YWCA GP in Action - October 2026
Explore the ways we’ve been expanding our impact, from partnering with Pitt to leveraging new technology.
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact
Aniah Brewer, a graduate student in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, is preparing for a career in human services and advocacy. Over more than a year, she participated in the University of Pittsburgh’s Community and Racial Equity Leadership (CREL) Fellowship, which helps students gain hands-on experience at partner agencies through community-engaged programs and applied research projects. After choosing YWCA Greater Pittsburgh as the place to build a strong foundation for her future, she contributed across all of the organization’s program areas as well as assisting with program evaluation. While Aniah’s fellowship helped her learn real-world skills to support her career path, her presence was also key to supporting YWCA GP’s programs and the needs of the Homewood community. We were pleased to partner with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work on this opportunity to uplift a young leader while increasing our capacity to deliver on our mission. In the video below, Aniah shares what the experience has meant to her and how it has shaped her professional journey.
Improving Access to Essential Resources with Jotform
Greater Pittsburgh residents seeking support can now more easily find the help they need through a new tool developed by YWCA GP's Economic Advancement Programs. The free, web-based Resource Guide for Basic Needs connects neighbors with more than 200 local resources to address food insecurity, legal matters, mental health needs, financial challenges, and other everyday concerns. Available services range from prenatal home visits for expectant parents to free lawn-cutting assistance for seniors, making it easier for community members to access vital support.
Alongside this initiative, YWCA GP’s Economic Advancement Programs are leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen service delivery and extend the reach of their team. Gabby, an AI assistant featured on YWCA GP’s Financial Assistance webpage, gathers initial information from partner families about their needs, helping to make the intake process more efficient. By reducing administrative burden, staff can focus more of their time on delivering direct support and connecting families with the critical resources they need.
These innovative technology solutions, developed with Jotform software, improve access to assistance for individuals and families while helping YWCA GP support the community more effectively and efficiently. To learn more about our partnership with Jotform, read the company’s recent blog post.