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As part of the , Julie LaBar, volunteered to contact community members to check on their well-being on behalf of the Homewood Children’s Village.

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Through the calls, LaBar, director of communications for business and operations at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ, was able to help identify members’ needs and connect them with resources to assist with food, safety, technology and financial services.

“It has been wonderful to be a part of this outreach program, making a difference and helping others during this challenging time,” said LaBar.

More than 600 51��Ʒ��Ƶ faculty, staff and students have rallied together to act as the helpers that 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh native Fred Rogers—of “Mister Rogers’��Neighborhood”��fame—often lauded as being there for others in frightening times.

From making calls like LaBar to building to creating , volunteers have participated in nearly 30 volunteer opportunities and other community activities since the initiative launched at the end of March.

Coordinated by the , the Pandemic Service Initiative aims to expand staff, faculty and student service opportunities; contribute to food and supply drives and collections; and forge innovative partnerships with area organizations and nonprofits.

“Almost immediately upon realizing the impact COVID-19 would have, 51��Ʒ��Ƶ faculty, staff and students reached out to see how they could help. We, in turn, asked our close community partners for guidance and together we have developed a coordinated and robust effort,” said , associate vice chancellor for community engagement. “Since starting the Pandemic Service Initiative, we’ve been thrilled at the University response. The numbers themselves are impressive, but what’s truly gratifying is the positive impacts and tangible differences we’ve been able to make—neighbor to neighbor—in people’s lives.”

Care and support—from a safe distance

Since the inception of the Pandemic Service Initiative, 85 volunteers have gone through training to support five community-based organizations by contacting individuals and families, helping to connect them to community services resources they might need. Overall, volunteers have made more than 600 .

Other volunteers have provided , answering questions about connecting to the internet, using computers or other devices and setting up email and other software.

Community organizations and residents also have access to additional information provided by University units, including 's live fitness videos, a at the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence’s website and curated by the Office of Child Development.

Shenay Jeffrey, assistant director of the , said that the Pandemic Service Initiative has provided students “an amazing experience working alongside various 51��Ʒ��Ƶ units and community members��during this unprecedented time. It really shows the power and perseverance of humanity and community.”