personal level. We felt this was extremely beneficial, because it kept us in touch with the agency, and occupied during an anxious time, and also allowed us to get to know the other couples, making them friends instead of "competition." This has the added benefit of our son growing up knowing other adopted children.

Most of all, we LOVED that Genesis offers service to help women parent their children, if they choose. This means that every woman has been thoroughly counseled on every course of action available to her. Because of this, those women are able to be more effective parents, and are given tools and education that allow them to really change their lives. It also means that the women who do decide that adoption is the best option for them, are very confident in their decisions, which is extremely reassuring to potential adoptive parents, especially in a state which has one of the longest revocation periods for the consent to adopt. Working with Genesis felt nothing like a business transaction, but as though the staff there genuinely cares about making families that are healthy and in the best interest of the child, always.

This is a great cause that i have contributed to for years. Keep me well informed on what's happening and opportunities to volunteer

My wife and I are in the process of adopting a wonderful baby through Genesis. It has truly been an amazing process getting involved in this organization and meeting all of the people associated with it. Through our volunteer work we have met so many great people and we are really amazed by how much good this organization does all throughout the community. We are so fortunate to have been referred to this organization!

Genesis helped us adopt our infant son. The people who work there are wonderful and could not be more helpful and supportive. They change lives for the better. God Bless.

Genesis is a wonderful organization that has done a lot of great things for the community. They have raised a lot of funds throughout the years which has resulted in: Genesis House helps provide housing and education for pregnant mothers in need. They assist with adoptions with the birth mothers and the volunteers which fulfill dreams of raising a healthy, happy baby. The volunteering & fund raising events that I have participated in have been very great experiences for me and my family. I have met a lot of very nice people throughout my journey with Genesis, which I will hold close to heart for eternity. Carole, Nancy & Tricia are the Angles of Genesis which makes the organization even more wonderful to be a part of. Love,
Brenda Stanley

We are working through our third adoption with Genesis of Pittsburgh and can not express in words the happiness that Genesis has brought into my wife and I's lives. Our house is rarely quiet(usually in a good way) and it is through the kind hearts and hard work of Carole, Nancy and everyone involved with Genesis that it has been possible. They have a passion for their work which comes through, genuinely care about everyone involved in and with the organization and make you feel like a part of a large family within Genesis. ne of the great parts about Genesis is the bonds that you form with other adoptive families and the exposure to other adopted children that your own children receive. Very happy that we chose Genesis nearly 9 years ago as the agency that we went through our adoption journey with.

Miracles still come true. In 1991 and 1995 my wife and I were contacted by GENESIS of Pittsburgh Executive Director Carole McMahon for meetings to discuss our volunteer activities. Over several years we had Chaired the Furniture and Equipment program for the agency. We had Chaired several Adopted Family Fellowship Picnics and Breakfasts with Santa in Eastern Allegheny County. Both of us served as tutors in the Education Program to keep GENESIS residents up with their classmates. These two meetings were different than most. At the end of the 1991 meeting, Carole pulled out a set of footprints and said "I'll be back tomorrow with your son." After the 1995 meeting Carole said "I'll be back tomorrow with your daughter." These two magical sentences changed our lives forever. After years of trying to have children and to adopt children, these two sentences made us parents and created a family. GENESIS of Pittsburgh has spent over thirty years making dreams come true.

As a volunteer tutor for Genesis House, I see the organization as a 'boost' for young women who've made some poor choices but want to do better. The House's and Center's commitment to making sure these young women finish their high school education and pursue further educational goals to enrich their lives makes it easy for me to volunteer my time and energy to help. Genesis provides tutoring and educational support not only for the women who come to them for a place to stay, but other women in the area who have a home but find they need a helping hand to finish school (or move on to the next level). I highly recommend getting to know Genesis better and supporting their ministry.

Genesis of Pittsburgh Inc. has provided my family with so many special gifts. First, it helped us understand that there are many ways to become a family. They provided us with hope, understanding and knowledge about the journey of adoption. Nancy and Carol have dedicated themselves to helping mothers make the decisions that are right for them and their child. They provide these mothers with a safe place to live during their pregnancy and often knowledge,skills and even supplies to be a parent. When the birth mother decides that they are unable to parent they help them to be comfortable and enter into an adoption that they feel is best for the child they brought into this world. My family is blessed with 2 children that we adopted through Genisis. We are thankful for this orgination and the part they have played in so many lives. We are lucky enough to be mom and dad because of Genesis of Pittsburgh Inc.

