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Navigating the job field in unprecedented times

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AUG. 19-26, 2020 VOLUME 29 + ISSUE 34 Editor-In-Chief LISA CUNNINGHAM Director of Advertising JASMINE HUGHES Director of Operations KEVIN SHEPHERD Managing Editor ALEX GORDON News Editor RYAN DETO Senior Writer AMANDA WALTZ Staff Writers HANNAH LYNN, JORDAN SNOWDEN Photographer/Videographer JARED WICKERHAM Editorial Designer ABBIE ADAMS Graphic Designers JOSIE NORTON, JEFF SCHRECKENGOST Senior Account Executive KAITLIN OLIVER Sales Representative ZACK DURKIN Operations Coordinator MAGGIE WEAVER Events and Marketing Coordinator BRYER BLUMENSCHEIN Circulation Manager JEFF ENGBARTH Featured Contributors REGE BEHE, LYNN CULLEN, TERENEH IDIA, CHARLES ROSENBLUM, JESSIE SAGE Intern JULIA MARUCA National Advertising Representative VMG ADVERTISING 1.888.278.9866 OR 1.212.475.2529 Publisher EAGLE MEDIA CORP.

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COVER ILLUSTRATION: ABBIE ADAMS READ THE STORY ON PAGE 4

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Help Wanted The Employment Guide BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

CP ILLUSTRATION: ABBIE ADAMS

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EING UNEMPLOYED CAN BE incredibly stressful no matter the situation, but for the millions of Americans faced with unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic, it can seem like an even more difficult time than ever before to navigate the job field. That’s why Pittsburgh City Paper has put together this guide to help make things a little less overwhelming. The most important thing to know is that you’re not alone. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate in June increased by 8.7% points compared to the same month last year, according to the latest report from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. If you’ve recently become unemployed, or are still struggling to get an unemployment check, we have advice on how to file for unemployment, whether you were an employee or a self-employed gig worker. But there is also some promising news. Last week, the number of Americans applying for unemployment dropped below one million for the first time since the pandemic began. And according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Pittsburgh metro area’s unemployment claims peaked at around 200,000 in mid-May, with August’s number decreasing by over 60,000. The logical conclusion: companies are hiring. To help you get ready for your next interview, we talked to experts on resume building; plus, we have resources for job listings, job training, and places that provide professional clothing to those without access. But we know that for many, August also brings financial uncertainties after a $600-a-week federal supplement added to unemployment checks disappeared at the end of July when Congress let the benefit lapse. “The typical unemployed American was receiving about $930 a week from late March to late July,” according to The Washington Post. “That has now been cut to about $330 a week, a far lower amount that many families say is not enough to pay for food, medicine, and rent.” President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Sat., Aug. 8 to add an additional $300 to weekly unemployment benefits, but White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said it would take “about two weeks” before Americans would receive the money. And, according to a report by CNBC, labor experts warn it could take more than a month, if it arrives at all. For added peace of mind, we’ve talked to an expert for advice on how to apply for food assistance for those who in need; and, because we know the pandemic adds an extra level of stress to so many during this time, we’ve also talked to an expert about how to make sure your mental health is taken care of. Whether you’ve been let go, laid off, or are transitioning to a new career, we hope you find some helpful advice on the following pages, and we wish you the best of luck on navigating these truly unprecedented times.

— Lisa Cunningham Editor-in-Chief

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Members of Pittsburgh Unemployed Council help people from the community file various paperwork near Nelson Mandela Park in Garfield on Sat., Aug. 15.

.EMPLOYMENT.

A GUIDE TO UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS What you need to know when filing an unemployment claim in Pennsylvania BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

S OF AUG. 8, there were more than 133,000 unemployment claims in the Pittsburgh metro area. That is down from a high of nearly 200,000 claims in mid-May, but the region is still experiencing historic levels of unemployment not seen since the collapse of the steel industry in the 1980s. In June, the unemployment rate in the Pittsburgh region was 12.5%. It hasn’t been that high since 1983. With so many Pittsburghers and Pennsylvanians out of work during the pandemic, Pittsburgh City Paper has some helpful advice for people applying for unemployment claims. Unemployment insurance is federal money provided to those recently laid off. Both laid-off employees and gig workers who have lost income during the pandemic can qualify. (Reminder, unemployment insurance is less generous than it was earlier in

the pandemic because Congress has yet to pass another stimulus bill that would provide the extra funds. Democrats have passed a bill in the House, but the Republican-controlled Senate has yet to act.)

Do I qualify for unemployment? Employees who have been laid-off or had hours cut due to the pandemic are eligible for unemployment. Employees must have sufficient qualifying wages of $116 per week during at least 18 weeks in the base period, at least $1,688 during the highest quarter in your base period, and earned at least $3,391 in total wages during the base period. Remember to use your gross wages, not take-home pay, when applying. Employees must have a qualifying separation, meaning voluntary resignations will likely disqualify you for benefits. If you did quit or were fired,

you and your employer will be given the opportunity to present information on the reason for your separation, and the state department will make a decision on whether you qualify after a fact-ﬁnding mission. People incarcerated after a conviction are ineligible for unemployment insurance while incarcerated. Veterans and some serving in the National Guard may be eligible for unemployment through the UC for Ex-Service Member (UCX) federal program. Check the Pennsylvania Ofﬁce of Unemployment Compensation for more details.

