A Very Successful 2018!

We've come a long way in a short amount of time. The Building Block of Natrona was merely an idea that we talked about a couple of years ago. Today, we're operating programs that meet family needs with an army of volunteers and a small, but effective, budget.

This post will take a look back at what we've achieved, and who we've helped, in the few months that our programs have been operating. And, we'll close with a look ahead to what's in store for 2019!

And, most of all, I want everyone who has been a part of this organization to know how much good you're doing and how much we appreciate you.

Thank you!

---

Our Neighbors

We've held three Veggies for All events with the first occurring on October 20th. In that time, we've reached a significant number of families in Natrona:

• Our food has helped 378 individuals within the families served by the program:
• More than 80 percent of the individuals served report annual income below the federal poverty level.
• 92% of individuals showing for the events are from Natrona.
• We have delivered food to 33 shut-ins in Natrona.
• "Extra" food has been distributed through the PNA in Natrona and Dalton's Edge in Tarentum.

We also launched our first Cosmetics Closet program in December. This program also reached a significant number of residents in its first month:
​

• Crest toothpaste (both adult and youth) and toothbrushes distributed.
• Products benefited 131 individuals in the families served.
• Similarly, more than 80 percent of the individuals served report annual income below the federal poverty level.

---

Our Volunteers

---

Our Partners

With limited funding (for now), no building of our own, and no paid staff, The Building Block of Natrona obviously relies heavily on partnerships and in-kind donations. Some very generous people and organizations have been willing to help us. We'd like to acknowledge some of our organizational partners in this space.
 

• 412 Food Rescue: provides free produce and healthy food donations monthly for Natrona residents.
• Knights of Columbus Council 2602: the Knights have allowed us to use their building on Garfield Street monthly to host our outreach events. (They also make a great pancake breakfast!) 
• Stephanie Allegretti: you may not know Stephanie, who is an artist and graphic designer. She designed the Building Block of Natrona logo at no cost.
• Natrona Comes Together Association: so much work started years ago with this tremendous organization which we're proud to collaborate with and hope, that together, we may do more to help this great community. 
• Boy Scouts of America Troop 180, Tarentum - thank you for volunteering.
• Several organizations already have donated products to distribute to residents, committed to future donations or offered items to help us fundraise, including: Pittsburgh Steelers, Eat'n Park, Applebees, Pittsburgh Zoo, Bob's Sub, the Oakmont Bakery and J&S Pizza. Thanks to all of these organizations.

---

Coming in 2019

We have big plans for 2019. We'll provide more details as these things evolve.
​

• Veggies for All expansion
• Cosmetics Closet expansion
• Adding health clinics and educational outreach events.
• Diapers: We are on the waiting list with the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank.
• Offering utility assistance information.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers have generously provided a signed photograph of star player Antonio Brown, which we will auction off in January to raise funds. Our thanks to the Steelers!
• Mass transit: We will continue to lobby Port Authority in 2019 to extend bus service into Natrona and nearby neighborhoods that need access to food, retail and jobs.
• Building - we need a building! The Building Block of Natrona will work hard in 2019 to determine how we might secure a building in the community to operate from.