Newsletter

September 2025 Edition

Dear Friends,

I am deeply grateful for each of you who have supported Macedonia FACE and our mission. Whether by sharing our services with those in need, contributing to our giving campaigns such as the Highmark Walk or Giving Tuesday, or speaking our name in rooms where it matters most, we say thank you! Your belief in our work ensures that we remain a source of hope and strength for our community.

We know these are VUCA times—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Yet even in the midst of these challenges, our commitment to meeting the needs of those we serve remains steadfast. We are working tirelessly to adapt, to stretch resources, and to ensure no one is left without the care and support they deserve.

Still, we cannot do this alone. There are gaps that only the faithfulness of donors and friends like you can help us bridge. Your continued support—whether through a gift, advocacy, or by amplifying our voice—makes all the difference in ensuring our mission not only survives but thrives.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in what we do, and for walking alongside us in this important work. Together, we can meet today’s challenges and build a stronger tomorrow.

Yours in Service,

Tinisha

At Macedonia FACE, our mission is simple but powerful: To encourage the development of healthy families by Delivering HOPE. Every day, that mission comes to life through the families we serve—and none more so than Maggie’s.

When Maggie called the United Way 2-1-1 Essential Community Services hotline, she was overwhelmed and frightened. The father of her children had recently passed away, and without his income, Maggie was facing eviction. She had four young children and nowhere to go.

In addition, her oldest son was struggling with school attendance. The stress of their situation was weighing heavily on the whole family, and Maggie wanted to find stable housing near her son's school—to give him at least one constant in a life that had suddenly turned upside down.

That’s when she was referred to FACE’s Lifeline Program. Time was critical. With just days before her eviction deadline, FACE staff worked with Maggie to find affordable housing in the neighborhood she requested. FACE was able to help her secure a new home and provided financial assistance to cover the security deposit and first month’s rent.

But the support didn’t stop there. With the help of her FACE Family Coordinator, Maggie also connected with other local agencies and received essential resources, including diapers, groceries, and reduced-fare bus passes to get her family where they needed to go.

In Maggie’s words: “I was literally one step away from being homeless on the street with my kids. I can’t believe all that was accomplished in such a short time.”

Today, Maggie and her children are safely housed and working toward stability. Her son is back in school, and the family is rebuilding—one day at a time.

This is what Delivering HOPE looks like.

Progress takes time. And when it comes to revitalizing communities, that progress can bring big changes—and real challenges—for the people who call those neighborhoods home.

As part of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods initiative to redevelop Bedford Dwellings in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, families are being asked to relocate while their new homes are being built. For many, this is more than just a move—it’s a life-changing transition. And Macedonia FACE is walking beside them every step of the way.

Relocating is never easy—especially in a city where affordable housing is in short supply. Many Bedford Dwellings residents have lived in the neighborhood for generations. Uprooting from a place filled with family history, friendships, and familiarity brings uncertainty and stress.

That’s where FACE steps in.

As part of the “People Team”—along with our partners at Neighborhood Resilience—FACE is helping families navigate this complex transition with care, compassion, and creativity.

FACE staff is meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and finding flexible solutions tailored to each family's needs. Every family’s situation is unique—and our team is committed to finding real, meaningful ways to help. Here’s just a glimpse of what that looks like in action:

• When a grandmother unexpectedly took in her infant grandchild so the child’s parent could focus on urgent medical care, FACE assisted her in obtaining a crib, diapers, and formula—ensuring both the child and caregiver had what they needed to thrive.
• When another family had to temporarily move in with relatives, FACE helped them secure furniture storage so they wouldn’t lose important belongings while waiting for their new home.
• Through our dedicated Education Liaison, we’re helping students seamlessly transition into new schools, making sure their education stays on track and their well-being is a priority.

This work is about more than logistics—it’s about preserving a sense of community and dignity during a time of great change. FACE’s deep roots in the Hill District have made us a trusted partner to families during this vulnerable period.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and the FACE team is helping families not just relocate, but move forward.

Progress is a process—and Macedonia FACE is here to make sure no one walks alone.

Let’s Start the School Year Strong!

As a new school year begins, it's the perfect time to set the tone for a successful and positive experience. Helping students get off to a good start can make a big difference—and there are a few key ingredients that can really help set them up for success:

Time Management & Organization

Students who stay organized and manage their time well are more likely to arrive on time, complete homework, and avoid the stress of falling behind. These skills help build confidence and keep students focused.

Family Support

When parents and guardians stay involved, encourage learning, and celebrate progress, students are more motivated to do well. A strong support system at home makes a big difference. 

Emotional Well-being

Students do better when they feel good about themselves. Emotional health plays a major role in school success. For students facing emotional challenges, support through counseling or other resources can help them thrive.

Friendships & Social Support

Feeling connected and having friends at school boosts confidence and reduces anxiety. A strong social circle can help students feel more at ease and more engaged in learning.

Learning Resources

Every student learns differently. The right tools, resources, and teaching styles can make a big impact on how well they understand and remember what they’re learning.

Engagement

Students who feel connected to their school and community—through relationships with teachers, extracurriculars, or community programs—tend to have more motivation, energy, and enthusiasm for learning.

Macedonia FACE is Here to Help

At Macedonia FACE, we understand that every student and family is unique. Our Family Engagement Services are here to provide support through a variety of programs, including:

● In-school workshops for youth

● Parent support groups

● Family conferencing

If you or your child are facing challenges this school year, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to FACE—we’re here to help you make this a great year!

Let’s work together to help every student succeed

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