Spring Newsletter 2024

OUR MISSION:

The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center, established in 1893, is an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the health and well-being of infants and children through services that establish and strengthen the family.

Our programs include Adoption & Permanency Services, Child’s Way®, the Pediatric Specialty Hospital, the Pediatric VIEW Program, Therapy Services and Counseling. In addition to these programs, we offer free housing for patients and families in our on-site Lemieux Family Center.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

President – Theresa L. Heck

Vice President – Amy Bass

Secretary – Emily Landerman-Goldberg

Treasurer – Julie Kline

BOARD MEMBERS

Newlin Archinal

Beverly Brown, M.D.

Stephanie Churchel

Ranny Ferguson

Allison Howard

Aditi Kinkhabwala

Michael McCarren

Claire McGee

Sandra Hawkins Miller

Mark Place

Julia Taylor

Marjorie Weiner

Geil Wesley Williams

Barbara E. Zawadzki, M.D.

Pamela R. Keen

Chief Executive Officer pkeen@chomepgh.org

Stacy Schesler Chief Operating Officer sschesler@chomepgh.org

Kim Phillips

Chief Financial Officer kphillips@chomepgh.org

Bethany Bartilson

Program Relations Manager bbartilson@chomepgh.org

Erika G. Schmitt

Director of Counseling & Family Support Services eschmitt@chomepgh.org

Lisa Houlihan

Chief Nursing Officer lhoulihan@chomepgh.org

Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D.

Director of Pediatric VIEW Program pediatricview@chomepgh.org

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2024

Change THE MORE THEY STAY THESame THE MORE THINGS

After almost 31 years at the helm of The Children’s Home, this letter is bittersweet.

While I am retiring in October, I am not leaving this incredible organization. I am pleased to become a member of our esteemed board of directors. It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside a dedicated staff, board, volunteer base, cadre of donors, and community of families and friends.

Almost 20 years ago, we were preparing to move from Kentucky Avenue in Shadyside to our current “home” on Penn Avenue in Garfield. We have celebrated the growth of our Pediatric Specialty Hospital, the creation of Child’s Way daycare, the expansion of our Adoption & Permanency program, which includes Counseling, the addition of Pediatric VIEW, and now inpatient and outpatient Therapy with Early Intervention Services.

Countless board members have our mission and vision for they are compassionate leaders friends. The PJ Dick

Trumbull Lindy Group continues to be a steadfast supporter of The Children’s Home.

And Shake Your Booties remains our largest and most successful annual event, raising more than $311,000 this year.

We have “Jazzed It Up” through “High-Style Spectaculaire,” got down with disco, and shook all the way to Bourbon Street. We’ve dined on savory roulade, sipped on sunrise sauvignon, and indulged on chocolate bread pudding while we bid on luxury suites and romantic trips.

All to benefit our most precious children and families who need our help.

I encourage you to read about them throughout this newsletter and on our website. The proceeds from Shake Your Booties have always supported our efforts to provide holistic health for children, family empowerment, and millions of dollars in charity care.

Finally, please join me in “welcoming” my successor, Stacy Schesler. As our current COO, she has been my esteemed colleague and partner for more than a decade. I feel confident that her kindness, empathy, business acumen, attention to detail, and leadership will serve you and our families well. Look for her letter in the next edition of this newsletter. I hope you get to know her as well as I have and appreciate this next step for The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

So, as I pen my message to you one last time, thank you for supporting us, year after year.

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh

FUN AT

The Children’s Home!

For their annual Day of Service, the University of Pittsburgh Football Team visited The Children’s Home for the second year in a row! The quarterbacks and their offensive coordinator spent time in Child’s Way passing the football and teaching our kids how to do their own touchdown celebration dance!

A special thank you to the players,

Pitt Quarterback and regular volunteer, Jake Frantl, in Child’s Way

EMMA’S

A “BEFORE” AND AN “AFTER”

We are forever and deeply indebted to Dr. Christine Roman and the work of Pediatric VIEW. There is an absolute line of demarcation in our lives – a “before” and an “after” – in meeting, learning of and applying Dr. Roman’s work.