What information do I need to apply? Employees must provide several different personal information identiﬁers in the claim; some of the personal information is optional. These include: • Social Security Number

• Home address and mailing address (if different) • Telephone number • Valid email • PIN - Personal Identiﬁcation Number (optional) - if you have previously ﬁled a UC claim, using your previous PIN can prevent you from having to re-enter information • Direct deposit bank information (optional) - bank name, address, account and routing numbers. Employees must also provide information about the employer that they no longer work for, or who has cut their hours. The required information includes: • Employer’s name, address, and phone number • Employer’s PA UC account number (if known) • First and last day worked with employer CONTINUES ON PG. 8

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A GUIDE TO UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 6

HEALTH CARE HELP BY AMANDA WALTZ AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over 16 million people across the country are currently unemployed. For many, the loss of a paycheck also means the loss of employerprovided health-care benefits. If you’re confused about how to apply for health care while out of work, here are some tips to help you get started. COBRA or Marketplace? Former employees can temporarily continue their current health plan under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) or search for a new one through the insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Many times after being fired or laid off, an employee will automatically receive COBRA documents in the mail. To find out which one would be a better or more affordable option, comprehensive information on COBRA is available at dol.gov, while healthcare.gov covers both COBRA and the insurance marketplace. Healthcare.gov also allows you to see if you are eligible for Medicaid or if you have young dependents able to receive coverage under CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). What’s the Deadline? Usually, people are only able to apply for ACA insurance during certain enrollment periods. But unemployed enrollees will most likely qualify for a special 60-day enrollment period. The same goes for COBRA, which gives you a 60-day election period — starting on the day you receive a COBRA election notice or on the date you lose coverage — to choose whether or not you want to continue your current plan. Professional Help If the process feels overwhelming, there are people available to help. Visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find assistance in your area (be sure to read the difference between health care agents/brokers and assisters before contacting anyone.) The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers also offers services for state residents navigating the marketplace. Visit pachc.org/Outreach-Enrollment or call 1-866-944-CARE (2273). •

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• Reason for leaving • Pension or severance package information (if applicable)

Am I required to look for work while I am receiving benefits?

What if I am a gig worker, independent contractor, or worker for certain religious entities?

No. Work search and work registration requirements are temporarily suspended for all UC claimants due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gig workers, those who are not technically employed by an employer and instead earn wages through their own business (like independent contracting), but have lost work due to the pandemic, should apply through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. PUA might also apply to those who do not have sufficient work history to qualify for regular UC, or have exhausted their rights to regular UC benefits or extended benefits. This also applies to some workers of religious institutions. PUA benefits are calculated based on previous income reported by gig workers. According to the Office of Unemployment Compensation website, “PUA benefits may not be more than the state’s maximum weekly benefit rate for regular UC, which is $572 in Pennsylvania. PUA benefits may not be less than half of the state’s average weekly benefit amount. In Pennsylvania, the minimum PUA payment is $195.” To file a form for PUA benefits, visit uc.pa.gov and select “File for PUA.”

How long do unemployment benefits last? There are 26 weeks of unemployment benefits through the initial claim, and people can apply for 13 additional weeks of benefits through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). For gig workers receiving benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, those benefits last for 39 weeks. PUA Benefits will no longer be available after the week of Dec. 25, 2020.

Do I still have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits? Yes. Don’t assume that the unemployment benefits you receive are just free money. Like most earnings, Americans have to pay taxes on the benefits. If you forget come tax time next spring, you could be due for a big check to pay back to the federal government. Make sure to save portions of your unemployment payments to pay on Tax Day, or you can check the option when filling out your application that will withhold 10% of your claim for Federal Income Taxes. This question is asked on the “personal information” section of your application.

Why haven’t I received my benefit check? The state’s unemployment system has been far from perfect. Some people have been waiting months for unemployment checks. According to the York Daily Record, as of late June, only 15% of unemployment claims in Pennsylvania have been paid out. The system, even with an updated online filing system, has been overwhelmed with millions of claims. CP doesn’t have much advice except for trying to get a confirmation that your claim has been accepted by the state Office of Unemployment Compensation, and then be patient. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer story from July 23, about 90,000 Pennsylvania

workers are still waiting for answers about their unemployment claims.

Does taking a part-time job affect my unemployment? According to the Office of Unemployment Compensation, people may work part-time and still possibly receive an unemployment benefit for the week. The payment amount is determined using your “partial benefit credit” (PBC), which is 30% of your weekly benefit rate. Reported wages must be in gross earnings, meaning the amount you receive before taxes are taken out. Employees who are still employed but have received reduced work hours due to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits too. However, if you are still working and you earn more than the sum of your weekly benefit rate and your partial benefit credit as determined by the state, then you are not eligible for benefits.

Need step-by-step help filling out the form? CP understands that unemployment forms can be complicated and tedious. The Ofﬁce of Unemployment Compensation’s website offers step-by-step help. Go to uc.pa.gov, click on the “Unemployment Beneﬁts” tab, then on the “Unemployment Guide” button, then scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on “Step-by-Step SelfService Guide” link.

•

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Searching for an apartment? Mozart Management has you covered

If you’re searching for a new apartment, Mozart Management is the place to look. Mozart Management has been providing Pittsburghers with top-notch apartments for over 50 years, putting their roots down in Shadyside in 1964. Since the ‘60s, the management company has expanded, but only locally; now, managing complexes can be found in Highland Park, North Oakland, Frick Park, and Squirrel Hill. They are a family-owned business, which comes with obvious perks. Offices are open seven days a week, with maintenance available 24 hours a day, every day. They are experts on the East End, and have stayed connected to their community. Shadyside — a neighborhood voted one of “America’s Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine in 2019 — remains their point-of-operation, the Arlington building on Centre Avenue built in 1910. The classic building features apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom, is pet friendly, provides easy access to nearby universities, and has off-street parking. Arlington is one of eight complexes managed by Mozart in Shadyside. Mozart Management has been providing Pittsburghers with top-notch apartments for over 50 years Other neighborhoods boast the same amenities: a range of apartment sizes, pet friendliness, on-site laundry, and close proximity to the vibrant East End neighborhood. Frick Park, located near the expansive park, hosts an even wider range of options, from townhouses to the standard one-bedroom. If you’re unsure about your long-term plans, Mozart Management also offers flexible lease options to help fit your needs. To discover what Mozart Management has to offer and make your apartment search as simple as possible, visit mozartrents.com. As they say, “Whether you are looking for a comfy studio, or searching for a roomy duplex to call home — we have you covered!”