I have been associated with Genesis of Pittsburgh over 30 yrs and have seen support that Genesis offers to individuals to be life changing. Being young , pregnant, scared and no where to go with no money can be very devastating. Genesis is there with no questions asked to take these girls by the hand and offer support such as shelter, food, medical assistance, counseling to help them make the decision as to keep their babies or if they choose to place them with a loving family in the event they cannot care for them. We happen to be a family who was lucky enough to take in a beautiful baby boy 25 yrs ago. We know how hard it was for the mom to give up her precious baby. Genesis was there for her to help assist her before , during and after the baby was born. She was able to go on with her life knowing her baby would have a good home. We want to thank Genesis for all the great things they do in helping these young Moms find their way and for putting smiles on the many faces of families who were not able to have children of their own.

Not only did Genesis help me give up a baby I had when I was a teenager too young to care for it, when I got my first apartment at age 17 they furnished it for me for free. And years later when I was ready to start a family, they gave me everything I needed for all three of my boys including furniture, clothes, food, toys, coats at Christmas. Every chance I get, I give back because I know everything goes to who really needs it and appreciates it. Nothing goes to waste. They make such a difference, and I will never forget them! I recommend them to everyone in need and ask that friends and family donate to them every chance I get.

I had the priveledge of tutoring young pregnant mothers who were residing at Genesis House. The staff at Genesis were wonderful to work with and the teenage girls were a delight. The experience as a whole was very rewarding. I also had the opportunity to assist with planning some of their annual golf outings. The event was very successful and provided much needed money for the agency to help young women in need. This opportunity was also very rewarding as well as fun!

My husband and I hoped to build our family through adoption and had heard wonderful things about Genesis of Pittsburgh.

We liked the idea that Genesis depended on prospective adoptive couples like us to volunteer their time and services to the organization. The folks at Genesis wanted to get to know us so that they could make the best possible match for everyone involved.

My husband and I jumped into Genesis with both feet. We rolled up our sleeves and worked on fundraisers, organized an adoptive family picnic, helped out with fashion shows, baked special treats for the girls living at the House and stuffed envelopes. We did everything and anything. We made so many friends and we felt that we might be making an impact — making a difference in the lives of these young women.

Through our work with Genesis, we started to see adoption from the birthmothers’ point of view. These young women absolutely love their babies and always will.

We were overwhelmed with the commitment, time and energy that the Genesis staff gave to all the young women, children and families in need of help.

We finally became a family, thanks to Genesis. We adopted our son almost 11 years ago. We continue to be involved with this amazing organization and always will.

I work with Genesis of Pittsburgh in an educational basis. I hold an educational program for expectant mother's / parents to learn that they have options concerning their baby's cord blood. The staff at Genesis of Pittsburgh has always been gracious and very helpful when I have had interaction with them. They are very dedicated to the education of the expectant mother's / parents that they work with. It is a pleasure to be around them and work along side them.

I have been involved with Genesis for over 25 years. My nephew, Dan, was adopted through Genesis and he just turned 25 in April! Subsequently, years later, I found that I too could not have children, so both of my children, Christina 17 and Anthony 15 are adopted through Genesis. This organization is amazing to say the least. They are very pro-active to change as the needs of the girls change. I have the privilege of tutoring and counseling some of the girls in the program. The girls are the priority and they are treated with respect, dignity and love. They have made the choice to complete their pregnancy against all odds, whether they choose to parent or place for adoption. That is very brave and hard place to be. Genesis is by their side every step of the way from, housing, to tutoring, to parenting classes to providing clothing, food, diapers, car seats and cribs. They are supported physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I have been proud to be a part of this organization and continue to see the fruits of their love every time I am there. Your support of this organization will help to create a legacy that goes way beyond your highest expectations.

My father and I worked with this company for years. We've done everything from pick-ups, remolding their kitchen, to sometimes having the opportunity to spend time with the girls. Genesis has also helped me in my personal life by assisting a friend of mine with donations. Genesis is a wonderful organization ran by people who genuinely care about the support they provide. Genesis is by far one of my favorite oganizations out there, mostly due to the fact they have never deviated from a personal plan of an action with the girls they assist. If your are in need of help, or are looking for a place to invest your time and your money to a good purpose, genesis is a great place to deem success. Not to mention how essential they are to modern society.
Jennifer Zokaites

I became pregnant with my first Child in February of 2011. In 2008 I had lived in an Apartment building behind the center, and they came to mind when I found out I was going to have a baby. My Husband and I turned to them looking for help with obtaining a crib, car seat, and other supplies for my child. My Husband and I faithfully took classes there and where rewarded "baby bucks" for our participation. We received so many things from them including a brand new car seat, crib, and crib mattress. The Classes provided us with the knowledge we didn't have in order to be great parents. Genesis made a huge difference in my life. Without them I don't know what we would have done!

