August 2022

Katie Trevino Shares Why She Volunteers to Help Our ALS Community

Want to become a Clearview ALS Ally? Learn more

EVERY WORD COUNTS: VOICE AND MESSAGE BANKING FOR PEOPLE WITH ALS

Monday, August 15, 2022 at 2:00pm (EDT)
Register here

Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CLIPP, CAPS, WSP discusses the features and benefits of both voice and message banking for people living with ALS.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Living with ALS Meeting

Saturday, August 27, 2022  
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

VIRTUAL ONLY

Caregiver Support Group

Saturday, August 27, 2022  
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET

VIRTUAL ONLY

Resource Group

Wednesday, August 24, 2022  
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET

Topic: Chapter Services

VIRTUAL ONLY

Please RSVP to any Care Services Programs through April Smith at 412-480-5268 or april@cure4als.org

One-Time Bonus for People Qualifying for Rent or Property Tax Assistance

To help older and disabled Pennsylvanians who are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed delivering one-time bonus rebates to claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. This proposal is a way to ensure that some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents receive financial support during a time of need.

Older Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities who qualify for a rebate on rent or property taxes paid in 2021 will receive a one-time bonus equal to 70% of their original rebate amount. The total amount a claimant will receive could be as much as $1,657.50, up from the previous maximum of $975.

Eligible claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program who have already filed an application for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 do not need to take any further action. Those who have not yet filed an application are encouraged to do so.

One Team. One Mission. One World Without ALS.

Effective July 1, 2022, The ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter has joined the unified ALS Association, moving from a federated chapter to join one single organization. One team with one mission. To support our team, we are now part of a Territory, one of ten nationwide.

This new unified structure is centered around local mission delivery, meaning our services will still be operating at the community level, just as they are today. We will be strategically aligned, fiscally efficient, and community-based. We will stay connected to our community by maintaining our office, staff, clinics, and volunteer networks, while continuing to build upon them.

Learn More

Meet our Chapter Care Services Team

Jill earned her MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 and has worked in the social work/health care field since that time. She currently lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, son and family “cat”. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family, camping, biking and watching her very active child in sports!

Kristin, MSW, has worked in the social work field for 10 years and earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 and license in 2018. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs – Remy and Gordie (and their brother next door, Monty).

Brittany earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010, and became licensed in 2011. Since then, she has been working as a social worker in various healthcare fields. She lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, daughter and french bulldog Lily. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and cooking (especially big pots of homemade soup).

Kate Karlovits, SLP is the contracted Speech Language Pathologist for our Chapter. Kate specializes in finding solutions for people who are unable to communicate through unconventional means. For those living with ALS, this frequently means implementing the use of Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs).⠀

April has been with our Chapter for close to 4 years. In addition to coordinating monthly Chapter Resource, Living with ALS, and Caregiver Support groups, April is also in charge of our Equipment Loan Program and Transportation Program.

Our former Director of Care Services, Marie Folino, MSW, LSW, has moved into the role of Managing Director of Care Services, overseeing all care management for the Territory. Rest assured, Marie will remain an integral part of our local work and you will be in good hands with the familiar faces filling her shoes.

2022 Walk to Defeat ALS®

Pittsburgh Walk to Defeat ALS®
September 10, 2022 | Point State Park

Register

6th Annual CEO Soak

Thursday, August 11, 2022
12:00 PM | PPG Fountains

The 6th Annual Pittsburgh CEO Soak presented by Hefren-Tillotson is the “dressed up” version of the Ice Bucket Challenge that engages corporate leadership to get soaked while raising money and awareness to benefit The ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter.

Tune in on Facebook at 12:00 PM to watch the LIVE SOAK!