Pittsburgh, PA
KBK Foundation Mobile Services
KBK Foundation is advancing its initiatives with active resident engagement by introducing specialized mobile resources to the KBK Enterprises Pittsburgh properties. Many residents continue to experience feelings of isolation and complacency because of the lasting effects of the pandemic. Residents miss out on opportunities for social interaction because they spend more time at home. The foundation intends to counteract this cultural complacency by bringing mobile services to the properties to encourage residents to reintegrate safely into public spaces. The residents have responded to this new approach of mobile supportive services. This initiative seeks to dispel isolation and complacency by promoting increased social interaction, knowledge, family growth, and improved health and well-being.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
The UPMC Children's Hospital Primary Care Center, in partnership with the KBK Foundation, is bringing healthcare directly to the properties, ensuring that residents have easy access to essential medical services. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a 40-foot Clinic on Wheels, is not just a medical facility but a fun and friendly environment for children. It is designed to comfort and put them at ease, making them feel comfortable and less anxious about medical visits. The mobile facility, equipped with two examination rooms designed with a kid-friendly penguin and sea adventure theme, is staffed with medical providers, nurses, and community workers. By providing more affordable and accessible healthcare, the initiative can relieve financial and transportation burdens, improving children's health in multifamily housing. The partnership allows residents to receive treatment before issues escalate and access follow-up and preventative wellness visits, providing much-needed support and relief and reducing parents' worries about their children's health.
HACP W.O.W. Cyber Bus
KBK Foundation acknowledges the significance of addressing the mobile digital divide. It has initiated a new partnership with the W.O.W Cyber Bus (Wi-Fi on Wheels), backed by the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), and the STEM Coding Lab. This mobile educational vehicle, called the Cyber Bus, has 8-10 laptops, a printer, a flat-screen TV monitor, and internet connectivity. It delivers instruction in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), computer science, financial literacy, and business development for the resident. Parents were fascinated as they witnessed a mobile classroom on wheels for the first time. They were impressed and didn't hesitate to register their children for this out-of-school digital learning space. One mother stated, “This will keep her children safe and off the streets in a positive learning environment.”
Reading is Fundamental
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is an organization dedicated to children's literacy. As part of its initiatives, RIF sponsors the library-on-wheels (Storymobile). This fun and engaging program directly brings stories, activities, books, and literacy resources to KBK Enterprises properties' residents. The program aims to address literacy and achievement gaps within the community while sparking children's excitement and interest in reading. The Reading is Fundamental program has significantly impacted children's literacy, fostering a love for reading across generations.
Financial Literacy Program
KBK Foundation and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (ULPGH) have joined forces to introduce a mobile financial empowerment software initiative. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive online financial education for eighteen and above individuals. The self-paced training modules cover various financial topics such as budgeting, credit management, investment strategies, retirement planning, savings techniques, mortgage guidance, self-employment financial considerations, student loan management, life insurance, and auto financing. Residents can conveniently access the training modules by downloading the app on their smartphones, which includes an introductory demo for each module. Upon completing a module, participants will receive a certificate of completion. To further support participants, the ULPGH opportunity broker will be available to assist residents who encounter challenges and provide guidance to overcome any barriers hindering module completion.