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2024

Our daughter, Emma, who has Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based visual processing disorder and the number one pediatric visual impairment in developed countries, struggled her entire life to learn, to communicate, to walk, to gain independence. Not for lack of trying, as Emma is a determined young lady, but for lack of access, visual access because of CVI. Looking at Emma you might not suspect that she is legally blind. But her CVI prevented her from understanding the world around her and engaging in it (vision precedes action). We knew she was smart, but we could not figure out how to unlock her abilities.

independently with a power wheelchair, traveling along different routes, scanning environments for landmarks like curb cuts, electric door buttons, entrances and exits. Her independence in self-care has exploded and her fear of so many previously unknown, unpredictable things in this world has decreased with her awe-inspiring improvements in functional vision.

Until we met Dr. Roman. And that changed everything.

After conducting a CVI Range Assessment, Dr. Roman shared how Emma was using her vision and the CVI Range Assessment tool, developed by Dr. Roman, gave us tremendous guidance on how to support Emma in using and increasing her functional vision. In doing so, Emma can now express her thoughts, wants, and needs with a custom-designed visually accessible augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.

Her AAC gives her voice to hundreds and hundreds of words. This, of a young lady who at 15 was said she could not learn to read her own name, can now read. She can navigate her world

Emma’s life moved from passive to active, from solitude to spending Tuesdays on lunch dates with her friends, from being pushed around in a wheelchair to driving herself around museums and parks, from waiting for someone to put on a movie to telling Alexa what she wants to watch, from sitting in her bedroom alone to bi-skiing in the winter and golf cart and boat riding in the summer. Emma’s life no longer consists of the small, safe room she didn’t want to leave. She now experiences this world as a big, wonderous place of adventure.

Such an incredible gift of our daughter and our family.

For all Emma has and has yet to become, we are forever grateful to Dr. Christine Roman, Pediatric VIEW, and The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh for their continued work to improve the lives of children like Emma and families like ours. Thank you for believing in our children and giving us not only hope but also a path forward. We are forever grateful. Truly. 

appreciation week

April 21-27, 2024

Pitt Women’s Lacrosse volunteering in Child’s Way

Each year, we celebrate National Volunteer Week to recognize the dedication and impact our volunteers have on our organization. Since the beginning of the year, our wonderful volunteers have accumulated over 700 volunteer hours! We are so lucky to have the most caring, kindhearted, and helpful volunteers in the city. We are so appreciative of all the time they spend caring for our kids and for being involved in bettering our organization by helping with the boutique, special events, garden, and more. Thank you to all of our volunteers for everything they do for us on a daily basis at The Children’s Home! 

Join our volunteer waitlist: Scan the QR code or visit childrenshomepgh.org

Helion volunteered their time to decorate The Children’s Home for the holidays

Salesforce volunteers helping in our garden

Honoring Our HEROES

During May, The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center celebrates the people who are the heart of our organization. Here, care and education are synonymous. We honor heroes who make a difference in the lives of children every day. Whether it’s through fostering love and stability, providing compassionate healthcare, or shaping young minds, our caregivers, nurses, and teachers exemplify dedication, kindness, and resilience.

MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

National Foster Care Month serves as a reminder of the millions of children in foster care who deserve safe, loving, and stable homes. At The Children’s Home, we recognize the importance of providing a nurturing environment for those children. Our foster families open their hearts and homes to children in need, offering support during challenging times.

NATIONAL NURSES’ WEEK

MAY 6 - 12

As we reflect on National Foster Care Month, Nurses Week, and Teachers’ Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who make a positive impact on the lives of our children and families. Together, we continue to create a brighter future for every child. A future filled with love, opportunity, and hope.

to the 12th, we honor our nurses by celebrating Nurses’ Week. At The Children’s Home, our nurses truly are the heart of our mission. They recognize the importance of providing a nurturing environment for the most vulnerable population. Our team of dedicated nurses goes above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of every child in our care.

