South Hills Interfaith Ministries is a human services organization dedicated to providing the resources necessary for struggling families to achieve self-sufficiency. We provide Direct Assistance (such as food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as offering a variety of Family Support Programs (including financial literacy classes, an early childhood program, a summer day camp, and a family support center).
SHIM’s mission as an interfaith organization is
to empower struggling families to achieve self-sufficiency.
Our Beginnings
Have you heard about the priest, the rabbi and the minister getting together? It really happened and that is how SHIM was born! The Rev. Dr. John H. Galbreath, then pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, explained it this way – “When the (South Hills Village) Mall was being built, we were aware that suddenly the corn fields were giving way to creating an ‘inner city’ in our midst, the center of a large influx of people. And where there are people, there is human need. And where there is need, the religious community should be prepared to serve.” Dr. Galbreath convened a meeting with Msgr. Rooney of St. Thomas More and Rabbi Sajowitz of Temple Emanuel of South Hills and through their shared vision SHIM began in 1968.
SHIM Milestones
1968 – SHIM is founded as a the “South Hills Ministry in the Mall”
1979 – SHIM hosts our first annual Interfaith Holocaust Observance
Mid 1980s – SHIM collaborates with Mercy Hospital, St. Clair Hospital, and South Hills Health System for an initial programmatic area of hospice care that eventually leads to the founding of Family Hospice and Palliative Care.
Early 1990s – SHIM launches a programmatic area to address homelessness in the South Hills that eventually leads to the founding of the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN).
2007 – SHIM is named the Lead Agency of the Prospect Park Family Center by Allegheny County – Department of Human Services
2009 – SHIM moves to its new (and improved!) location at 5301 Park Avenue.
2011 – Kaleidoscope Klub after-school program is launched.