Mozart Management. 515 S. Aiken Ave., Shadyside. mozartrents.com PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

RESUME 911 BY AMANDA WALTZ AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

.ASK THE EXPERT.

RESUME TIPS FROM LOCAL JOB COUNSELORS BY AMANDA WALTZ AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

NE OF THE MOST challenging

Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center

aspects of job searching is the dreaded resume, that necessary document that determines whether or not you nab that all-important interview. While deceptively simple, the standards for resumes constantly change and vary depending on the industry. Plus, the more candidates who apply for a position, the more important it is that your resume stands out. “Every resume is like a ﬁngerprint,” says Wesley Roberts, who offers free employment assistance as a library services manager at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “It’s hyper-speciﬁc to that person’s professional history and story.” Pittsburgh City Paper spoke with Roberts and another employment counselor, Camille Dixon of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation’s Financial Opportunity Center, about ways job seekers can create the best resume.

Call 412-441-9833 ext. 10 or visit enecpittsburgh.org.

Don’t Be Afraid to Boast

Use this list to find help refreshing and refining your resume. Most services are available over the phone, through email, or via virtual Zoom appointments. Brashear Association Neighborhood Employment Center Call 412-390-3588 or visit brashearassociation.org. Located in Allentown, the Brashear Association Neighborhood Employment Center offers job readiness assistance to unemployed and underemployed adults in South Pittsburgh.

A project of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center provides help with making or updating a resume, along with many other services for those seeking meaningful employment opportunities.

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania Call 412-304-3685 or visit goodwillswpa.org/career-service-online. Among its many other programs, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania has online career services with workshops covering resume and cover letter writing, and more.

Roberts and Dixon both say one of the biggest barriers to creating the best resume possible is conﬁdence. “People have the hardest time selling themselves,” says Dixon. Roberts says many times clients will have decades of experience but lack the ability to consolidate it and recognize what they really have to offer potential employers. Before even putting a resume together, Dixon suggests sitting down and listing every job you’ve ever had. She says this will not only put your background into perspective, but pinpoint relevant job skills that might otherwise be overlooked.

Pennsylvania Careerlink Call 412-552-7100 for Downtown, 412-436-2225 for Allegheny East, or visit careerlinkpittsburgh.com and click “Jobseeker Services.” Job seekers in Pittsburgh and throughout Allegheny County will find a comprehensive online guide to constructing a resume, as well as options for more individualized one-on-one counseling. •

Let the Job Description Guide You When it comes to language, Dixon and Roberts emphasize using the description of the job you’re applying for as a guide. You can apply terms within that description to any relevant experiences or skill sets from past jobs. This is essential, as employers will quickly scan resumes

PHOTO: CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PITTSBURGH

looking for key phrases and industry terms. Roberts says adding a 3-4 sentence summary at the top of the page serves as a “written 30-second pitch” that encapsulates “who you are as a professional” and provides an opportunity to work in keywords from a job description.

Don’t Get Fancy While some may think making your resume stand out means using showy fonts or artwork, Roberts and Dixon say that is not the case. No matter what the job, you should stick to a fairly standard format. Begin with your name and contact information at the top of the page, followed by a chronological, bulleted list of work experiences and functional job skills, with your credentials, such as degrees or certiﬁcates, at the bottom of the page. Type the resume up in Microsoft Word using a 12-point font. Roberts suggests sticking with more conservative fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond.

One Page or Two? Both Roberts and Dixon say that, while being able to ﬁt everything on one page may look neat and tidy, it’s not necessary and, depending on your amount of work experience, can actually weaken a resume. If someone has had a number of jobs over the decades, for example, Roberts says ﬁtting that information on one page is unrealistic. If one page isn’t enough, two pages will work just as well.

Don’t Mind the Gaps For those reentering the workforce after a number of months, or even years, creating a new resume may seem like a futile endeavor. But Roberts says these job seekers can still list experience outside of the traditional workforce. For example, stay-at-home parents or anyone who was looking after a sick relative can list their roles and responsibilities as caretakers. Those who were incarcerated can list any jobs or duties from their time in prison. You can also list volunteer experience.

Privacy Concerns When you’re sending your resume out to multiple employers, it’s reasonable to be worried about who can access your information, especially your home address. Roberts says that while he understands the concern, companies are legally obligated to protect your information from falling into the wrong hands. If you still have reservations, however, Dixon says you can forego the street address and just put down your city, state, and zip code. If you need additional help, visit the Carnegie Library’s Resume & Career Services webpage (carnegielibrary.org/ services/for-job-seekers) or contact the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation’s Financial Opportunity Center by phone at 412-621-7863 or email at questions@opdc.org.

Follow senior writer Amanda Waltz on Twitter @AWaltzCP

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HOW TO ACCESS COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET BY HANNAH LYNN HLYNN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

.ASK THE EXPERT.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE BY JULIA MARUCA INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Libraries offer many essential services beyond free books and other media. Computer and printer stations at public libraries provide a free place for anyone to use the internet, allowing them to apply for jobs, print resumes, apply for unemployment, and other needs. While Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations are still closed for entry, there are other ways to access these services.

