Newsletter

August 2024 Edition

Increase Wellness in the Community

Not everyone has mental illness, but everyone needs mental health! Recognizing that many in our communities are struggling with stress and pressures of everyday living, particularly economic stress, Macedonia FACE is supporting families through events and programs designed to bring joy, reduce stress and offer families opportunities to be together in affordable ways.

Recently, a celebration at Ammon Recreation Center to mark Juneteenth included face painting, bounce house, water games, crafts, and picnic food. Youth made “stress catchers” to remind them of healthy ways to cope with stress. 

Family Nights are being sponsored by FACE every other month and include dinner, a fun family activity and information about resources and activities available in the community. If you know someone that needs support managing stress and/or you would like to receive notices of wellness activities, email Erika Nofzinger at enofzinger@macedoniaface.org.

Access to Recovery

Macedonia FACE was selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to provide outreach, education and access to treatment for individuals experiencing substance abuse concerns. 

This service was launched to address the critical rates of opioid overdoses in the state as well as the disproportionate impact (2 ½ times greater) on African Americans. While having similar rates of substance use, African Americans are less likely to receive the treatment they need. 

Why are African Americans not receiving the help they need?

• Lack of outreach and education being offered in the community
• Belief that treatment is unaffordable
• Fear of being judged
• Unable to find a culturally competent provider
• Transportation unavailable

Macedonia FACE’s Access to Recovery service provides outreach and information in the community, works with individuals to overcome any barriers to getting the treatment they need and preventing overdoses. 

Shanicka Kennedy, Esquire, named Athena Award Finalist

Congratulations to Macedonia FACE Board Vice President, Shanicka Kennedy, Esquire, for being nominated as an award finalist for the 2024 Athena Award! The Athena Award nominees are recognized by the Pittsburgh Technology Council as "exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community, and help other women and girls succeed through mentorship."

When asked about her nomination, Shanicka said, “I was humbled and excited to be named as a finalist for the Athena Award. To be celebrated along with so many phenomenal women is a blessing. It’s important to champion and support women and girls because there’s power in numbers. When women support each other, we help create a more equitable and just society. I believe that empowering women and girls helps to unleash their confidence, so they feel equipped to take on new challenges, effectuate change and overcome the hurdles that have prevented us from reaching our full potential over the years.”

Macedonia FACE is grateful to have Shanicka’s leadership and dedication on its Board of Directors. Congratulations Shanicka, for this well-deserved honor!

Thank You Highmark Walk Supporters

Part of the Highmark Bright Blue Futures Charitable Giving and Community Involvement program, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is an annual event raising money for local nonprofit organizations. Macedonia FACE participated in this year’s walk held on June 22, 2024.  Seventy (70) donors raised $4910 to benefit Macedonia FACE, providing critical unrestricted funds for operations. We appreciate all who donated, volunteered or walked and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

Pittsburgh Public Schools return to classes on August 26^th! Back to school preparation can be both fun and stressful as parents negotiate family scheduling, finding money in the family budget to assure their children have the clothing, shoes and school supplies they need. Children and Teens may have hopes and worries about whether they will like their teachers, meeting and making new friends, and keeping up with schoolwork.

Macedonia FACE is looking forward to the new school year and working with youth and families to support home/school connections and encourage academic and life success. FACE offers youth groups in selected areas, parent groups, in-school support and family support. 

Families who need support can contact Cansa Jay at cjay@macedoniaface.org.

Follow Macedonia FACE on Social Media