NATIONAL TEACHER’S DAY

MAY 7

Teacher’s Day is celebrated on May 7th personalized learning approaches and innovative programs, our teachers inspire a love for learning and empower children to reach their full potential. In Child’s Way our teachers care for children who also have medical needs that need to be addressed. They create an environment that allows our children to be creative and become critical thinkers. 

BIG HAIRNeon lights

spandex, boomboxes and air guitar solos – all made an appearance at The Children’s Home’s annual fundraising gala, Shake Your Booties on April 20th at Rivers Casino. The scene was set, with glowsticks glowing, slinkies flowing, and 80s tunes pumping through the room. It was a sight to see as guests arrived looking like Madonna, Run-D.M.C., Barbie, Miami Vice and other 80s icons. Nostalgia radiated through the event, while attendees strapped on their fanny packs, posed for photos, and enjoyed a totally tubular evening.

Want to see more ?

Scan the QR code for our YouTube video of the event.

The atmosphere was electric...

Before partying like it was 1999, the Mötley Crüe of attendees at Shake Your Booties learned about the incredible programs provided by The Children’s Home. The stories of several children: Adalay, Amara, Emma, Holland, Logan, and Lucy were featured throughout the evening, to highlight how their lives have been impacted by our programs.

In a special live portion of the evening program, event emcee Aditi Kinkhabwala spoke with Lynn Elko, the mother of Emma, who receives services through Pediatric VIEW. Guests heard Lynn’s firsthand account as a parent of a child with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based visual impairment, and how the Elko family’s interaction with Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, Director or Pediatric VIEW, changed the course of Emma’s life. Dr. Roman-Lantzy provided guidance on how to support Emma in using and increasing

her functional vision and in doing so, Emma can now express her thoughts, wants, and needs with a custom-designed visually accessible augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Guests were captivated as Lynn and Aditi discussed Emma’s journey and successes after her CVI diagnosis was discovered.

The crowd voluntarily quieted when Emma and her father, Don, joined Lynn and Aditi on stage to say hello. Emma operated her AAC device to say hello and explain her diagnoses, and even coerced the crowd into warm laughter when she communicated that she was ready to go home. As the interview ended, you could hear a pin drop when the crowd of over 400 attendees, all raised their hands and silently applauded the Elko family in sign language.

from afar, raised over $36,000 toward Fund the

After hearing Emma’s story and learning about the impact of The Children’s Home programs, event attendees were eager to support the cause through various games and auctions. With the help of Steelers’ Conner Heyward, Krista Abboud of David Alan, Pitt Football’s Jake Frantl, and emcee Aditi Kinkhabwala, auctioneer Cassandra Seth wowed and compelled guests to raise their bidder number during the live auction. Even more exciting, Seth led the crowd to continue raising their numbers to support Fund the Mission. In order to Fund the Mission, bidders raised their hands at various monetary levels, each tied to a specific area of support (for example, $1,000 supports the growing need for mental health counseling services). The generous support of the crowd both present at the event and supporting

The gala featured many opportunities for guests to support The Children’s Home through their participation, including a wine toss game, mystery bags for purchase, high end spirits raffle, and silent auction with over 60 baskets and items to bid on. Thanks to the generosity of the many businesses and individuals that donated to make the silent and live auction, as well as games a huge success. Additionally, the annual gala would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. Thank you to PJ Dick, Trumbull & Lindy for supporting as the 2024 Presenting Sponsor. 

The Children’s Home is pleased to share that Shake Your Booties

Back to the 80s raised over $311,000 to support children and families in need. Save the date for Spring 2025 and join us next year in raising funds for medically and socially complex children.

Save the Date

Second Annual Conference

Innovations in CVI:

Navigating Teams & Transitions

October 3 & 4, 2024

Sheraton Station Square

Join us for the second annual Innovations in CVI conference hosted by The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center on October 3 & 4 at the Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh.

A reception for attendees will be held on October 3 at 5:30pm. This national event will unite experts and attendees from across the U.S. to share knowledge and tools applicable to home, practice, school, and daily life. The two-day event will feature a lineup of speakers with specialized expertise.

