Local volunteers, groups and businesses were honored Oct. 21 for their efforts to revitalize the communities of the Mon Valley. During a ceremony streamed online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mon Valley Initiative presented awards to development and employment partners, as well as its “community partner awards” for 2021. A regional community development corporation that
Read MoreState officials have honored the City of Clairton for its efforts to create quality, affordable housing and remove blight from the central business district. During a ceremony that was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development presented Clairton officials with the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence
Read MoreOne of the most popular programs offered by Mon Valley Initiative’s Workforce Development & Financial Coaching team — free computer skills class — was forced to suspend operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, MVI is resuming courses with online instruction, and is also offering an additional 10-week pre-employment certificate program. The first
Read MoreState, county and local officials broke ground this morning on what Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi said is probably the largest new development in his city in 50 years. The $16.7 million, 70,000-square-foot Clairton Inn Project will provide 49 units of quality, affordable housing and several street-level commercial or retail spaces along Miller Avenue in what
Read MoreIs there a community volunteer or organization in your neighborhood who deserves a little bit of extra recognition this year? Mon Valley Initiative is accepting nominations for its annual Community Partner Awards, presented each year in October. Since 1990, Community Partner Awards have been presented by the community development corporations and local advisory groups that
Read MorePhoto: Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Pittsburgh, 2018. (Mark Dixon photo via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.) The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has set off a wave of protests around the world, and here in Western Pennsylvania. These demonstrations are not only an expression of anger — they
Read MoreI 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 MoreMVI 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 MoreBased 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 MoreJane 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
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