Family Resources & Support
Community Resources
Crisis Intervention
If you need immediate help:
- Tell a trusted adult (one at home and one at school)
- Call 988 or 911 if it is an emergency
Other resources that can be used in an emergency:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 988
The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. - resolve Crisis Network - 1-888-796-8226
resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents. Its services are sponsored by both Allegheny County and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. - Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741-741
A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds from a secure online platform. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
The lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. - PA Childline - 1-800-932-0313
Trained specialists are available 24/7 to receive referrals of suspected child abuse and general child well-being concerns. - Safe2Say Something - 1-844-723-2729
Anonymous reporting system that makes it easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Allegheny County Resource Guide
The PHCSE Department of Human Services provides a resource guide for child and adolescent mental health services. View the resource guide here.
Suicide Prevention and Intervention
Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship utilizes a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention which integrates school and community-based supports. This policy and approach are documented under Board Policy 9.32.
Online Resources
Hotlines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
988 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
All calls are answered 24/7 by a mental health counselor.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) - Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is similar to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other hotlines, but allows those in crisis to text rather than call.
Text “HOME” to 741741 - Resolve Crisis Network
All calls are answered 24/7 by a mental health counselor.
1-888-7-YOU CAN (1-888-796-8226) - Safe2Say
This program operates 24/7 and allows individuals to report a secure and anonymous safety concern to help identify and intervene with at-risk individuals before they hurt themselves and/or others.
1-844-SAF2SAY
LGBTQ Resources
- GLSEN
Founded by a group of teachers in 1990, GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. - Persad Center
Persad Center is a human service organization whose mission is to improve the well-being of the LGBTQ communities and the HIV/AIDS communities. Persad serves its target populations and their loved ones across Western Pennsylvania, with service centers in Pittsburgh and Washington, PA.
Domestic Violence Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support 24/7/365.
Child Abuse/Sexual Assault Resources
- PA ChildLine - 1-800-932-0313
Trained specialists are available 24/7/365 to receive referrals of suspected child abuse and general child well-being concerns. - Pittsburgh Action Against Rape - 1-866-363-7273
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1972. PAAR's mission is to respond to survivors of sexual violence with crisis intervention and counseling, educate the community to prevent sexual violence, and advocate for systems to respond to and prevent sexual violence. PAAR's hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
Drug/Alcohol Resources
- Al-Anon/Alateen
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. Alateen, a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By attending Alateen, teenagers meet other teenagers with similar situations. - Nar-Anon
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a 12-step program, NarAnon offers help by sharing experience, strength, and hope. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. - Gateway Rehab - 866-862-8633
Gateway Rehab is one of Pittsburgh's drug treatment centers for alcohol and drug recovery and is the largest addiction recovery network in Pittsburgh. - Greenbriar Treatment Center - 1-800-637-4673
Greenbriar's mission is to provide the highest quality drug and alcohol dependency and co-occurring treatment. Greenbriar's approach is based on recognizing the uniqueness of each individual client, meeting them where they are in their addiction, and tailoring their treatment specifically to their needs. - Pyramid Healthcare - 1-888-694-9996
Pyramid Healthcare provides treatment for adults and teens suffering from addiction or substance abuse, as well as individuals with mental health disorders.
Eating Disorders Support
- National Eating Disorders Association - 1-800-931-2237
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. - UPMC Center for Eating Disorders - 412-647-9329
The UPMC Center for Eating Disorders provides treatment for pediatric and adult patients. Adolescent/adult inpatients and outpatients are treated at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Adult/adolescent outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are held at Bellefield Towers, 100 North Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15213.
Grief Support Resources
- Highmark Caring Place - 1-888-734-4073
The Highmark Caring Place is a safe place where grieving children and families can come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through. The Caring Place offers services at no charge to grieving families from throughout the community. - resolve Crisis Network - 1-888-796-8226
resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents. Its services are sponsored by both Allegheny County and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
SAP In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning. A SAP team, made up of school and agency staff, is available to help you access school and community services for your child. The PHCSE SAP team, led by Ms. Dickinson, PHCSE School Counselor will help find services and assistance within the school and if needed, the community. We cannot diagnose, treat or refer your child(ren) for treatment. The information would be provided to you so that you can make the choice(s) that best fit your needs and wishes. As the parent/guardian, you are an important part of the team. Confidentiality is held to the highest form within the SAP program. The team will respect your and your child(ren) privacy at all times.
● Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or activities
● Changing friends
● Feeling sad
● Talking about suicide
● Defying authority at home and/or school
● Acting aggressively
● Lying
● Declining grades
● Experimenting with alcohol or drugs Are you Concerned about Your
Child’s Reaction to…?
● Recent death of a loved one
● Divorce/separation of parents
● Family relocation
● A relationship problem
● Bullying
● Other traumatic events
● Homelessness
Anyone can refer a child to PHCSE SAP program. Some students are referred by teachers or other school staff. A family member can also refer a child to the SAP team. the PHCSE SAP team will gather information to determine how a student is doing within their classes. The PHCSE team, however, will not proceed unless the parent/guardian provides written permission. Once permission is received, the SAP team will review the information and determine a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. Participation in the SAP program is voluntary.
The PHCSE SAP team is made up of specifically trained staff and ad SAP Liaison If you have any questions about SAP or you feel your child may need help, please contact Ms. Nicole Dickinson, School Counselor and SAP Coordinator 412-793-6471 ext. 234 or nicole.dickinson@phcharter.org
September 1, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians:
In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship is attempting to identify all children within the school that may be experiencing homelessness.
The term homeless children and youth is defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason
- Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar setting
- Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, ect.)
Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance with free school lunch, school supplies/materials and transportation so that they can remain in the school of origin.
If you believe that your child(ren) may qualify for this service, please contact me at
412-793-6471 ext. 234.
If your living situation changes during the school year and you and your children become homeless, please be sure to contact the school. We will work with you so that your child(ren)’s education is disrupted as little as possible.
Sincerely,
Nicole Dickinson, MSW
School Counselor
Resources
Hello, my name is Wanisha Green and at PHCSE I am known as Ms. Green. I serve as the K-8 School Social Worker. My goal is to maintain a strong relationship with each student and family at PHCSE. As the School Social worker I am available to help your children as well as your family overcome any obstacles, barriers and adversities that may hinder academic or personal growth. I currently have over 10 years of experience in the Social Work/Social Services field. I enjoy advocating, empowering and being a voice for the voiceless. I strive to help our children succeed and reach their fullest potential. I look forward to many years to come here at PHCSE!
Hi! My name is Nicole Dickinson. I am in my eighth year at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship as the Social Worker & School Counselor. I work very closely with our 8 grade students to prepare them for their transition into 9 grade as well as coordinate our SAP program. As with many school counselors there are numerous other tasks that I am involved in!I attended Cabrini College & Rutgers University where I earned my Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in Social Work. After working in the Social Work field for approximately 15 years, I went back to school to obtain my School Counseling degree from Regent University. I have been working in the mental health/counseling field for a little over 20 years. I enjoy seeing the kids grow and develop and gain insight into their own personal lives.In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling any chance I get. I am also a huge sports fan and love to watch football, baseball and basketball. I would love to have the opportunity to work with other amazing school counselors within Allegheny County.