During the past 90 years, thanks to the generous support of Conservancy members, volunteers and staff have planted trees and gardens, protected and studied wildlife, plants and habitats, restored 3,000 miles of streams, cared for Fallingwater, conserved 264,000 acres of land and maintained trails on 14,000 acres for all to use.

Let’s continue to be champions for nature and make a real difference locally for conservation–for all of us and for future generations. Plus, in the face of climate change and other threats, the Conservancy needsyour help to plant more trees and plants, protect more land for wildlife and nature to thrive, restore more rivers and streams, and help keep Fallingwater resilient and relevant.

The next 90 years—and the next generation of conservationists—need your support. Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation, or renew your membership. A gift membership is a great gift for a loved one who appreciates nature.

Together, The Western PA Conservancy is a powerful force for conservation.Make a real difference locally for conservation–-for all of us and for future generations. Donate by Dec. 31 so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same natural and cultural resources we cherish today.

Donate to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy here.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVANCY

Since 2009, Friends and the National Park Service have worked in partnership to deliver sustainable educational programming for grades 4-12. The content of the programming focuses on the events of September 11, 2001, with an emphasis on the Flight 93 Story.

Ranger-guided field trips to the Memorial are offered in the spring and fall of each year. During the 2022 school year,over 10,000 children visited the Memorial through education scholarships provided by the Friends of Flight 93.

Field trips offer a unique learning experience for students of all ages. In the visitor center, students learn about the passenger and crew members, the events of 9/11, and the Flight 93 story through exhibits and displays. Weather and time permitting, students walk to the Memorial Plaza for a ranger-led program. From the plaza, students visit the Wall of Names and pay respect to the forty passengers and crew members. Students can visit the Tower of Voices, the monumental ninety-three-foot-tall musical instrument holding forty wind chimes, representing the forty passengers and crew members.

Virtual programming is offered year-round to students worldwide who wish to learn about the events of September 11 and the Flight 93 story. Through a state-of-the-art distance learning studio, Friends and National Park Service educators can accommodate those unable to visit the memorial. The Friends’website also includes a virtual tour for students to experience the Memorial features remotely.

The Friends’ Scholarship program is funded in part through corporate donations from the Education Improvement Tax Credit Program(EITC) and through donations from businesses and individuals. During the 2021-2022 school year the demand for education scholarships increased dramatically. The Friends funded over $70,000 in scholarships to schools in Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Center, Clearfield, Clarion, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Huntington, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset, Tioga, and Westmoreland counties.

On Giving Tuesday, The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial asks donors of all types to consider supporting the organization:

*Businesses who participate in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) may consider directing a portion of their EITC allocation to the Friends Scholarship program.

*Corporations may consider directing a portion of their donation dollars to the Friends Scholarship program.

*Individuals may consider directing a portion of their budgeted donations and year-end giving to the Friends Scholarship program.

All donations will help the Friends continue the tradition of supporting school field trips to the Memorial where students learn about the events of September 11, 2001 and the story of Flight 93.

Visit www.flight93friends.org to learn more, and to see the organization’s Giving Tuesday video.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRIENDS OF FLIGHT 93

For more than 65 years, Familylinks has proudly served individuals and families in Western Pennsylvania. Last year alone, they served more than 8,000 people. These individuals range from children to seniors, in a variety of neighborhoods, income groups and beliefs. They all have one thing in common: when they turn to Familylinks in their time of need, the organization is here for them.

Familylinks was formed in 2001 through the merger of two of the region’s most respected human service organizations –The Whale’s Tale (est. 1970) and Parent & Child Guidance Center (est. 1956). Today, Familylinks provides a vast array of services that address the complex needs of individuals and families. We offer housing assistance, senior services, treatment for substance use disorders, and so much more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented barriers for Familylinks clients like Tyler, a 19-year-old who unexpectedly found himself homeless. Thankfully, he found Familylinks’ Downtown Outreach Center and Shelter (DOCS), where he not only had a safe place to lay his head, but received healthy meals, daily care for his physical and mental health needs, and mentoring.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that Familylinks saved my son’s life,” said Tyler’s father. With support from Familylinks’ caring staff, Tyler achieved his goals of finding a job and completing his schooling. Once he was ready, Tyler moved into his own apartment with money he was able to save while at Familylinks.

“Our son’s journey certainly is not over,” Tyler’s father continued. “However, as he embarks on this new transition, we know that he could not have done this without the tremendous support and assistance of Familylinks.”

