NABHI CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

Causes: Counseling, Family Services, Human Services, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Religion, Religion-Related

Mission: Dedicated to enhancing impoverished communities by reducing havoc and cultivating healthy environments through a provision of services that mentor, train, and develop quality citizens of all ages.

Results: September 2, 1996 highlights NCM's first great accomplishment. With its first grant from Best Health Care, CCOGP of NCM successfully mediated Pittsburgh's first ever gang peace rally held at the Rhododendron Pavilion in Highland Park, resulting in a public peace truce and a cease-gunfire between 5-rival gangs from neighboring communities. NCM received The Allegheny County Commissioner’s and State Auditor General Proclamations for improving Pittsburgh neighborhoods and reducing gang violence. In 2000, NCM, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and other groups to implement a case-managed Educational Mentoring Program (EMP), the most effective long-term solution to academic failure in high-risk students within the context of comprehensive and continuing support services where the broad selection of activities such as structured educational programs, creative workshops, support groups and recreation stimulated personal growth. In 2004, NCM created the first, unique, court-ordered Life Skills Community Service (LSCS) program component of its kind in Pittsburgh, PA. LSCS strengthened lacking support systems for youth that significantly decreases their vulnerability to academic failure, expulsion, dropout and violent crimes The LSCS significantly reduced truancy and became a model program replicated by other youth-serving and volunteer organizations throughout Allegheny County. NCM received 2 City of Pittsburgh Proclamations for tireless work and effective leadership towards the goals of making Pittsburgh a more peaceful and loving place; and for all its efforts in helping so many of those in need of aid in the city. In 2015, through the generous support of the Heinz Endowments, NCM teamed with 4-H Pittsburgh and the Kingsley Association to deliver an innovative, assets-based self-sufficiency youth development program that gave African-American males leadership roles in their neighborhoods of Larimer and Lincoln-Lemington. NCM received the Jefferson and Soroptimist Awards for Outstanding Public Service for establishing the first African American Male Urban 4H Program Curriculum for the City of Pittsburgh through Penn State Extension and Proclamations from Congress and the City of Pittsburgh for appreciation of dedication, enthusiasm, cooperation and tireless community work; In 2016, NCM received a City of Pittsburgh Proclamation for honoring leaders in our community for their achievements, value and impact on children and families; NCM founder was the recipient of the New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence Award; IN 2018, NCM received the City of Pittsburgh Proclamation for service and civic contribution to the City of Pittsburgh; In 2019, NCM received the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. LLZ Chapter Community Service Award for ongoing service and unwavering dedication to community outreach & engagement.

Target demographics: our neighbor, including the poor, distressed or underprivileged

Direct beneficiaries per year: 474 low-income individuals living in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, completed 95 intake applications for Hands for Hope Hardship program, distributed 307 coats to underprivileged kids in grades Pre-K-12, 300 books, 170 backpacks filled with school supplies. Engaged 117 families in relationship building activities, completed 80 assessments, 80 individual service plans and monitored 80 cases (97% were African-American female headed single-parent families and high-risk school-aged youth in grades K-12). All services were free. These participants were resilient and possessed strengths that assisted them in recovering from negative experiences.

Geographic areas served: communities to improve the quality of life, problem-solving, relationship building and family strengthening activities that increases fulfillment and leads to child well-being, family stability and academic success.

Programs: Hands for Hope designed to engage, encourage and equip individuals, children and adults experiencing hardship, by providing basic needs and independent living skills to help them resolve conflict and focus on building healthy relationships, become good neighbors and productive members of their families, schools and communities. We honor leaders who are committed to building and strengthening our communities. Hands for Hope components include assistance with hardship, family support, community service, special events and recreation.