MVI Press Releases Archives -

New 10-week online certificate program covers resume writing, other skills

One 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 […]

Celebration marks $16.7M Clairton development

State, 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 […]

October 10, 2020
Posted in MVI Press Releases, News Articles
Tags: clairton, housing

Nominate volunteers, organizations for our community partner awards

Is 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 […]

July 22, 2020
Posted in Community Outreach, MVI Press Releases, News Articles

Black Lives Matter to us

Photo: 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 […]

June 23, 2020
Posted in MVI Press Releases, News Articles

Census response falling behind in Mon Valley towns

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 […]

April 3, 2020
Posted in Community Outreach, MVI Press Releases

Laid off? Don’t wait to defer mortgage payments, counselor says

MVI 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 […]

March 30, 2020
Posted in Housing Counseling, MVI Press Releases

COVID-19 Update: We are open and ready to serve you

Based 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 […]

March 30, 2020
Posted in MVI Press Releases

OVR surprises employment coach with award

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 […]

March 6, 2020
Posted in MVI Press Releases

Fun, free event Nov. 7 promotes smart financial choices

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 […]

November 2, 2019
Posted in MVI Press Releases, News Articles, Workforce and Business Development

Davis, Food Bank honored by MVI at annual awards banquet

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 […]

October 24, 2019
Posted in Community Outreach, Housing Counseling, MVI Press Releases, News Articles, Testimonials & Success Stories, Updates & Events