PITTSBURGH, Pa., January 16, 2025 – The Heinz Endowments has started the new year by reaffirming its commitment to the Sarah Heinz House. The Endowments’ board of directors has approved two significant grants totaling $3.05 million. This funding will ensure that the organization, which is over 120 years old, remains a critical center of support for youth and families on Pittsburgh’s North Side and across the city and continues to foster healthy personal and social development for those it serves. The investment comes at a pivotal time as the Sarah Heinz House prepares to build on its legacy of service and continue adapting to meet the community's evolving needs in 2025 and beyond.
“The Sarah Heinz House has been a vital resource for generations of young people and families in Pittsburgh,” said Endowments President Chris DeCardy. “These investments ensure the facility remains a safe, welcoming space for the community to thrive and grow for years to come.”
The most recent grant, approved at the Endowments’ fall 2024 board meeting, awarded $1.8 million to the organization for critical upgrades to its facility, including roof repairs, resurfacing the indoor pool, replacing the climbing wall, updating fencing, and enhancing the building's security systems. Work on these projects is underway and will continue through 2025.
The pool resurfacing project was completed at the end of December 2024, a contractor has been selected for the fencing upgrades, and estimates for the new security systems are currently being solicited. These upgrades are essential to maintaining the safety and usability of the facility for its growing membership.
The Heinz Endowments has also provided $1.25 million to support a community outreach plan to extend the organization’s services to reach more youth and older adults in the North Side community and to help fund operations. This community outreach initiative is advancing and has so far led to considerable growth in participation. The Sarah Heinz House achieved a remarkable 159% increase in the number of youth members served in 2024 compared to 2023.
“The funding not only addresses our vital infrastructure needs but also enables us to expand our reach and enhance our impact,” said Sarah Heinz House CEO Demeshia Seals. “We are deeply appreciative for The Heinz Endowments’ unwavering belief in and support of our mission, 'to empower all, especially those who need us most, to laugh, learn and lead.'”
A founding member of the national Boys and Girls Club network, the Sarah Heinz House achieved another significant milestone in 2024 when it was designated as an Allegheny County senior center. Through this designation, the Sarah Heinz House has expanded its outreach to older adults with new programs and services, complementing its longstanding focus on empowering youth.
“Our partnership with the Sarah Heinz House reflects the shared belief that every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Carmen Anderson, vice president of Learning and Equity at the Endowments.
The Sarah Heinz House, established in 1901 on Pittsburgh’s North Side, is a historic community center dedicated to uplifting youth and families through education, recreation, and leadership development. Named in honor of Sarah Young Heinz, the late wife of H.J. Heinz Company founder Henry John Heinz, the center reflects her legacy of compassion and service to others. Originally founded to support immigrant families with English lessons and vocational training, it has evolved to offer a full slate of after-school and summer programs in STEM, robotics, arts, and athletics.
For more information, please contact:
Becky Brindle
The Heinz Endowments
412-275-9720
[email protected]