Newsletter

February 2025 Edition

Dear Friends of FACE,

There is much turmoil in our world, nation, and community right now, and the past few weeks have left me feeling as though I can barely catch my breath, with changes coming at a rapid pace. Executive orders from our nation’s capital threaten many vital systems we all depend on, both professionally and personally.

This is compounded by already shrinking funding for essential programs, like senior services, which has intensified the urgency to secure resources to continue supporting those in greatest need.



While there is a lot of uncertainty, and I do not have all the answers, I want to be transparent in sharing that, in my conversations with funders, advocacy groups, and local organizations, concrete details on the impacts of these changes are still unclear. Nonprofits are being advised to prepare contingency plans, yet I remain hopeful that, as a region, we will find ways to continue helping those who need us most.

Macedonia FACE celebrates Black History this month and all year. We are grateful for the contributions, sacrifices and inventions that benefit us all today. During the month of February we also celebrate National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day acknowledging the fact that HIV disproportionality affects Black people. Finally, we want to celebrate love during this month. The lyrics to a song I enjoy titled These Three Word by Stevie Wonder says, "I know a family who hasn’t a cent to their name. And yet the joy and love they have between them they always claim… Yet they rejoice in knowing they gave them their all… These three words, sweet and simple. These three words, short and kind."

May you find moments to intentionally accept and to

give love.



Tinisha M. Hunt, MS

Chief Executive Officer

Macedonia FACE

Pittsburgh City Firefighters join Storytime event on February 19, 2025

The families attending this month’s Story Time event are in for a treat. Pittsburgh City Firefighters will be joining the fun and will serve as guest readers. Please join us!

Support Macedonia FACE on World Day of Social Justice, February 20, 2025, as we raise awareness regarding Colon Cancer prevention. In recognition of health disparities experienced by African Americans driven by a lack of outreach and healthcare access, Macedonia FACE is partnering to offer free programs to bring critical information and health opportunities to the community. Your $20 donation will support more programs to promote good health.

Join us at the Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh on February 20^th where we will host Dr.Akash Gadani

for a program about colon cancer screening. 



Look for more activities promoting good health coming soon.

Macedonia FACE as a member of the Meals on Wheels of Greater Pittsburgh was a proud partner of the US Department of Health and Human Resources Risk Less Do More campaign. This effort encouraged everyone, especially seniors and individuals with higher risks to get this season’s vaccines. Flu, Covid-19, RSV, Tdap, Shingles and Pneumonia vaccines were made available at a series of vaccine clinics in the region. Seen below is Justin LeWinter, Director of Adult Engagement Services working with Deacon Barbara Crosby to prepare for a free vaccine clinic held at FACE’s senior Center.

To start the year off with focus and intentionality, the FACE staff participated in a staff development retreat on January 14, 2025, at the location of the FACE Active for Life Senior Center in the Thelma Lovette YMCA. The staff had the opportunity to learn from Financial Literacy Educator, Jayla Jones, who provided staff with information to assist them as they support families experiencing financial hardship. CEO, Tinisha Hunt, provided information and inspiration regarding the agency’s budget and plans for 2025. Board President, Shan Felder, stopped by to thank staff for their passion and commitment to the community. The staff had time to enjoy each other’s company and unwind over a game of putt-putt golf.

Mamie Phipps Clark, PhD and Kenneth B. Clark, PhD were the first African Americans to earn their doctorate degrees in Psychology from Columbia University in the 1940’s. They conducted research which demonstrated the impact of racism and discrimination on the self-perception of black children. This research was cited in the Brown vs. the Board of Education Supreme Court case where the court ruled that public school segregation was unconstitutional. 



Macedonia FACE honors these brilliant scholars as we continue to support students and their families to be successful in school and life. We acknowledge that current research highlights disparities faced by Black students, including lower graduation rates, higher suspension rates, reduced access to opportunities, and lower teacher expectations. These challenges are often driven by bias. At FACE, our facilitated youth workshops and in-school support programs aim to address and mitigate these negative impacts, working to create a more equitable educational experience for all students.

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