Hotspots and laptop rental Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has wireless hotspots and Google Chromebooks available to be checked out, just like you would a book or DVD. Search “hotspot” or “chromebook” in CLP’s catalog. Demand is high, so the waitlist might be long.

Expanded Wi-Fi To provide more internet access to patrons, CLP has expanded the range of its Wi-Fi to outside its buildings. If you have a computer or phone, and don’t mind hanging around outside, it’s a free way to access the internet.

Curbside Printing You can still use printing services through CLP locations that provide curbside pick-up. Each branch offering the service has an email and online form where patrons can send files to be printed, and then call the branch to schedule a pickup time, Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.5 p.m. Printing is free and there is a maximum of 10 pages per person per day. Visit carnegielibrary.org for more information. •

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PPLYING FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE

can be confusing. Pittsburgh City Paper talked with Ann Sanders, public policy advocate at Pittsburgh food access nonprofit Just Harvest, about what steps people can take to apply for food stamps, aka SNAP, and where to go for help. The main food assistance program in the U.S. is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps. If you need to access food assistance through SNAP, you can apply through the COMPASS system online, which offers a number of different types of benefits, including medical assistance, TANF cash assistance, and the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program. “There’s been a growth in the number of people getting food stamps, but it hasn’t been crazy like it has been for unemployment,” Sanders said. “At the beginning, there was a huge spike, but it’s kind of gone down quite a bit since people started getting their unemployment benefits.” Now that the $600-a-week unemployment benefit raise has expired, Sanders is anticipating a larger number of people may end up needing to seek food assistance. “That extra $600 was obviously making a difference,” she said. “Now, we’re expecting our lists to grow very, very quickly. We’ve already done several applications for folks who lost that benefit, and we expect to see a lot more coming in.”

HOW TO APPLY To apply, go to the COMPASS website on a computer or a mobile device. If using a smart phone, you’ll need to click to access the full desktop-style website. Just Harvest can help you with your application over the phone, as can the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The site will help you create a username and password, which Sanders advises you to write down and keep in a safe place, in case you need to access your application again. Next, the site will ask for information about you and the people you live with, and allow you

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUST HARVEST

Just Harvest tokens, EBT card, and Food Bucks

to pick what beneﬁts you are applying for — food stamps, medical assistance, or other programs. After answering all the questions, Sanders says applicants sometimes forget to hit the “submit” button at the bottom of the screen, so don’t forget to fully submit the application before closing the page. Afterward, a list of documents will come up for you to submit. Sanders explained that the two most important parts are the proof of income and identity for main household members, but that you should send in whatever parts of the list that you have available. If you’re rejected because of missing important paperwork, COMPASS will typically give you a chance to submit that paperwork if you appeal it instead of submitting a full new application. “The most common reason for denial is that people don’t send in their paperwork,” Sanders said. If a scanner isn’t available, you can send the documents in through the COMPASS mobile app, MyCompassPA. Previously, the SNAP application process required an interview, which could be a hurdle for applicants if they missed the phone call or didn’t have cell service. But since the pandemic started, the

interview process has been waived for the majority of benefit programs, except for the cash assistance program. According to Just Harvest’s website, a person is qualified for food stamps if they are a resident of the county where they are applying for benefits, are able to provide verification of identity (Social Security number), are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules, and meet the income guidelines. Owning a home or car, working, having savings, living with other people, being a refugee, or receiving other benefits does not disqualify an applicant from being approved for food stamps. Visit justharvest.org for a full list of qualifications, including income limits. If you’re approved for benefits, you will be mailed a letter listing how much you will get per month, and two or three days later, the actual EBT card. If you send in the documents quickly after you have applied, you can get a response and be approved in as little as five days. The state can also match with the unemployment database, so applicants typically don’t need to send in proof of unemployment, as the government already knows that they are receiving a certain amount of money through unemployment.

Just Harvest Fresh Access representatives helping bring Pittsburghers access to farm-fresh goods at area farmers markets.

Calling the number on the back of the EBT card lets you activate it and set a PIN number. From there, the EBT card works somewhat like a debit card, though there are some things that can’t be bought with it — non-food products like toilet paper or paper towels, fast food, hot foods, pet food, or alcohol. However, many local farmers’ markets do accept the cards, in addition to retail stores. (snapretailerlocator.com is one resource for finding places that accept SNAP benefits.) You’ll need to be recertified for SNAP/ Food Stamp benefits every 12 months, and you’re required to report any household changes every six months. The Department of Public Welfare will mail you a Semi-Annual Reporting Form and an annual renewal packet. Benefits are auto-reloaded onto the card every month, and if you go back to work and no longer need the assistance, you can call the number on your card to cancel their benefits. If the card is lost or stolen, you can call and get a new one sent to you in the mail. As long as both a state and federal state of emergency are still in place, food stamps recipients are getting a “bump,” meaning they will receive the maximum amount of assistance for their household size. As of now, the Pennsylvania emergency declaration is set to expire at the beginning of September, so if it’s not renewed, this provision may disappear. SNAP is different from WIC (Women,

Infants, and Children) benefits, an assistance program for people who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have children under 5 years old. While SNAP functions like a “no” list, banning certain items from being purchased, WIC functions like a “yes” list, in which a number of products in stores are specifically labeled as WIC-approved, and other products can’t be purchased. The income limits are slightly higher for WIC, so Sanders recommends that if you’re just over the income limit for food stamps and have very young children, you should look into WIC, or apply by calling 1-800-942-9467 or through pawic.com. Above all, Sanders recommends that people seeking food assistance not be ashamed or afraid to ask for help, whether that be looking for benefits in the first place or contacting an organization like Just Harvest to help navigate the application. “I think a lot of people wait until they’re in dire emergency before they resort to applying for assistance. Apply as soon as you know you have a need or are slightly struggling,” Sanders says. “In Pittsburgh, there are a lot of organizations that will help people do the applications, so if you get stuck, reach out for help. You have rights — if you feel like you’re being mistreated by the department, you can file an appeal, and there are people you can talk to.”

