Sarah Heinz House hosts community day

Learn more about after-school offerings

Are all the after-school offerings at the Sarah Heinz House still unknown to a large part of Pittsburgh? Janice Wasson, its director of development and marketing, thinks too many people are unaware of these ultra-affordable, fun activities, costing just $25 for an entire year.

That’s why the Heinz House on the North Side, home to the area’s Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is holding its semi-annual free Community Day on September 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Heinz House will throw open its doors for potential members to check out the facilities and meet the staff.

Kids (accompanied by an adult, of course) should bring sneakers and a swimsuit and towel if they want to enjoy the gym or pool, along with refreshments and arts and crafts, a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting and more.

“Parents depend on us,” Wasson notes, since the House is open from 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. “There is something for every child here,” from first graders to 18-year-olds.

Gym, swim, and life skills classes

Kids must attend two Heinz House sessions when they first join — a gym and swim class and a life skills class to promote social and emotional learning and cultural awareness. Then they are free to take advantage of more offerings in gymnastics, swimming, dance, and robotics, to name a few. They can also take part in the sports league and teen leadership development program, which involves performing community work and attending local and national conferences.

Don’t leave hungry!

A meal and snack are also provided at no cost to kids in the program. They can learn to undertake peer-to-peer mentoring and coaching of younger kids, and have the chance to get paid part-time jobs, such as helping in the café and the pool.

Heinz House also offers swimming, gymnastics and dance for preschoolers and is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays for adults to use the fitness area and pool.

Something for everyone

“There’s something for everybody here,” Wasson says. “We want them to come away thinking it’s a great place for kids, it’s a safe place for kids, and … we seek to build good citizens. We truly believe that Sarah Heinz House has a way of affecting each child in a very personal way.”

Writer: Marty Levine

Source: Janice Wasson, Sarah Heinz House