I was able to do my internship with Genesis of Pittsburgh this summer and I feel that I have grown both personally and professionally. My supervisor, Amanda Newill, challenged me to maintain and protect the integrity of the clients at all times, allowed me to teach parenting classes, encouraged me through difficult client situations and spent time educating me on pregnancy and parenthood. I had the opportunity to spend quality one on one time with clients, and educated them on decision-making and relationship skills. While most of my internship was spent with clients and with Amanda, I had the opportunity to have many interactions with the other Genesis employees, all of whom genuinely care for each client that walks through the door. I could not have asked for a better internship or served under a better organization.

This is a great organization! As a first time mom, not living near family (as they are across the state) this organization truly helped me prepare for motherhood. The classes were extremely helpful. My boyfriend and I learned so much, and I think we finally feel a little prepared for our new bundle of joy. We cannot begin to say how grateful we are for the Brand new rewards program, where we earned enough "baby bucks" for a brand new crib and carseat! That completely lifted a huge weight off our shoulders. Thank you so much Genesis of Pittsburgh!

My husband and I became involved weith Genesis about 6 years ago when we started to explore their services as a certified adoption agency. We were, and continue to be, greatly impressed with Carole McMahon, Director of Genesis as well as the rest of the Genesis staff. The fact that they provide housing, tutoring, parenting classes and other vital services to women who are facing unplanned pregnancies at no cost to the mothers is so helpful and important in this economy. They offer encouragement to the women that they may not be receiving from their family or friends. They offer education programs so young women still in school can continue to learn throughout their pregnancy.

I recently lost my job and shortly after my husband and I found out we were expecting. I was very overwhelmed and anxious thinking of how we would make ends meet to care for our newborn. I was referred to the Genesis Center and was pleasantly surprised by the services they provided as well as the manner in which it is done. I enjoyed the classes that were offered and although I have experienced motherhood in the past, I learned so many new things that have helped me with my newborn. I earned points in the Baby Bucks program that have allowed me to provide for my baby- including a brand new crib- that without this program I do not think could have been done. The staff members and instructors are very professional and knowledgeable. A wonderful experience from a well needed agency, I have already referred more expecting moms to it!

Genesis of Pittsburgh is a great place for pregnant women in need (and their families). They offer a fabulous program and support. It's like you are in a big family and not only a client.

I have been watching the blessings that Genesis bestows for the last 16 yrs as I have been watching our dear friends' children grow....adopted thru Genesis. It became completely personal 5 1/2 yrs ago when my family was given the incredible honor of being foster parents for Genesis which normally is about a 1 - 2 week commitment at birth. Without going into too much detail, 2 wks became 2 1/2 mos and at that time our "foster" child went to live with the birth mom for about 1 1/2 mos. She asked us to babysit for the weekend after that and our child has never left our home since then. A sweet young woman gave birth to our child, but due to drug addictions, lack of positive role models, and no self esteem; she was in no position to keep . She made the most brave and unselfish decision that I could possibly imagine. .... She told Genesis that she would put the baby up for adoption if "we" .... or family... would adopt this beautiful baby. This was not our initial plan for the next phase of our life with 4 older children already, but oh boy ! God has such a better plan for our lives than we could possibly imagine. He put this wonderful gift of another child in our lives.... you cannot convince me His plan was not this since the beginning of time. My thanks , my respect , my love, for Genesis is impossible for me to put into writing, but our story says it all.

My husband Ed and I cannot say enough about how Carol, Nancy and the board of Genesis four+ years ago helped make the adoption process so comfortable. We became members of Genesis back in the fall of '04. Since the beginning of our membership, we were welcomed with open arms by Carol and Nancy, plus the other couples that were already members. Although the wait was tough (we wanted a baby so bad), we volunteered and before we knew it, November 23rd, 2006 we were placed with our son!
We were able to meet the birth mother in Carol's office before Tommy was born. Ed and I were obviously very nervous about meeting her, but when we walked in and saw Carol smile and introduce us, all the nervousness disappeared. We actually spent an hour talking to the birth mom!
The day Tommy was born, we were asked by the birth mom to come to the hospital because as the birth mom put it, "he is your son". The first time I held him, I can't explain all the emotions I experienced. I couldn't believe it that this young woman just gave me the most precious gift that I wanted. Carole made the whole process of being in the hospital with the birth mom and maternal grandparents, comfortable. I still to this day, say a prayer for the birth mom on Mothers Day and Tommy's birthday.
Now, Tommy is 4 1/2. Without Genesis, Carol, Nancy and everyone else that was involved, Ed and I wouldn't be where we are today. When I tell people our experience of the whole adoption process through Genesis, they can't believe it. The cost of the whole adoption process and the relatively short amount of time we had to wait, is unusual compared to other adoption agencies. Thank you Carol and Nancy for completing our family. We will never forget what you have done for us! Ed, Andrea and Tommy Vidra