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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

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BY HANNAH LYNN // HLYNN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

T WOULD BE DIFFICULT to ﬁnd some-

one who hasn’t struggled with their mental health at some point during the pandemic. Whether it’s loneliness from isolation, stress over paying bills, or sadness about canceled plans, there are dozens of factors that make this a stressful time. But for those who have lost a job or are working on the frontlines, it is all the more difﬁcult to deal with the daily stress, depression, and anxiety brought on by these unprecedented times. Therapists and mental health professionals, like Ashley Zajacs, an integrative behavioral health therapist with UPMC, have seen an increase in patients who are struggling with unemployment or employment limbo, whose job futures are uncertain, like service industry workers, or people who have been furloughed. “A lot of people right now are wondering how they’re gonna get food or how they’re gonna maybe pay their rent,” says Zajacs. “When we start thinking about issues of food security and housing, I mean, those are kind of basic needs that put people in a panic. This is all unexpected, even though we’re ﬁve months in, just the unknown of unemployment and all the fussing going around in Congress right now, has made it 100 times worse for people.”

Zajacs says she is seeing patients with depression and anxiety, both in those who have previously struggled with the conditions and those experiencing them for the first time. She has also seen an increase in patients with acute stress disorder, which can evolve into PTSD, and PTSD exasperated in those who have previously experienced it. Roughly 35% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of an anxiety disorder over the past few months, according to a survey from the National Center for Health Statistics, compared to around 8% during the same period last year. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 53% of American adults report that the stress and worry from the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health. Those numbers are even higher among people struggling financially and among Black adults. The most important thing for people struggling right now, Zajacs says, is to let yourself feel your feelings, and to address them instead of ignoring them. She says what many people are going through right now is a form of grieving. “Whether we’re grieving a job situation, or a previous financial life, or just how things were before we all had to worry about walking out the door, we’re grieving right now and that grief

comes in waves,” she says. “Being kind to oneself and gentle and trying to be understanding is a really good place to start with coping.” Therapy and sometimes medications can be helpful for coping, but not everyone can afford those services, especially if they’ve lost income and/or insurance. Mental health apps like Calm or Headspace can be low-cost alternatives for those who need help coping. Zajacs recommends apps that help manage breathing and manage the body’s response to stress and anxiety, like Breathe2Relax, which is free. Z aj a c s s ays t hat she and othe r

mental health professionals are worried about people having “delayed trauma responses” months or years after the pandemic is over, if they don’t start addressing issues now. Frontline workers, like nurses, are especially a concern, as Zajacs says she isn’t seeing them in therapy as frequently. Studies have shown that ﬁrst responders who worked on 9/11 displayed PTSD symptoms years later, even after they retired. “We in mental health expect that we’re gonna be dealing with this for quite some time,” says Zajacs. “I’ve had some colleagues say, ‘I expect to be dealing with this for the rest of my career.’”

•

FREE AND AFFORDABLE MENTAL HEALTH APPS BY HANNAH LYNN // HLYNN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM It’s not easy to take care of your mental health, even in the best of times. The added weight of the pandemic makes it even harder, especially if you’re struggling with money and/or don’t have insurance. But taking care of yourself in small ways is better than not at all, and these apps can help.

Breathe2Relax Provides users with exercises that use diaphragmatic breathing, which can help decrease stress, manage anxiety, and control anger. Free and available on iOS and Android.

The Safe Place This app is geared toward addressing mental health in Black communities, offering self-care advice, mental illness self-assessment, meditation techniques, breathing tips, and more. Free and available on iOS and Android.

MindShift CBT Based on methods of cognitive behavioral therapy, this app helps users manage anxiety with CBT-based tools, a digital journal, guided relaxation, and more. Free and available on iOS and Android.

Talkspace While not free, this app provides virtual therapy at a cost more affordable than some traditional therapy. Plans start at $65 a week and allow you to talk, text, or video call with a therapist. Available on iOS and Android. • Follow staff writer Hannah Lynn on Twitter @hanfranny PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

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HEN FIRST SEARCHING for

a new position, many job seekers immediately turn to well-known national employment sites like Monster, Indeed, or Glassdoor. But Pittsburgh provides a wide variety of job postings, and unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to relocate, City Paper recommends searching locally. Here are a few to get you started.

BEST IN TOWN One of the most impressive round-ups of local job listings can be found every Monday and Thursday on local online news and events site NEXTpittsburgh (nextpittsburgh.com/category/jobs). The listings are well curated and broken down by category, and the sponsored ads (job listings purchased by advertisers) are clearly marked and separated from the rest of the positions at the bottom.

GOVERNMENT The City of Pittsburgh (governmentjobs.com/careers/pittsburgh) provides government job listings, including both part-time and full-time positions, ranging from farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market site attendants to electricians. Salaries and a full list of job requirements are listed for each position.

EDUCATION Schools throughout the Pittsburgh area each have their own job listings, including: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org/domain/1215), University of Pittsburgh (join.pitt.edu), Chatham

University (chatham.applicantpro.com/ jobs), Duquesne University (duq.edu/ work-at-du/careers), Point Park University (pointpark.edu/careersatpointpark), Carlow University (carlow.edu/Employment.aspx), Carnegie Mellon University (cmu.edu/jobs), and Community College of Allegheny County (tinyurl.com/ ccacjobs). Click on each to see a list ranging from faculty positions to administrative support.

