Pittsburgh Community Services Inc.
Kenneth Stubbs

He served our country in the U.S. Army. He had proven his commitment and dedication to people. But one day, Kenneth Stubbs found himself in the midst of a downward spiral that had included substance abuse. And although he wanted to again be a contributing member of society, he could find no way out.

Homeless, out of work and out of food, Kenneth was handed a brochure that offered him a chance. In March 2003, he walked into the Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. (PCSI) Community Action Center looking for that opportunity – brochure in hand.

Kenneth came to enroll in PCSI’s Critical Call Training Program, which is a free program to disadvantaged Pittsburgh residents who want to improve their computer skills and train for employment.

Determined to become self-sufficient, Kenneth wanted to upgrade his knowledge and skills, focusing on computer training and other skills that would translate well in the job market. While participating in the Call Training Program, he attended classes without absenteeism and was never even tardy. Kenneth often served as a classroom aide during the classes, assisting the instructors with the equipment setup and retrieval.

He achieved his goal of completing the Critical Call Training Program, earning a certificate as part of the joint collaborative sponsored by PCSI and Allegheny Community College. He now hopes to translate his experience as a volunteer classroom aide into a full-time job.

Diagnosed with a lung disorder and hypertension, Kenneth also was able to get off of the streets and into a healthier living environment by volunteering for and moving into the Light of Light Shelter. There, he assisted with laundry and cooking duties on a regular basis and also was able to earn a culinary certificate from the Connelly School.

When Kenneth began to receive temporary job placements through Labor Ready, transportation became a real issue. But PCSI and the Community Action Center where there to lend a hand with bus tickets. He is currently employed through a temporary placement agency and is regularly assigned to work at PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirate games.

Not simply relying on the bus for transportation, he is a firm believer in the shoe leather express walking miles to check on job opportunities and volunteer in the community. It’s that perseverance that sets him apart from others.

Kenneth walks to the library daily to check e-mails and the status of his job applications on the Carnegie Library System job search program and stops by PCSI at least twice a week to check to Community Action Job Readiness list. He also provides landscaping assistance for the elderly by planting flowers and cleaning yards.

Kenneth was able to move out of the shelter and in with his brother and sister-in-law. He has developed aspirations and plans for a more stable future and is taking the steps necessary to achieve that.

He also is now able to visit his grandchildren, encouraging their growth and development, improving his self-esteem and augmenting special family bonds. Kenneth even finds himself helping them with their educational and employment efforts.

“Kenneth would not be in good physical health if he had not obtained services from PCSI,” said Dr. Ruth Parson, the one who handed Kenneth the initial brochure. “He would still be homeless with a very low self concept. Kenneth has increased his self-esteem and is looking forward to enjoying self-sufficiency.”

Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. addresses the causes of poverty and strives to diminish its effects by empowering low-income resident of Pittsburgh to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.