I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy in these uncertain times. I just wanted to reach out and remind everyone about the importance of the 2020 Census. Historically, the Mon Valley region has been under-counted, impacting funding for schools, roads, emergency services and other vital resources. While Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties are reporting […]
Read More Census response falling behind in Mon Valley townsMVI housing counselor offers tips, help for homeowners Homeowners who have been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic should act quickly to see if mortgage payments and other bills can be temporarily deferred. That’s the advice of Jonathan Weaver, a housing counselor at Mon Valley Initiative, who says most lenders are willing to be […]
Read More Laid off? Don’t wait to defer mortgage payments, counselor saysBased on updated guidance from the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania health departments as well as the CDC, we will keep our Homestead and Charleroi offices closed to the public until at least May 8. However, we are open for business and are continuing to provide financial and employment coaching and housing counseling services both online […]
Read More COVID-19 Update: We are open and ready to serve you
Jane Black, employment and financial coach in Mon Valley Initiative’s Mid-Mon Office, was surprised March 5 when representatives of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation presented her with an OVR Business Award. Shown presenting the award to Jane (third from left) are Jeffrey Durmis and Joanne Slappo, both vocational rehabilitation counselors; and Danielle Dawgiello, vocational […]
Read More OVR surprises employment coach with award
For the third year in a row, Mon Valley Initiative wants to help local residents stop fumbling their finances, and instead develop winning strategies for saving money, buying a house and finding a better job. “Tackle Your Financial Goals III” is a free workshop on financial literacy. The event, featuring a football theme and door […]
Read More Fun, free event Nov. 7 promotes smart financial choices
Above: State Rep. Austin Davis and Laura R. Zinski, chief executive officer of Mon Valley Initiative. Austin Davis grew up hearing stories about how prosperous the Mon Valley was in the 1950s and 1960s. “That’s never been my reality,” said Davis, who recently turned 30. Now, as a state legislator from McKeesport, Davis said he […]
Read More Davis, Food Bank honored by MVI at annual awards banquet
Laura Wiens (above), executive director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, will deliver the keynote address at Mon Valley Initiative’s 17th annual Employer Appreciation Breakfast on July 26. (Photo courtesy Pittsburghers for Public Transit) One of Pittsburgh’s largest private employers will be honored this month for its efforts to help unemployed people find jobs. At its […]
Read More Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Food Bank to be honored for partnership, outreach efforts
Photo: Andrew Shulgin via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons. Nearly 30 companies, agencies are ready to meet with job-hunters at event in Homestead Are you looking for a new job — or a better job? Or maybe you’re re-entering the workforce and you aren’t sure where to start? There may be no better place to […]
Read More Free event June 7 will match companies with prospective employees
Mon Valley Initiative and Braddock police are asking antiques and salvage dealers to be on the lookout for stained-glass windows stolen from a historic church. The theft, from the former First United Presbyterian Church on Parker Avenue, near Braddock Carnegie Library, was discovered early Thursday morning by a passerby, who alerted police, said Laura R. […]
Read More Stained glass windows stolen from historic Braddock churchMon Valley Initiative celebrated its 30th anniversary on Oct. 18 by presenting awards to local residents who made the organization’s work possible over the past year. People who volunteer and participate with local groups “are vitally important,” said East Pittsburgh Councilwoman Mary Carol Kennedy, who chairs Mon Valley Initiative’s board of directors. “Without them, so […]
Read More Valley volunteers, regional champions share spotlight at annual awards banquet