Forging Forward: Providence Connections
Providence Connections delivers a wide range of programs for children and their parents — most joyously including a child care center, a summer camp, after-school programs, and more. Most families served live on Pittsburgh’s North Side and around or below the poverty line.
Forging Forward 2021 is a series of six articles about organizations helping our region make progress on the significant issues challenging our friends and neighbors. The series is presented with the generous support of The Pittsburgh Foundation.
The #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert, a day of online giving to organizations doing vital work, is on August 3: mark your calendars and plan to be part of something great!
Want to get something accomplished? Ask a group of nuns. In 1994, Providence Connections on the North Side was founded after a hospital closed down and the Sisters of Divine Providence went door-to-door to community members and asked them what they needed. “That’s how we were born,” said Olivia Philippone, Providence Connections’ development manager.
And that “people first” energy has never left the organization, even as it has grown over the years.
“As custodians of this mission that the Sisters of Divine Providence have laid before us, we will always value, reflect, honor and appreciate the heritage and vision they have set forth of strengthening families and enriching the lives of the families, children and community we serve,” said Lori MacQueen, executive director.
Providence Connection has comprehensive programs for both children and parents including a child care center that works with families on a sliding scale, a summer camp, after-school programs, programs for parents to help them become self-sufficient and much more. Most families served live on the North Side and around or below the poverty line.
“Providence Connections is all about our ability to help families and the dedication of the staff who prepare the students and families for ongoing success,” said Leslie White, director of childcare and the Kelly Hall Manager of Educational Quality and Innovation.
“We do this by living up to our mission on a daily basis because Providence Connections strengthens families and enriches lives through comprehensive education and developmental opportunities for parents and children,” added MacQueen.
One of the most beloved programs offered is the fatherhood program. “We want to make sure that dads have any resources that they need to be good role models. That program has just come to life,” said Philippone. The program includes helping dads with their resumes, and providing on-site support and family events to enjoy with their children.
All of this is done to foster a sense of community and create a space for families to thrive.
“We make a point to get involved, develop relationships and create trust,” said Janie Janosco, receptionist at Providence Connections. “Once we do that, we ensure we can make that change happen and give them all the support to be successful,” she added.
Contributing to that success is an onsite chef who focuses on whole foods and nutrition, makes breakfasts, lunches, and snacks and works with families to help them feel their best.
And when Covid-19 hit, the organization jumped into action to ensure that its program participants were able to still receive essential services. Their chef even prepared a charcuterie board fundraiser to help keep funds flowing.
The organization took the pandemic seriously and to date has not had one case of Covid-19. “Our staff and teachers have gone above and beyond,” said Philippone.
Now that things are shifting yet again and people are stepping back out into the real world, the staff of Providence Connections hopes that the organization can continue to grow and support families who can flourish.
“We just want to keep evolving and continuing to provide what our families need. It has always been our goal that we will meet those needs and go above and beyond to help everyone who walks through our door,” said Philippone.
Want to activate? Support Providence Connections HERE or do so as part of The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Critical Needs #ONEDAY online giving event on August 3. All donations of $25 and more are eligible for a portion of $525,000 in giving incentive funds provided by the Foundation and its donors. More information here.
Story by Natalie Bencivenga
Check out other stories in our Forging Forward 2021 series:
STORY BY NATALIE BENCIVENGA
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