Register to attend: https://bit.ly/CVIConferenceRegistration

Submit a presentation by Sept. 1, 2024 to: https://bit.ly/CVIConferenceSubmissions

For sponsorship or vendor opportunities at the 2024 CVI conference, contact Pam Keen at pkeen@chomepgh.org. 

Tiff Setzler’s birthday wish to support children in need sparked the annual Birthday Toy Drive, benefiting The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

T O Y D R I V E

Launched in 2016, Tiff and her daughter Zoie’s joint celebration has turned into a tradition of giving, amassing over 850 toys and books for the cause. The event continues to expand each year.

To attend the Birthday Toy Drive this year or to donate, visit: https://birthdaytoydrive.fun

You’re Invited Saturday, July 20

Expanding Our Programs

The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center is expanding its services to better support children and families in need. Through enhanced counseling, therapy, and the establishment of early intervention programs, we continue to provide comprehensive care. The expansion of services at The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center reflects a vision of empowerment and growth, ensuring that every child and family receives the support they need to thrive.

Counseling

We have expanded counseling services that will offer more individual, family, and group therapy sessions, addressing issues like trauma, grief, and mental health disorders. Specialized programs and innovative approaches such as play therapy and mindfulness techniques will be introduced to foster resilience and healthy relationships within families.

Our adoption journey officially began in the summer of 2019. There were many challenges along the way, including adjusting to the transition of bringing Adalay into our family and working through the logistical hurdles of adoption, but we got the support we needed from Erika and The Children’s Home every step of the way

The two years that we have had Adalay have enriched our lives in so many ways. We love to see her learn, grow, and giggle like crazy with her new sisters. We are so happy to have her, and feel that our family is finally complete.

- Jennifer and Chris, Adalay’s Parents

Scan the QR code to read Adalay’s Family Blog

Therapy

We provide personalized treatment plans for children with physical disabilities or developmental delays. By investing in equipment, expanding therapy rooms, and recruiting specialized therapists, the goal is to improve mobility, enhance communication skills, and promote independence.

Amara absolutely loves school and has grown, developed, and exceeded her doctor’s expectations by leaps and bounds. She’s always doing something new and we credit that to the teachers, nurses, and therapists that have worked with her since she was an infant.

Her therapists have always had open communication with us and given us so many tools and suggestions of a variety of things to do to continue to help Amara learn new skills and build upon her strengths.”

- Caitlin, Amara’s Mom

Early Intervention Provider

We offer developmental screenings, assessments, and intervention services for infants and toddlers. Collaboration with pediatricians, educators, and community partners ensures seamless access to services, while parent education equips caregivers with the tools to support their child’s development.

Having been at Child’s Way for nearly three years, Holland has become somewhat of a mayor there He excitedly welcomes visitors, loves spending time with his peers, and adores the staff that works there.

We know that he would not have been able to flourish in this way in another child care setting, and that the individualized and highly skilled care he receives is critical to his stability, development, and advancement.”

- Jennifer, Holland’s Mom

Scan the QR code to read

Amara’s Family Blog

Scan the QR code to read Holland’s Family Blog

THE CHILDREN’S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER

May 11th, The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center teamed up with Bella Terra Stables for an extraordinary DAY OF MAGIC! This wasn't just any event; it was a captivating celebration of hope, healing, and heroic deeds.

Nestled at Bella Terra’s enchanting farm on 4913 Logan Ferry Road, Murrysville, Pennsylvania 15668, that day promised an immersive experience like no other. There were three exhilarating sessions throughout the day, each brimming with wonder and excitement. From the moment guests arrived, they were swept up in a whirlwind of festivities, fun, and food trucks galore!

Guests stepped into the whimsically decorated barn ballroom and were dazzled as families and children danced the day away at the spellbinding Princesses and Superheroes Ball. But that was just the beginning! They gathered 'round as Belle and Philippe spun their favorite tales, transporting everyone to magical realms beyond imagination. And let's not forget the meet and greets with beloved superheroes and princesses, where little ones could collect the signatures of real-life heroes in an autograph book provided by Bella Terra Stables.

