Over the last few months, Pittsburgh Community Corrections Center has been expanding its community involvement.
In May, nine reentrants participated in a PennDOT Adopt-A-Highway project near Route 28 in Pittsburgh.
In June, reentrants collected bags, suitcases and backpacks for children in the foster care system. This was a joint effort with the Blue Knights Pennsylvania Chapter – Westmoreland and JJ’s Pizza. Also in June, reentrants continued their support for Reagan’s Journey by collecting nearly $1,000 worth of diapers. Reagan’s Journey is a non-profit organization that was created to make lives better for children with special needs through their pediatric equipment and supply closet. Insurance will often only cover one piece of equipment every five years. This creates hardship to families when children experience growth spurts and developmental changes.
In July, Pittsburgh CCC reentrants again supported Reagan’s Journey by collecting more than $2,000 worth of diapers. Reentrants also supported another local non-profit organization, Jeremiah’s Place, by collecting more than 100 sets of new pajamas for the children involved in their program. Jeremiah’s Place is a relief nursery that is open 24/7, 365 days-a-year. It is a safe place for temporary care of children when families are in crisis.
Pittsburgh Community Corrections Center also has an on-going community service project with Warm Up America. Reentrants are crocheting 7” by 9” sections for the organization, and these pieces will eventually be combined into blankets and distributed into the community.