Neighbors helping neighbors.
Born in 1968 as South Hills Interfaith Ministries by, no kidding, a priest, a rabbi and a minister, SHIM has been providing food, clothing and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods ever since. Faced with unprecedented new levels of suburban poverty, SHIM is expanding our work to include more neighbors helping more neighbors in need.
Together, with teams of dedicated volunteers, donors and partners, we’re working to reduce the devastating effects of suburban poverty among the working poor, unemployed, families, single parents, senior citizens, women and the high concentration of refugee families in our service area.
SHIM Vision
An inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
SHIM Mission
SHIM mobilizes community resources and implements sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community.
SHIM Values
Equity and Inclusion
We believe that an individual’s background, situation, and life circumstances contribute to a vibrant community. We believe that all our neighbors should be treated with dignity and respect.
Building community
We believe that the community is stronger when it comes together. We take pride in facilitating connections between people who need help and those able to provide help, enriching the lives of all involved and cultivating a community of neighbors helping neighbors.
A Hand up, not a handout
We believe in addressing need holistically. We help people meet basic needs, and then leverage our comprehensive programs to help move people along their path to self-sufficiency.
Partnering for power
As the largest human services agency in the South Hills, our greatest strength is our ability to convene stakeholders, serve as an effective partner, identify needs, and coordinate resources to serve the community.
Our people are our priority
We believe that our employees, volunteers, and donors are our greatest resource. We strive to ensure that our staff and volunteers feel respected, well-cared for, and have proper access to self-care resources.
SHIM Leadership
James Guffey
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The smiling face and leader of our organization, Jim joined the SHIM team in 2008 as SHIM’s first Director of Development and Public Relations. Now the Executive Director, Jim is responsible for the day-to-day operation of all aspects of SHIM as well as working with the Board of Directors to facilitate the strategic direction of the organization. A graduate from Robert Morris University, Jim has 25 years of experience working for notable nonprofits, including the American Heart Association and United Way of Allegheny County (now United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania).
Courtney Macurak
Director of Programs
Responsible for the programmatic success of SHIM, Courtney ensures seamless team management and development, program delivery, quality control and evaluation. Dedicated to SHIM since an internship in 2002, Courtney is the organization’s Director of Programs. She has a masters degree in social work with a concentration in community organizing and social administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Andrew Baram
Director of Finance and Administration
Andrew joined SHIM in 2023. He manages the development and execution of all projects related to finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, IT, administration, and facilities. Andrew has 20+ years of corporate experience and received his Masters in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Penn State.
Seth Dubin
Director of Development and Communications
Seth joined the SHIM team in 2016. He has the privilege of engaging with our generous supporters in the community, connecting them to the work we do and enabling them to fulfill their philanthropic aspirations.
Seth has more than a decade of fundraising experience in arts organizations, public TV, but his heart lies in human services. Seth has a bachelors degree in German and sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Meet SHIM’s Board and Staff
SHIM’s distinguished board of directors is comprised of leaders and professionals in the Pittsburgh area who dedicate their talents and expertise to serve the South Hills community. Their active commitment and contribution to our programs have strengthened outreach efforts and provided new opportunities for growth.
Pace Markowitz, Chair
NOVA Chemicals
Alexandria Samuel, Vice Chair
PNC Bank
Linda Jones, Secretary
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Jason Savarese, Treasurer
Alcoa, Inc.
Dennis Astorino
DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design
Amela Burlovic
BNY Mellon
James Frantz
TEDCO Construction
Alex Mezhinsky
Deloitte
Kathy Lipecky
Partner4Work
Jennifer Nanz
NOVA Chemical
Dr. Kiran Patil
St. Clair Hospital
Jiwan Pradhan
Companion Care
Stacey Reibach
WTAE-TV Hearst Pittsburgh
Barbara Rosenberger
Event Planner/Consultant
Rev. Brian Snyder
Bower Hill Community Church
Robert Thumpston, Jr.
ABART Coca-Cola Beverage
Rob Wagner
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
Dr. Alan Yeasted
St. Clair Hospital
Cynthia Donahoe,
Recording Secretary
James Guffey
SHIM Executive Director
