It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. No one understands this better than providers of services for mothers and their children who are homeless.
In this spirit, HCEF provides Mini-Grants for Educational Enrichment to address the educational needs of the children our partner housing agencies serve.
- On average, 500 children and 150 youth are impacted by HCEF Mini-Grants each year.
- 4,000 children and youth have been impacted by HCEF Mini-Grants since 2004.
- On average, 150 children and 70 parents participate in HCEF-funded field trips each year.
Since its inception, the Board of Trustees of the Homeless Children's Education Fund has been aggressively growing an Endowment Fund. This fund finances educational enrichment opportunities for children residing in Allegheny County's homeless centers – opportunities that point them toward a brighter future.
Each summer, agency staff members are invited to submit proposals for Mini-Grants that will help provide sound educational programming and materials specific to the children they serve during the coming school year and beyond.
One agency arranged for a visit by the Pittsburgh Zoo's Zoomobile. A highlight of the visit was having an opportunity to be "up close" with a live iguana.
2011-12 Round X Mini-Grants of up to $2000 each were awarded to thirteen Pittsburgh and Allegheny County family housing providers. An estimated 400 children and youth will be impacted during this grant period.
Alle-Kiski Area Hope Shelter, for a Nintendo Wii gaming system and games plus a Just Ducky Tour of the city of Pittsburgh
Alle-Kiski Hope Center Transitional, toward visits by the Zoo Mobile and the Carnegie Science Center outreach program.
Crisis Center North, for field trips fostering cooperation and compromise: Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Science Center/Sportsworks, scrapbook supplies, and incentives.
Healthy Start House, toward healthy living and family activities: television/wall mounting unit, Nintendo Wii accessories, fitness-based Wii games, nutrition-themed books, gardening supplies, and craft kits.
HEARTH, for web-based skills: MapQuest and Shutterfly training leading to field trips to the Zoo and a Ducky Tour, digital camera, photo books, and more.
Primary Care Supportive Housing - Open Arms and San Kofa House, for therapeutic materials: bean-bag chairs, stress balls, relaxation CDs, educational games, and art supplies
The Salvation Army Family Caring Center, toward "Mother May I" etiquette workshops, Curious Creatures workshop, Kiln N'Time field trip, Just Ducky Tour, karaoke CDs/microphones, and assorted academic/social skills workbooks.
Sisters Place, for Learning Center enhancements: bookcases, appropriately-sized tables, and chairs, writing center, and carpet.
Sojourner House, for a National Aviary outreach program, Children's Hospital outreach program, Children's Museum outreach program, gym mats, dress-up clothes, a butterfly nursery, and family puppets.
Sojourner House MOMS, toward etiquette and cooking classes for youths.
Womanspace East, for enrichment activities: journaling supplies, Zoomobile, Carnegie Science Center outreach program, National Aviary outreach program, incentives.
Womansplace, for a sand therapy kit, memberships to local after-school programs, and emergency school clothes/shoes/materials
Women's Center and Shelter, toward African dance and drumming workshops, Carnegie Science Center outreach program, Just Ducky Tour, and a Trax Farm trip.
In June 2011 $4,200 worth of Summer Field Trip grants toward transportation and admission fees were awarded to 14 family housing agencies. Lack of transportation is a significant barrier in th lives of families who are homeless or in transition, often preventing children from accessing the rich landscape of cultural landmarks in and around Pittsburgh. Field trip grants enable approximately 150 children and their Moms to visit such sites as Beachwood Farms Nature Reserve; Carnegie Science Center; City of Pittsburgh swimming pools; Idlewild Park; Just Ducky tours; Kennywood Park; Living Treasures Petting Zoo, North Park Miniature Golf and Batting; Ohio Pyle; a Pittsburgh Pirates ball game; Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium; Round Hill Farm; Schrader Environmental Education Center and Oglebay Good Zoo (Wheeling, West Virginia); Venture Outdoors,the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, and even the transportation costs for a trip to Washington, D.C.
In November-December 2011, eight of our partnering agencies applied for transportation awards toward winter field trips. The total of $4,450.50 is making possible trips to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Hartwood Acres Celebration of Lights, The Children's Museum, Oglebay Holiday Lights and Zoo, Judo Institute, Pittsburgh Zoo, a Carnegie Science Center Sleep-over, Benedum Theater, August Wilson Museum, Pirate's Cover Water Park, and the ice rink at PPG Place.
Altogether HCEF has over the years awarded a total of $215,989 in Mini-Grants and Field Trip grants.
These grants were funded through the contributions of individual donors in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County as well as donors from across the country.
Join with one group of moms and children for kayaking on Lake Elizabeth.
(12/12/11)
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