HEALTH Search through job listings online at Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest health-care organizations directly at the websites of Highmark Health (careers.highmarkhealth. org) and UPMC (careers.upmc.com). The Allegheny County Health Department (tinyurl.com/ACHDjobs), with employment opportunities overseen by the ofďŹ ce of Human Resource Management, is currently listing contract positions which include information on salaries.

OFFLINE For those without internet access, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discount the old-fashioned way of searching for a job. The classiďŹ ed sections in print newspapers may be smaller than they once were, but Pittsburghers can still ďŹ nd job opportunities in The New Pittsburgh Courier (published on Wednesdays), The Pittsburgh PostGazette (published on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays), and small neighborhood papers like The Northside Chronicle and The BloomďŹ eld-GarďŹ eld Bulletin.

Follow editor-in-chief Lisa Cunningham on Twitter @trashyleesuh

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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

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NEW CAREERS What places in Pittsburgh can help with job training for a new career BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

NEMPLOYMENT IS HIGH. His-

torically high. And there is no certainty it will be dropping significantly anytime soon since there is no clarity of when a vaccine will be made available and if it will work at stemming the spread of coronavirus. Correspondingly, some industries like hospitality, newsrooms, and performing arts have been decimated. But other industries, like health care, grocery, and some retail, have boomed. Because the federal government has yet to extend the unemployment benefits necessary to keep people afloat, a career change for some might be necessary. Pittsburgh City Paper has compiled a list of organizations, schools, and training facilities to reach out to if you are considering a career change. By using recent data from the Pennsylvania’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, there are several High Priority Occupations that are forecasted to grow significantly in the Pittsburgh region. These occupations might deserve more consideration because there is a higher chance of finding work in these fields. These include Registered Nurses,

Respiratory Therapists, and Medical and Nursing Assistants; Cement Masons, Construction Laborers, and Operating Engineers; Heavy and Light Truck Drivers; and Software Developers and Database Administrators.

Partner4Work This organization serves as the workplace development board for the Pittsburgh area and is a good place to start when looking for a new job. Partner4Work even has a Transitional Job program that “helps job seekers who may have multiple barriers to gaining employment build the work history needed to take the first step to a solid career,” according to the Partner4Work website. This program is useful to those with chronic unemployment or those with a criminal record looking for work. Partner4Work uses the Service Corps Reignite program to specifically help businesses, job seekers, and nonprofit organizations as they emerge from the economic disruption of COVID-19. The organization also offers resources for GED and TABE completion, as well as a new program to help people find work at bank

branches and in the banking industry. Visit partner4work.org, call 412-5527090, or email info@partner4work.org.

CCAC The Community College of Allegheny County has a workforce development program that caters to people looking for jobs that are currently in-demand. These include a successful welding program, as well as mechatronics, nursing, culinary, and bio-science training programs. The pandemic has been hard on the restaurant industry, so while culinary training might not currently be as attractive, nursing and operational engineers are still careers that are very much in demand. CCAC offers nurse aide training that is about one month long, and prepares people for a career as a nursing assistant, which the state expects to see hundreds of new positions in by 2026 in the Pittsburgh region. Another booming medical ﬁeld in terms of jobs in the Pittsburgh region is respiratory therapy. The state expects the region to add dozens more respiratory therapists over the next few years, and CCAC offers classes specifically

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for that as part of its Allied Health and Nursing Associate of Science certification program. Enrollment might have to wait until the winter semester, however. The community college also offers a six-week course in Pennsylvania Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), for commercial truck drivers. The state expects Heavy Truck driver positions to grow by about 10% by 2026 in the Pittsburgh region. CCAC also offers a Center for Professional Development to help people gain experience and training for potential office jobs, with courses on project management, Microsoft Excel, and continuing legal and financial education. Visit ccac.edu/workforce or call 412-788-7507.

Nursing Nursing jobs dominate the Pittsburgh region and the state, and their growth doesn’t appear to be slowing down. According to the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, the Pittsburgh region expects to add more than 1,000 new nursing positions by 2026. Nursing is a tough ﬁeld and it requires a bachelor’s degree, but there are several well-ranked nursing programs in Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh, Carlow University, and Chatham University

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all offer well-ranked nursing degrees. Allegheny Health Network also runs its own nursing school, but enrollment might have to wait until the winter semester. These programs, like most higher education, aren’t cheap, but average Registered Nurses salaries are around $68,000, well above the average annual Pittsburgharea salary of $57,000. More information can be found at the school’s websites.

Tech Technology is one of Pittsburgh’s fastest growing industries. Jobs do require education and experience, so they will be out of reach for many. But those who are thinking about changing careers to help land a job might want to consider tech. According to the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, the Pittsburgh region expects to add more than 500 Software Developers and Database Administrators by 2026. Tech companies have been expanding in many neighborhoods in the city, like East Liberty, Oakland, and the Strip District. Those looking for work in the tech ﬁeld should look to job listings on the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s website, as well as listings at NEXTPittsburgh. Those can be reached at pghcareerconnector.com and nextpittsburgh.com/ category/jobs.

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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

DRESS THE PART BY JORDAN SNOWDEN JSNOWDEN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Whether you’re interviewing in person or over Zoom, it’s important that you present yourself looking, and feeling, your best. If you can’t afford business attire for your interview, or your new job once you’ve landed the position, here are local resources that can help.

IMAGES: SIMCOACH GAMES

Hooked! A Tower Crane Game

Dress for Success

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pittsburgh.dressforsuccess.org Call 412-201-4204 or email pittsburgh@dressforsuccess.org

Speciﬁcally for women. In addition to clothing, Dress for Success offers career assistance and skill development.

National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh ncjwpgh.org Call 412-421-6118 or email admin@ncjwpgh.org

With NCJW’s Suit Yourself program, those graduating from recovery and job-readiness programs are given the opportunity to obtain a professional wardrobe at no cost.

