The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Families and Empower Children in Response to Community Health Needs Assessment
As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Similarly, it takes a community to establish, strengthen, and empower families. In response to our Community Health Needs Assessment that we conducted and distributed earlier in 2024, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable children and families in our area.
Our community survey highlighted three major areas of concern that directly impact families in our region:
- Access to pediatric therapy
- Access to affordable, quality childcare
- Access to timely mental health support
With these priorities in mind, we have developed clear, actionable, and measurable strategies to make a meaningful difference. Here’s how we plan to implement impactful solutions in each area:
Expanding Pediatric Therapy Services
Through a renewed partnership with the Highmark Foundation, we have created a cohesive continuum of care for children in our Therapy Services department, where our therapists, teachers, and nurses will work together with families to optimize a child’s individualized plan and progress. Services include occupational, physical, feeding, speech, developmental, and vision support and can be administered inpatient, outpatient, or through early intervention.
- We will hire two additional therapists who will provide outpatient therapy and join the team at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.
- We have allocated funding to remodel current treatment rooms and purchase the needed capital equipment and specialized items.
- Our current and additional staff will receive continuing education on appropriate therapy techniques and remain current on licensing credentials.
- Finally, we will prioritize funds to market the therapy expansion and handouts of items that families would need to continue therapy techniques at home.
Enhancing Access to Quality Childcare
Thanks to the support of our partners at Duolingo Early Learners First, the Early Excellence Project, and Trying Together, we will increase capacity building and access to family scholarships within our Child’s Way daycare.
- Our Pediatric VIEW department will now screen all Child’s Way students for cortical visual impairment, the leading cause of visual impairment in all developed countries.
- We will purchase the necessary equipment to create learning and recreation spaces that align with evidence-based best practices in inclusion and uphold our 4 of 4 Keystone STARS designation.
- The additional scholarship funding will help offset the cost of tuition for families and ensure that medically fragile children thrive with their peers, teachers and nurses.
Expanding Mental Health Support and Counseling
By collaborating with an anonymous donor, our existing and future children and families – including foster children and the community at large – will be able to receive any counseling needs addressed through our growing program model, rather than having to be referred elsewhere, creating a holistic culture of healing and help.
- Expanded counseling capacity will include hiring and credentialing new staff.
- Staff training will continue as more of our employees transition from their current roles into Counseling.
- Expanded marketing will focus on increased awareness of our services and include print media, commercials, and outreach events.
- Start-up costs for our physical program space will include waiting room materials, therapy tools, and counseling room upgrades.
- Scholarship funding will allow individuals and families to continue using our services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Our Commitment to Families Since 1893
For over 130 years, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center has remained steadfast in our mission to promote the health and well-being of children and strengthen families through essential services. Our expanded programs include Adoption & Permanency Services, Child’s Way®, Pediatric Specialty Hospital, Pediatric VIEW, Family Centered Therapy, and Counseling. Additionally, we offer free housing for patients and families at our on-site Lemieux Family Center.
We remain deeply committed to addressing the evolving needs of our community, ensuring that future generations have the support they need to thrive.
For more information about our services and programs, please visit childrenshomepgh.org
Contact: The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center
Phone: 412-441-4884
Email: jpease@chomepgh.org
Website: childrenshomepgh.org