24 episodes

Join former Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Superbowl champ, Chris Hoke, and his co-hosts, Lisa Mitchell and Tim Campbell, as they talk about charities that are doing great things in Western Pennsylvania and beyond, and how we, as volunteers, can help them. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities discussed on the podcast and many others, go to www.justserve.org. JustServe is a free service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects people looking to volunteer in their communities to organizations that could really use their help. So let’s roll up our sleeves, and get to work!

Western Pennsylvania Game Changers with Chris Hoke Chris Hoke and friends

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 19 Ratings

Join former Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Superbowl champ, Chris Hoke, and his co-hosts, Lisa Mitchell and Tim Campbell, as they talk about charities that are doing great things in Western Pennsylvania and beyond, and how we, as volunteers, can help them. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities discussed on the podcast and many others, go to www.justserve.org. JustServe is a free service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects people looking to volunteer in their communities to organizations that could really use their help. So let’s roll up our sleeves, and get to work!

    Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center; A Volunteer-Powered Solution to the Health Care Crisis

    Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center; A Volunteer-Powered Solution to the Health Care Crisis

    We're thrilled to share our 24th episode with you! (Can you believe we've been at this for over two years now? Time flies, for sure!) 

    This month, join Chris, Lisa and special co-host and former Olympic sprinter, Mark Witherspoon, as they get to know Linda Thoma, Director of Operations for the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center, located in Butler, Pennsylvania. CHC, as it's sometimes known, strives "to provide primary healthcare services - services that are needed to keep our patients healthy so they can care for their families, continue to work and be productive members of the community."  Put simply, the Community Health Center works to "fill in the gaps" for those for whom primary healthcare (including basic dental care, behavioral health care and medications) would not otherwise be available. 

    Listen in as Linda explains how she got involved with CHC; how CHC has improved, and continues to improve, the lives of many in the Butler area; and how CHC's work is only possible because of the many, many dedicated medical and non-medical volunteers. Linda and her team are doing incredible work, but they always need more volunteers. That's where you come in -- please listen in to find out how you can help!

    For more information about volunteering with CHC and a host of other amazing organizations, go to http://justserve.org/. Just type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you!  

    • 35 min
    Hilltop Urban Farm - Offering Education, Hope and Healthy Food

    Hilltop Urban Farm - Offering Education, Hope and Healthy Food

    If you're looking for the perfect outdoor family, group or individual project, we've got just the opportunity for you! Join us as we get to know Ned Brockmeyer, Director of Farm Programs at Hilltop Urban Farm. Ned is a HUGE proponent of urban farming and its capacity to change food, neighborhoods and, ultimately, lives. Located on 107 acres of land in Pittsburgh's hilltop community - with 23 acres dedicated to farming - Hilltop Urban Farm is poised to become the largest urban farm in the United States. Rising from the rubble of a demolished government housing complex, Hilltop Urban Farm is bringing education, hope and healthy food to a whole community -- and better yet, you can help them! 

    As you can imagine, there is no shortage of work to be done on the farm, and volunteers are worth their weight in gold (or at least "yukon gold" potatoes). To find out about volunteering at Hilltop Urban Farm and other great organizations,  go to http://justserve.org/ -- just type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you!  

    • 42 min
    Episode 22 - The Vaccines are Here - Team up with the Fab 6 of Bethel Park!

    Episode 22 - The Vaccines are Here - Team up with the Fab 6 of Bethel Park!

    Episode 22 is here! The vaccines have arrived, and not a moment too soon. The next task is helping make sure those who need it most can get it as quickly as possible. In this episode, you will meet six individuals -- Jodi Mitchell, of Spartan Pharmacy; Laurence Christian, municipal manager for Bethel Park; Carolyn Walton, a home health nurse; Syd Litzenburger, a volunteer all-star in her community; Marla Caplan, social worker and ethicist; and our own Dr. Tim Campbell -- who have been on the front lines of the vaccination effort in their communities of Bethel Park and Brentwood. Join us as our "Fab 6" guests share what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how you can be a part of this monumental effort to save lives and help bring peace and hope to those who need it most right now. 

    You will love getting to know the Fab 6! And better yet, you can join them at upcoming vaccination events as a volunteer! To sign up to volunteer alongside the Fab 6, go to JustServe: Projects. If you're not able to travel to Bethel Park, find out how you can help out in your own community. A great place to start would be to go to http://justserve.org/ -- just type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you!  

