Neighbor to Neighbor Fund
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Deb and John are firm believers in community, especially the community in which they live. The care for one another that comes from the sense of community is contagious and can therefore spread, starting here in the community that Deb and John define in the diversity found in Pittsburgh. In 2020, they established the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, igniting their mission to uplift and support community.
Successfully retired and with adult children, Deb and John are keenly aware of the reciprocating and healthy benefits of active community engagement. To that end, they offer their time and talents in addition to their treasures with the hope of adding value to the efforts of potential grant recipients. Given their engineering and educational backgrounds, they are particularly committed to community initiatives focused on the environment, the outdoors, and STEM learning, with a special interest in K-12 kids from underrepresented populations.
John’s connection to this fund is through his work as a master naturalist and as a volunteer to three local fishing groups who utilize Lake Carnegie in Highland Park. Spending time in the solitude of the outdoors should be available to all urban citizens. Improving and maintaining the quality of Pittsburgh’s parks is of the utmost importance to facilitate outdoor education and solitude.
Deb believes that all kids are problem solvers and just need the opportunity to discover their inner capabilities. To that end, she does not teach engineering but instead links engineering-like skills to everyday tasks and hobbies. In the process, post-secondary pathways are explored and one’s role in and value to the community is recognized. Deb has pursued multiple careers herself and emphasizes the journey and the afforded agency over the destination.
Deb and John will consider grants beyond Pittsburgh as well and beyond the realm of environment and education to serve the basic needs of neighbors. When basic needs are served, our neighbors will be lifted to a position of security that will allow them to enjoy the value of the environment and explore the opportunities offered through education. Donor partners are welcome in their journey as we value the synergistic value of creating this like-minded community.