YWCA in Action - January 2026
Happy New Year! Take a look at what’s been happening across our organization—explore the latest moments, milestones, and stories shaping our work.
A Joyful Holiday Partnership
Volunteers from the Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter wrapped presents for YWCA GP 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 holiday season. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved here.
Helping Families Stay Warm
Faros Properties kindly donated winter clothing and personal hygiene supplies for YWCA GP 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.
Gifts from Best of the Batch Foundation
The Best of the Batch Foundation donated holiday gifts for YWCA GP partner families. We are grateful to YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Board Member Latasha Wilson-Batch and the Best of the Batch Foundation for this impactful contribution.
Family Fun Night
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 and stockings to students. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and build relationships between YWCA GP staff, volunteers, and partner families.
Freiermuth Fund Shopping Trip
Pittsburgh Steeler Pat Freiermuth and his fiancée Jillian Cataldo hosted a holiday shopping trip for students from YWCA GP 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.
High Schoolers Explore Career Pathways
High school students in our PATHmakers program, part of our Opportunity Pathways Programs, recently visited Eaton and Wesco. 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 make their own soaps and create their own tote bags, learning about design, self-expression, and upcycling. Middle school students also recently visited the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, with interactive lessons about chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
STEM Impact
Community partners using our STEM Impact curriculum recently embarked on an unit centered around exploring circuitry. Students were given LED light bulbs, test 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.