University of Pittsburgh’s Career Closet studentaffairs.pitt.edu Call 412-383-4473 or email careers@pitt.edu

Pitt students can take advantage of Career Closet, a service that lends clothing and other professional accessories ahead of interviews and career fairs.

Foundation of Hope’s Clothing Closet foundationofhope.org Call 412-321-3343 or email kkondrich@foundationofhope.org

In Foundation of Hope’s Aftercare program, former inmates can choose from a variety of professional business attire. The program also offers informational resources, referrals, and guidance regarding employment, housing, and other social services. s

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GAME ON

BY JORDAN SNOWDEN // JSNOWDEN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM ITH SOCIAL DISTANCING look-

ing like it will be here for the foreseeable future, it is more vital than ever that everyone has ways to learn outside the typical classroom setting. Simcoach Games, a Pittsburgh-based technology spinoff of Carnegie Mellon University, has been doing just that since 2005. The company partners with leading organizations in the retail, construction, manufacturing, government, and healthcare fields to create free games that help players discover their interests and abilities. It also helps companies here in Pittsburgh, like Stowe Township and McKees Rocks nonprofit Focus on Renewal, which works with teaching community members job skills. “In America today, there are 5.6 million unfilled jobs in skilled industries such as construction and manufacturing, 75% of which require no additional degree beyond a high school diploma or GED,” reads Simcoach Games’ website. “For employers, the challenge of attracting interested and work-ready talent can stunt growth or cost companies millions in quality, productivity, and sales. … Through mobile video games, our partners have successfully connected with hundreds of job seekers interested in

their training and career opportunities; many of whom would otherwise not have known about these opportunities.” So how does it work? First, interested parties download games on their preferred mobile device. Simcoach games are available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon. There are over 30 games to choose from, broken into four categories: career discovery, career exploration, career readiness, and career skill development. Games range from Future Construction Inspectors, which focuses on the “underlying skills needed to be an inspector on a road construction project” to JobPro: Get Prepared!, where players are put into the shoes of someone who has an interview coming up. They must choose how to manage their time, like researching a company or doing stress-relieving activities like exercising at the park. After downloading games, users create a Skill Arcade proﬁle to track in-game progress and badges earned. Organizations can access that player information along with meaningful and relevant gameplay data to then identify and connect with diverse, pre-qualiﬁed players in their region. To test the validity of some of the games, I tapped the expertise of my

ﬁance, a third-year steamﬁtter apprentice. He has the laborer and construction knowledge while I have the interview, jobprepping knowledge. We tried out one game from each of the four categories.

Career Discovery — Booeys: A Journey Home Under Career Discovery, there are two options, Booeys: A Ghost’s Code and Booeys: A Journey Home. The former is related to technology careers, while the latter is more generalized. I tried out A Journey Home. You help a Booey named Hubsley — a Booey is a cute little ghost by the way; the games do a good job of finding ways to keep your attention span — make his way home as you answer questions to find out more about yourself. Do you take action and lead, or are you better when given instructions? For example, someone has been bitten by a shark. Would you sew them up yourself, or seek out someone else’s help? After a three day journey, or three rounds of questions, you get a case file showing how you ranked in the following categories: doer, thinker, creative, helper, organizer, and persuader. I ranked highest in the thinker, creative, and helper categories. It’s a quick and easy way to discover your strong suits.

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Career Exploration — Hooked! A Tower Crane Game I sat back and watched while my ﬁance played this game. This one was the most hands-on and game-like out of all the ones we tried: you play as a virtual crane operator and lift loads around a construction site. My ﬁance said the controls were pretty similar to real life, considering it was a 2-D experience on a small screen. It seems the purpose of this game was to see if crane operating is something you would be interested in, like a mini “try before you buy” in a rudimentary video form.

Career Readiness — JobPro: Get Dressed! I took the lead on this game because … fashion! You play dress up and pick different interview outﬁts depending on the job. I found this game the most fun, and it was interesting to see what they

deemed appropriate and what wasn’t. I was happy to discover the short afro hairstyle worked for every job I applied for.

Career Skill Development — Construction Crane Signals For this game, since I knew nothing about construction signals, I let my fiance play. It isn’t so much a game as it is a quiz. You’re asked 22 questions where you have to match hand signals to the proper crane operation. My fiance was shocked to see how accurate it was, and said he’s learning the same signals in steamfitter school now. The crane signals are pretty universal for all labor trades, but he noted that all crane signals should be communicated and agreed upon by the signal person and crane operator before a lift begins. In his real-life classroom, they’re currently using paper to learn these same signals, but he said he found this game so helpful that he’s going to tell his teacher about how beneficial it is.

•

Follow staff writer Jordan Snowden on Twitter @snowden_jordan PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

TWO BY FOURS

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM Shop with us at Earth, Wind, and Wire Studio and Rock Shop for rocks and gemstones, handmade jewelry, art, woodwork, mosaics, quilted items, and so much more. We are located in a historic building in Cambridge Springs. We are excited to announce we now have a Gemstone Mining barrel in the store, where you can sluice for a variety of gemstones and fossils, lots of fun for all ages! Guidelines for COVID-19 safety and social distancing will be followed. Hope to see you soon!

111 Church Street, Suite 1, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 Adjusted Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 to 5, Sunday 11 to 4, Closed Monday Contact us at: 814.573.9186 or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthwindandwireshop/

TREK Development is hiring Maintenance Technicians. Apply online at trekdevelopmentgroup.applytojob.com

“Come TREK with us!”

August is National Immunizations Month! Don’t forget about vaccinations as your kids head back to school.

