DID YOU MISS IT?

On May 7, Allegheny General Hospital, The Breathe Project and The Suburban Health Foundation hosted “The Air We Breathe, a regional summit on asthma and other health impacts of air pollution.”

The summit focused on asthma causes, its high prevalence in our region, and gaps in treatment of the disease. The forum also examined new research findings about other air pollution-related health impacts in our region including cancer, premature birth and low birth weight, cardiopulmonary illness and premature death.

GOOD NEWS! You can view the available presentations and video online.

Center Formed to Provide to Shale Gas Producers Independent Certification of Performance Standards

A group of leading environmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, and energy companies have collaborated to form a unique center to provide producers with certification of performance standards for shale development. The Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD) has established 15 initial performance standards designed to ensure safe and environmentally responsible development of the Appalachian Basin’s abundant shale gas resources. These standards will form the foundation of the CSSD’s independent, third-party certification process.

Read the full press release.

Arts, Culture & Economic Prosperity in Allegheny County

A new report by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and Americans for the Arts describes how Allegheny County’s vibrant cultural community has helped to accelerate the region’s economic growth. “Arts, Culture & Economic Prosperity” also provides details on the ways in which the arts and culture sector is vital to the ongoing economic recovery of the region.

Crossing Fences

"Crossing Fences" is a Heinz Endowments-supported, multimedia project produced by SLB Radio Productions that uses recorded conversations to connect generations of African American boys, youth and men in three Pittsburgh neighborhoods - Hazelwood, the Hill District and Homewood. In each unique encounter, an older man talks to his young listeners about success in some area, whether it is politics, fatherhood, community development, education, business or spirituality. The youths learn a rich history, develop interviewing techniques and audio editing skills, and receive overall guidance that they may not have experienced before. (Photos by The Saturday Light Brigade)

Act II: After the Mill

The “Act II: After the Mill," h magazine story by Jeff Fraser and with photography by Martha Rial, tells the continuing story of a former steel mill site in Hazelwood that was purchased a decade ago by The Heinz Endowments and three other local foundations. With several obstacles gone and renewed vision for the transformation of the property and neighborhood, revitalization is becoming a reality. Left: Among the changes already taking place was the opening last year of the Hazelwood section of the Heritage Bike Trail along the neighborhood’s riverfront. Below: Residents and other stakeholders are participating in discussions about other development plans.

Community Conversation

African American Males and Faith-Based Organizations

Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, left, urges Pittsburgh’s faith community during a Jan. 31 forum to support black male youth by assisting struggling families and promoting expanded community use of neighborhood public schools. Nelson is director of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness. He was the featured speaker for a Heinz Endowments-sponsored community dialogue at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture on the role of faith-based organizations in addressing the needs of African American men and boys.

Open House

"Open House," an h magazine story by Elwin Green and with photography by Jim Judkis, details the importance of the Hosanna House community organization to the people it serves. Left: Executive Director Leon Haynes III shows his paper heart – a reflection of his sincere heart – to youngsters in the nonprofit’s child care program. Below: Jerome Drake, far right, gives back to his community by working as a robotics instructor at Hosanna House, where he learned about robotics as a youth.

Journalism 2.0

“Journalism 2.0," an h magazine story by Christine H. O'Toole, with photography by Joshua Franzos, describes how although journalism has been dramatically transformed by online media, Pittsburgh foundations are supporting various media ventures to ensure that in-depth, local news coverage doesn't disappear. Left: The small but dedicated staff for the PublicSource news website tackles big issues affecting western Pennsylvania. Below: The region’s National Public Radio affiliate, 90.5 WESA, hosted a “Green Gatherings” discussion last year about the impact of environmental issues on the 2012 election.

Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Awards

Endowments board member Carol Brown was honored in December with the creation of awards in her name. The Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Awards pay tribute to her accomplishments, such as leading the transformation of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District as president of the Cultural Trust from 1986 to 2001. Jointly sponsored by the Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation, the $15,000 gifts are part of the Investing in Professional Artists: The Pittsburgh Region Artists Program. Recipients poet Toi Derricotte, left, and multidisciplinary artist John Peña, right, joined Mrs. Brown, center, at a ceremony in the O’Reilly Theater. Below, the O’Reilly audience gives Mrs. Brown a standing ovation. (Photos by Suellen Fitzsimmons)