    • 40 min
    Butler County Alliance for Children - Making a Difference One Child at a Time

    Butler County Alliance for Children - Making a Difference One Child at a Time

    Welcome to Episode 21! This month, Tim leads out by sharing some exciting news about upcoming volunteer opportunities involving COVID-19 vaccination efforts -- check www.justserve.org for more information. 

    Chris, Lisa and Tim are then joined by our special guest, Denna Hays, Executive Director at Butler County Alliance for Children (BCAC). Day in and day out, Denna and her team help victims of child abuse and their families as they work through the investigative and intervention process. BCAC helps children and families find safety, comfort and hope while navigating some of the most challenging circumstances they will ever face. 

    As if that isn't enough, through their "Play Safe, Stay Safe" program, Denna and her team have been helping families of all income levels relieve the pressures of COVID-19 by providing them with board games and information about community resources, free of charge.  

    You owe it to yourself to meet Denna! Her passion for helping children is palpable. She and her team are in the process of moving into a new building -- with quadruple the space of their old building -- and are in need of extra help as they expand! Listen in to learn more about the many ways you can get involved. 

    For more information about volunteering with BCAC and a host of other amazing organizations, go to http://justserve.org/. Just type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you!

    • 40 min
    WPGC Super Volunteer 2020 - Roberta Sciulli

    WPGC Super Volunteer 2020 - Roberta Sciulli

    Please join us for this special episode, in which we award our 2020 Super Volunteer of the Year Award to Roberta Sciulli! A retired nurse and hospital administrator, Roberta is a powerful force for good in her home-town community of Ambridge, Pennsylvania! Here are just a few of her service highlights: 
    She leads a group called the “Committee to Clean and Beautify Ambridge,” which is “determined to clean and beautify the lovely town of Ambridge.” The group was founded by one her brothers during a time when Ambridge’s “street sweeper” broke – rather than watch the trash pile up, the group decided to do something about it. In addition to regularly hosting clean up events, they plant trees, install and maintain flower beds, and even refurbished a war memorial that had gone into serious disrepair. All things local (ambridgeconnection.com); (4) Committee to Clean and Beautify Ambridge (CCBA) | FacebookShe is on the board of the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation. (4) Ambridge Historic District EDC | Facebook.She has a son who was injured by an IED while serving overseas with the U.S. Army as an 18-Delta, Special Forces, combat medic. He received an outpouring of love and support during recovery and when he returned home. As a way to give back, she and her family formed a company called Patriot Provisions that sells beef jerky and other snacks, with all proceeds going to the Special Forces Foundation. Patriot Provisions Gives BackShe is very active in her church, where she regularly participates in church bake sale fundraising events, and has been instrumental in developing her parish's youth program.Listen in as Roberta shares her thoughts on service and explains why it is such an important part of her life.  (Be sure to keep listening after the closing music ends -- there's a "bonus feature" of sorts, as you can hear Roberta answer the door to receive a surprise gift!)

    Don't let Roberta have all the fun! There are a ton of organizations that can use your unique skills and abilities to help them fulfill their missions. To find out more, go to https://www.justserve.org/ (type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you)!  

    • 33 min
    North Hills Community Outreach - People Helping People Since 1987

    North Hills Community Outreach - People Helping People Since 1987

    Join us for Episode 19! In this month's episode, Chris, Lisa and Tim are joined by special guests, Tom Baker and Erica Cochran, of North Hills Community Outreach (affectionately known as NHCO). Tom is NHCO's Executive Director and Erica is its Development Director. Formed in the late 1980s in response to devastating flooding in Millvale, Shaler and surrounding areas, NHCO has been a powerful force for good in Pittsburgh North Hills area ever since. Tom and Erica are exceptional ambassadors and their passion for doing good is nothing short of amazing! 

    With over 20 services and programs (including a food pantry, organic garden, transportation assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance and more), NHCO  truly is a one-stop shop for people in the North Hills who are in need of a helping hand.  And best of all there are a myriad of ways you can help them! Give the episode a listen to find out more!

    For more information about volunteering with North Hills Community Outreach and a host of other amazing organizations, go to http://justserve.org/ (type in your zip code to find service opportunities near you)!  

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

PA - Althoff ,

Bringing visibility to good

So wonderful to bring visibility to all the many good efforts in our own back yard. Thank you!

The Grube! ,

Awesome!

It’s awesome to hear about the opportunities throughout western PA to serve. I’ve only been in the area for two years and this is a great way to learn more about all the awesome things going on. The people of western PA truly are remarkable!

lynniestar ,

Keep the episodes coming!

Loved hearing ideas for ways that I can do charity work in my area. Keep the episodes coming, I want to know more about all the great organizations that are doing so much to help in Pittsburgh.

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