Protect yourself and your children against diseases like HPV, Whooping Cough, Chickenpox, and Meningitis. Contact your health care provider to make sure all vaccines are up to date. Anyone can schedule an appointment at: Allegheny County Health Department Immunization Clinic 425 1st Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-578-8304 bit.ly/ACHDImmunization 22

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ACROSS 1. Funky fresh 5. “Breaking Bad” cook 9. Sensei’s room 13. Cross-dresser in a Kinks song 14. Old Testament prophet 15. “Victory is mine!” 16. Top of the heap 17. Loosen, as sneaks 18. Femoral groove spot 19. Spanish conquistador Hernan’s posse? 22. Lure 23. Sunday meal 26. “That’s stand-up comic Povitsky!”? 31. Singer/ songwriter Alborán 34. Pulled leg muscle, colloquially 35. Singular prefix 36. French 101 word 37. They’re counted in November 38. Bock alternatives 39. President’s term, historically 40. Sing on a mountaintop 41. Livid 42. “Here’s a tip: sign up for the army”?

45. Like Indians 46. Question from someone you haven’t seen in a while 50. Song praising an authoritarian figure? 54. Funk guitarist’s pedal 57. “Think outside the box!” 58. Roughly 59. Nerve appendage 60. “Let go of me” 61. Musical break 62. Seats for some weddings 63. Chuck 64. Sedgwick who was part of Andy Warhol’s”superstars”

DOWN 1. Where it’s at 2. Biker’s invitation 3. Time to use the siren emoji 4. Deed purchased at a government auction 5. Grapes in a glass 6. Festival lineup 7. For the flock 8. Truths in math 9. Harsh punishment handed down by the victor 10. Have a hold on 11. Kamala’s running mate

12. It’s better than nothing 14. Le Louvre, e.g. 20. Talk back? 21. Like optimistic outlooks 24. NFL coach with the most regular season wins 25. 2020 Christopher Nolan movie 27. ___ Island 28. Like cleared cookies 29. It might be in a laundry pile 30. Breadmaking stage 31. Spa treatment 32. Spots for fountains, maybe

33. Those in charge 37. “Player Piano” author 38. Paint seller 40. “Darn tooting” 41. “The fat ___ the fire” 43. Jaguars’ rivals 44. What do you see? 47. Unit of dignity 48. FC Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer 49. Ham things up 51. You might get it from kissing someone 52. The basics 53. Guitarist Lofgren 54. 2020 Cardi B single 55. Cutting feller 56. Dumbstruck response LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

HELP WANTED SENIOR SERVICE ENGINEER

MARKET PLACE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISEMENT, CALL 412-685-9009 ext. 701

IMS Systems, Inc. seeks a Senior Service Engineer to work at our manufacturing facility in Mars, PA, and be responsible for servicing, commissioning, and maintaining IMS equipment at customer locations in North America as well as training U.S. employees on our highly specialized products, processes, and systems. Must also have BS Isotope and Radiation Safety Certiﬁcation. Must be able and willing to travel domestically to various unanticipated employer, client, and other locations up to 80% as well as occasionally overseas. Send resumes to vickie. armstrong@imssystems.com

REHEARSAL

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starting @ $150/mo. Many sizes available, no sec deposit, play @ the original and largest practice facility, 24/7 access.

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SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE!

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Are you a service industry worker who does not have health insurance? Metro Community Health Center is here for you. Metro offers a complete set of health care services to everyone, regardless of identity, insurance status, income or the ability to pay. Make an appointment by calling 412-247-2310 and visit our website, www.metrocommunityhealthcenter.org, to learn more.

1789 S. Braddock Ave, #410 Pittsburgh, PA 15218 To make an appointment: (412) 247-2310

Dr. Stacy Lane, D.O. • 412-515-0000

GOT HEPATITiS C ? GET THE CURE. • ALL INSURANCES ACCEPTED • WALK INS WELCOME • tRANSPORATION PROGRAM • NO INSURANCE? WE CAN HELP North Shore - 127 Anderson Street - Suite 101 Timber Court Building, PIttsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: (412) 322-4151 washington, pa - 95 Leonard Avenue Suite 203, Washington PA 15301 Phone: (724) 249-2517 beaver county - 2360 hospital drive Suite 1, aliquippa, pa 15001 Phone: (724)707-1155

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO: Respondent, JAMES AARON SMITH, SR., the State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS in regards to the minor child, A.L.W born on 01/29/2008 and the minor child, J.A.S, born on 5/20/2011, that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Juvenile Court of Sumner County, Tennessee located at 657 S. Water , Gallatin, Tennessee on November 12, 2020 at 9:00 pm to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. The trial shall be held before the Honorable David Howard, Judge for the Sumner County Juvenile Court. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause, pursuant to Rule 39(c)(3) of the Tenn. R. Juv. P. will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at Sumner County Tennessee’s Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office located at 657 S. Water, Gallatin, Tennessee. Entered the 2nd day of July, 2020 David Howard, Juvenile Judge Prepared by State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Nicole Fisher, BPR #035128 Assistant General Counsel Department Children’s Services 657 S. Water Gallatin, TN 37066 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER AUGUST 19-26, 2020

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Dr. Stacy Lane, D.O. • 412-515-0000

Emergency HIV Medication and prep available to ALL. House calls available as needed

ALL INSURANCES ACCEPTED • WALK INS WELCOME tRANSPORATION PROGRAM • NO INSURANCE? WE CAN HELP NORTH SHORE LOCATION

WASHINGTON, PA LOCATION

beaver county LOCATION

127 Anderson Street - Suite 101 Timber Court Building, PIttsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: (412) 322-4151

95 Leonard Avenue - Suite 203 Washington, PA 15301 Phone: (724) 249-2517

2360 hospital drive - Suite 1 aliqippa, PA 15001 Phone: (724) 707-1155