YWCA in Action - January 2026
As we begin the new year, we reflect on a very special holiday season and wrap up to 2025. Take a look at what’s been happening across our organization—explore the latest moments, milestones, and stories shaping our work.
A Holiday Partnership
Volunteers from the Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter wrapped presents for our students donated by the Allegheny County Bar Association. We are thankful for the generosity of both organizations, which helped our partner families have a joyful season.
Helping Families Stay Warm
Faros Properties kindly donated winter clothing and personal hygiene supplies for our partner families, which will help families maintain safety and economic security this winter. Donations like these allow us to share resources with our community. Explore ways to give here.
A Bountiful Batch of Gifts
The Best of the Batch Foundation donated holiday gifts for our partner families. We are grateful to YWCA GP Board Member Latasha Wilson-Batch and the Best of the Batch Foundation for this impactful contribution.
Family Fun with Early Learning Programs
During our holiday-themed Family Fun Night, we celebrated with dinner, a hot chocolate station, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa crafts and activities, and a visit from Mrs. Claus, who distributed gifts to students. It was the perfect way to kick off the season and build relationships between our staff, volunteers, and partner families.
Shopping with the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steeler Pat Freiermuth and his fiancée Jillian Cataldo hosted a holiday shopping trip for students from our partner families through The Freiermuth Fund. It was wonderful to see smiles on so many faces thanks to The Freiermuth Fund and the Pittsburgh Steelers Community Relations Team.
Exploring Corporate Careers
High School PATHmakers recently completed a field trip to Eaton, in partnership with Wesco, as part of Career Pathways, one of our Opportunity Pathways Programs. They learned about career options from professionals, toured corporate facilities, and engaged in hands-on learning around electrical, aerospace, hydraulic, and vehicle technologies.
Middle School PATHmakers
Middle school PATHmakers have been learning to create their own soaps and tote bags, exploring themes of design, self-expression, and upcycling. They also recently visited the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy as part of Career Pathways, with interactive lessons about chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
STEM Impact
Community partners using our STEM Impact curriculum recently embarked on an unit centered around circuitry. Students were given LED light bulbs, tested leads with alligator clips, and a battery to complete a circuit. The students then tested other materials, like playdough and aluminum foil, to see if they could conduct electricity.
Thank you to United Way of Southwestern PA, The Grable Foundation, PPG Foundation, Huntington Bank, PNC Charitable Trusts, AEO Better World Foundation, FedEx, and the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation for their support of Opportunity Pathways Programs.