You have the power to create more success stories like Tyler’s by donating to Familylinks today. Please consider making a gift to support this essential work. Your contribution will help western Pennsylvania become Strong. For life.

To donate to Familylinks, visit familylinks.org.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAMILYLINKS

For over 100 years Easterseals has been leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access for children and adults with disabilities by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community.

Easterseals Western and Central PA (an affiliate of national Easterseals) provides support to over 12,000 individuals and their families across 47 counties in Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA we have 4 other office locations in Johnstown, Franklin, State College, and York, PA.

One in 4 Americans are living with a disability today. At some point in our lives, disability will affect us all. Easterseals provides support services for children and adults with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, both visible and invisible.

As one of the leading advocates for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Easterseals actively lobbied in Washington D. C. and across the country for its adoption. Easterseals also created some of the most powerful advocacy pro ADA public service campaigns with messages to support the law and its implementation.

The organization’s programs are designed to help children and adults learn (and often re-learn) basic functions. They help clients to master skills needed to develop and thrive and remain active over the course of aging. Easterseals offers hands-on, comprehensive, and vital therapies, including speech and physical therapies, and other services to ensure health and wellness so that individuals can reach their full potential.

Their Approved Private School program in Pittsburgh (South Hills, Murrysville and Cranberry) is one of only 33 schools in Pennsylvania with this specialized designation of providing high quality education for children with disabilities. The Childcare Development Center in State College provides uniquely inclusive childcare. In this unique, inclusive setting, typically-abled kids learn alongside children with disabilities.

Additionally, Easterseals provides programs for children and adults and caregivers to relax, connect, thrive and, in the case of adults, live independently within their communities through our enriching adult day services program, residential housing, and camp programs. These programs strengthen the local community and encourage individual engagement and participation in their local communities. The organization offers military camp programs for children of military families to connect and share experiences.

Please consider supporting Easterseals and its many programs and services so that they may continue, for the next 100 years, supporting children and adults with disabilities to be independent, inclusive participants in their local communities.

To learn more about making a donation and how Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania can support your loved ones on a local level, please visit www.eastersealswcpenna.org You can also find the organizationon Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin @eastersealswcpa

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EASTERSEALS

For nearly 80 years, Animal Friends has served as a center of hope and healing for homeless animals in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Since the organization’s founding in 1943, Animal Friends has supported millions of pets and people and has grown from “the shelter in the Strip District” to a full-service companion animal resource community located on a 75-acre campus in Ohio Township, just north of downtown Pittsburgh.

Each day, Animal Friends provides rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming for pets in crisis, a diverse collection of educational, therapeutic and outreach programs, and pet retention resources for people who love their pets but have fallen on hard times and are struggling to give them the care they need.

Simply put, Animal Friends is saving lives … and so much more.

At the forefront of Animal Friends’ lifesaving work is a vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend –two-and four-legged alike. This vision is about so much more than providing adoption services for homeless animals.

Outreach Programs

Animal Friends’ approach to supporting the pets and people of the region has long been rooted in promoting the animal-human bond through outreach, education, and therapeutic programs. These programs include Humane Education opportunities that engage the next generation of animal lovers; Therapets certified pet therapy teams that offer compassionate support to those in need; Animal Friends for Veterans which continues the organization’s longstanding commitment to the brave individuals of our military; and more.

Pet Retention

The best place for a pet to be is in the comfort of a home with a family to call their own. That’s why Animal Friends believes in a holistic approach to pet retention that helps to keep companion animals out of shelters and in loving homes where they belong. Through initiatives like Friends for Life and the Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, Animal Friends eliminates barriers and provides a safety net for struggling pet owners. And, by offering low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines, wellness, and specialized procedures at their Animal Wellness Center, they are making veterinary care affordable and accessible for more pet owners.

Lifesaving Operations

Each year, Animal Friends cares for thousands of animals in crisis who have nowhere else to turn. Their Humane Society Police Officers investigate reports from the community and offer safe haven to animals who are victims of abuse, cruelty and neglect. Animal Friends also partners with organizations on a local, regional and national level to give second chances through transport initiatives. Animal Friends also serves as a resource for pet owners who have no choice but to surrender their beloved pets due to circumstances beyond their control. With experienced and credentialed medical and behavioral staff, each dog, cat, and rabbit who comes through the doors receives individualized care and support to set them up for success.

The animals need you now.

This lifesaving work cannot continue without your support. You can help Animal Friends continue its commitment to the pets and people of our community who are in the greatest need of support. Please consider making a life-changing donation to Animal Friends at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

Your gift will save lives …and so much more. Donate here.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANIMAL FRIENDS