certified electrician . “ I can ’ t believe I was chosen for this scholarship . If it wasn ’ t for Sandy , the tutors , my parents and , most importantly , God for placing me where I needed to be , I would have never been shown that anything can be accomplished with hard work ,” says Russell .
According to Sandy Niekum , ACM ’ s Tutoring Program Manager , “ Russell truly deserved to receive the Anchorpoint Hope Scholarship . As a student in our tutoring program since 7th grade , he has demonstrated a strong work ethic , has shown tremendous academic growth , and has turned into a self-confident young man with clear post-high school goals .”
The Award Letter was presented to Russell Paras at ACM ’ s Golden Anchor Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration at LeMont . “ My family is so grateful for the scholarship that was awarded to Russell . Thanks to Anchorpoint for this scholarship and for the affordable tutoring they provide so we can send all three of our children for tutoring lessons ,” says Nancy Paras , Russell ’ s mother .
The Hope Scholarship was established this year in celebration of ACM ’ s 50th anniversary . It is made possible by the generous support of ACM donors and awarded to a tutoring student in ACM ’ s Youth Development Program for the pursuit of further studies after high school graduation .
ACM kicked off the anniversary celebrations at the gala . In addition to the Hope Scholarship , four other honorees were recognized for service and hope-bringing contributions to the Greater Pittsburgh community including Rev . Keith Brown , ACM ’ s founding director , who was honored as a Friend Who Brings Hope ; The Claus Family as a Family Who Brings Hope ; Wilkins Associates Architects as a Business That Brings Hope ; and Memorial Park Church as a Faith Community That Brings Hope .
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry ( formerly North Hills Youth Ministry ) was founded in 1966 by local churches as an outreach to teens and has grown into a healing and educational ministry for all ages . The organization provides help to those going through everyday crisis with affordable professional counseling , support group therapy , tutoring and education . For more information about ACM ’ s services call 412.366.1300 or visit anchorpointcounselingministry . org .
AN EVENING OF SPARKLE FOR THOSE IN NEED : AUTISM CONNECTION OF PENNSYLVANIA HOSTS GALA
The spectacular Carnegie Music Hall Foyer in Oakland was the perfect setting to celebrate spectacular volunteers and supporters at Autism Connection of Pennsylvania ’ s ( ACOPa ) 16th Annual Gala .
Jim Walter of Shaler , a blogger who writes about raising a daughter with autism , gave a poignant speech about his daughter and the support that his family has received from ACOPa .
Proceeds benefited ACOPa , a privately funded nonprofit located in Etna , whose mission is to serve as a lifeline for families and autistic adults by providing support , information and advocacy .
PAINTING WITH A TWIST HOSTS FREE SCAVENGER HUNT
Painting with a Twist will be hosting a free local neighborhood scavenger hunt on April 29 . All studios in the western Pennsylvania region will be participating , making it a great way to meet your local studio owners as well as local businesses — and have fun doing it ! Each studio will have its own unique set of rules and prizes to promote the fun in their respective neighborhoods . An after-party will follow to keep the night alive ! Even if you ’ ve never Painted with a Twist , contact the studio nearest you to find out what all the fun is about ! What Twist will they throw your way ?
Teams will be groups of two , three or four , and drivers must be 18 years or older . Bring a person who has never before Twisted and score extra points ! Neighborhood knowledge will win you the most points , so contact your local studio for more information : Pittsburgh-North in Wexford 724.426.2935 .
Continued on next page >
Shaler | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 7