Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber Impacts Tough Neighborhoods

When Sally Haas, President of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Foundation, visited CHOICES in Seattle last spring, little did she know what kind of environment she and her CHOICES presenters would face as they delivered CHOICES. When they visited Aliquippa Middle School this year, they were shocked to learn that the main street in town had been shut down due to drug dealers and the high crime rate. It was scary just driving to the school.

The students, only 13 and 14 years old, knew way too much about life - one was already pregnant. But Sally and her team knew the need was great, so they pressed on, and although the students were very tough on them the first day, they became quite engaged the second day, and the message got through. "The kids were really hard on us Day One," said Haas. "They operate in a tough environment and we quickly knew we'd have to tailor our delivery of the workshop differently. These are kids growing up too fast, too aware of the consequences that wrong decisions perpetuate."

The Airport Area Chamber volunteers were all thanked and encouraged at the end of day to hang in there and come back the next day with a realistic approach as to how to deliver the message. "The volunteers were incredible!," Haas stated. "They realized that the environment was going to demand that they be innovative in their delivery. Many of them showed up with props and a determined attitude to really connect with the kids!" And connect they did. On Day Two there was a totally different attitude coming from the kids. A mutual respect had been established, and both the volunteers and students reaped the benefits from the CHOICES experience.
"Once we broke through their defenses and really showed we understood that where they were coming from was tough...but that we were there because we truly cared about their future, the kids opened up." explained Haas. "It was a real breakthrough when we had the toughest kids in the class lingering afterwards asking questions, seeking encouragement, and saying thanks! I couldn't have been prouder of our volunteers."

The program has become a lynchpin in educational programming for the Chamber. "Thanks to CHOICES, we've made a connection with so many different segments of our membership," Haas added. "Every Chamber should add CHOICES to their program of work. It will truly open your eyes and minds to what we need to be doing now to prepare the workforce of the future. Your volunteers will have an incredible experience and will quickly know they've made a difference."

One of the volunteer groups that unexpectedly added a lot to the program came from the military reserves. "If you're looking for a way to build a bridge with this community segment, CHOICES is a perfect program. Our military volunteers have been incredible and have taught us all some new techniques in delivering the program!"

To date the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce has grown to serve seven schools, with the goal being to reach all 14 of their school districts. Close to 10% of their membership participates as CHOICES volunteers.