Genesis provides an amazing service to both mothers with small children and adoptive families.
To be a part of Genesis is to be a part of a large family. Everyone involved is very loving and caring. At any event that I have been to I have felt welcomed and part of the group.
Genesis provides such wonderful services to pregnant women and women with small children. They provide exceptional educational classes and provide cribs, car seats, clothes, etc.
Genesis also provides great support to the families that are waiting to adopt a child and they also continue to support the families that have adopted children long after the adoption is final.
Genesis is the type of agency that you will always want to be a part of!

I consider Genesis of Pittsburgh to be one of the most remarkable charitable oganizations I know. Genesis helps young women with unexpected pregnancies who may have nowhere else to turn and guides and nurtures them through the entire process from pregnancy through childbirth and beyond. Genesis also finds loving homes for babies whose mothers for various reasons have decided they cannot keep their babies. Genesis helps the mothers, their babies and other members of the family as well as adoptive families every step of the way with support, personal care and counseling, education, and baby clothing and equipment. The staff and volunteers at genesis are extremely caring and untiring in their efforts to serve mothers and children.

Genesis of Pittsburgh, Inc. is an exceptional non-profit organization which is centered around the protection of and development of women and children within the Pittsburgh community. Genesis offers life-affirming support services to young women who are in need within the community, teaching young women how to make positive and healthy decisions concerning their own health, the health of their unborn child (or their young children), and guiding the women, through challenging times in their lives. In the 4 years that my husband and I have volunteered for Genesis, we have observed Executive Director Carole McMahon and her wonderful team of associate directors work miracles in providing supportive care to young women who, through the assistance of Genesis, have been given a place to stay during their pregnancy and who have subsequently obtained their own housing (with the support of Genesis) to either raise their children (or give their children to a loving adoptive family) and to continue their education so that they may become self-sufficient and abandon any unhealthy habits, including drug addiction or abusive relationships. The compassionate staff of Genesis has changed the lives of hundreds of young women, who stay close to Genesis as they grow older and their children have children. Genesis works miracles everyday and in their great works, provides young women with a safe haven in which to grow, develop and, in many cases, turn their lives around. Any young woman in the community who is in need can walk into Genesis' open door and experience the life-changing support provided to them by the social services of this outstanding organization. It is our pleasure to be associated with Genesis of Pittsburgh and in particular Executive Director Carole McMahon, Nancy Egbert, and Trisha Randecker. We have obtained great fulfillment in seeing young women turn their lives around with the assistance of Genesis and without a doubt we will continue to support the organization through our time and resources.

I completed an internship at Genesis a few years ago and fell in love with the people who work there, the services they offer, and the clients they serve. I loved it so much I have continued to reach out and do what I can to help them meet their goals in my own work in children services. To me, Genesis is about compassion and service. I applaud their ability to keep the needs of the women and children they serve foremost in their various policies and programs.

Single mom who recently had a one month old baby. They offer a number of good concrete parenting skills classes, such as CPR and First Aid.

While pregnant with my first child. I was seeking free classes to help me learn how to become a better parent. I was browsing through the pennysaver and came across an add for The Genesis of Pittsburgh. I signed myself up for every class they had! As I started to attend my classes I found out that as I went to the classes I was getting "points" to receive things I may need for the baby! What a bonus! :) The staff there was very nice and on a few diffrent occasions accomidated me when I could not make it to a class and came in on a diffrent day or came in special just for me. I learned a lot. It made me really comfortable with my new baby. I also made new friends that were new moms. I have given back to the center because they help women who really need it and they really helped me.

I was a client in 2009 and I am now a PT employee. Genesis was there for me when I needed shelter and people who cared. They assisted me in so many ways from the classes to finding housing to material supplies. They provided everything we needed/put in requests for (baby stuff). We even got a couch:) In 2010 they asked me to come be the Newborn Care Instructor...I immediately said yes! Genesis' scholarship program enabled me to take my registered nurse state boards...and I passed!! The staff at Genesis are not only colleagues, they are family.

Genesis is a terrific agency who helps woman in need. I volunteered many years with this agency. Without them, we would have not had a family. We adopted our beautiful daughter through Genesis. We thank God everyday for the dedication of the staff and also for our daughter's birthparents.