But amidst all the wonder and enchantment, there was a deeper purpose at play, our dedicated staff were on hand to share insights into the life-changing impact of foster families, all while crafting friendship bracelets with eager young hands. It was a testament to the boundless compassion and unwavering dedication that defined The Children’s Home’s mission. Families learned that miracles happened in real life and heroes really do exsist.

For more information, please go to www.bellaterrastables.org/dayofmagic

RADI THON

Your generosity made our first-ever Have A BIG Heart Radiothon on Valentine’s Day a huge success, raising $33,520 for The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

We couldn’t have done it without the outpouring of support from our iHeart Radio and BIG 104.7 family. Thank you again to our presenting sponsors – GBU Life, South Hills Jeep, and Craig Gouker Roofing – as well as PJ Dick, Mr. Waterheater, Urbanowicz Jewelers, Payne Glasses, and Kendra Scott for your support.

We also couldn’t forget our generous donors, especially our new monthly givers! Your ongoing donations continue to make a BIG difference in the lives of the children and families right here in the Burgh. 

Interested in becoming a monthly donor? Scan the QR code to join our FRIENDS CLUB

August National Make-a-Will Month   

August is National Make-a-Will Month. This important process doesn’t have to be tedious or worrisome! Here are three reasons why writing your will can simultaneously benefit your loved ones and The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

It’s an important legal document that everyone should have. It allows you to distribute your property and protect your beneficiaries after you pass away.

It provides peace of mind for you and your family. Wills make life easier for everyone. It can prevent family conflict, tension, and confusion about your intentions.

WE ARE

It creates a legacy that lasts. You can continue to make a positive impact on this world long after you leave it, including donating to charity in your will. Gifts of cash, stock, real estate property, and others ensure that you can generously and meaningfully support causes that remain close to your heart.

Get started and make your will soon. Need help? Contact us. We’re happy to help!

Join our team today:

• Early Intervention Therapists

• Nurse Practitioners

• Registered Nurse

• Licensed Practical Nurses

• Patient Care Technicians

• More!

Questions? Contact Nicole Walach, HR Manager, at nwalach@chomepgh.org and/or scan the QR code to view all job opportunities.

The Children’s Home is a United Way Charity, and we accept gifts designated to our United Way agency code, 155. Please be sure to select our number when making your one-time or monthly gift to the United Way. All donations directly benefit our programs and our families.

Children’s Home Code: #155

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

This past holiday season, our local community showed up in the best way to provide wonderful gifts, meals, and opportunities for our kids and families.

With the generosity of over 20 local organizations and individuals, you truly made it the most wonderful time of year for us at The Children’s Home. Thank you to Brooke Hyland and Melissa Gisoni for donating stuffed animals for our kiddos in the Pediatrics Specialty Hospital; Mason’s Movement and Benjamin’s Benefit for hosting a 3rd party fundraiser benefiting our kids; University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg Student Nurses Association for handmaking over 100 fleece

blankets; Helion for donating your time to put up all the holiday décor around The Children’s Home; Mason’s Contractor’s Association for providing personalized gifts for all of our kids in our foster and adoption program; and Christopher’s Kitchen for providing a homecooked meal on December 25th for the families in our Lemieux Family Center.

Your continued support of our programs (Child’s Way, Pediatric Specialty Hospital, Pediatric VIEW, Adoption & Permanency, Counseling, and Therapy Services) through donations is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do for the families at The Children’s Home! 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU!

• 6k Additive • American Association of Drilling Engineers • Ascent Data • Barbra Holst • • Boyce Middle School • Brenda Friel & Friends • C and M Playstudio • Cindy Cavanough • CRX • Dedicated Nurses Association • Lineage • The Murray Family • NV5 Engineering and Technology • PJ Dick and Trumbull • Pitt Predators Youth Hockey Team • PNC Bank • Porsche Pittsburgh •

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh

SATUDAY, JUNE 8th

Let’s raise the jolly roger and support The Children’s Home together! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th, and join us at PNC Park to watch the Pirates beat the Minnesota Twins.

A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated back to The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center.

vs Get tickets here: