2020

NEW Report on the Criminalization of Black girls and students with disabilities in schools

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FISA Foundation's grantee and partner, Gwen’s Girls, and the Black Girls Equity Alliance released a new report: Disrupting the Pathways to Juvenile Justice report.  Local data presents a stark picture of the ways Black youth and students of color with disabilities are disproportionately arrested and cited at school, often for minor offenses. Read More >

Black Women’s Policy Agenda Launches Survey and Virtual Listening Sessions to Elevate Concerns and Challenges During Double Crisis of COVID-19 and Anti-Black Violence

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Black Women's Policy Agenda logo. Tagline: Equity, Justice, Reform

The Black Women’s Policy Agenda (BWPA) launched listening sessions today to determine what impact the double crisis of COVID-19 and anti-Black violence is having on Black women in the Pittsburgh region. The goal is to check in on the social, emotional and financial health of Black women during these turbulent … Read More >

New Research on the Impact of COVID-19 on Girls

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Girls + COVID research brief; 79% of girls report that they feel more lonely or isolated than before COVID

One of FISA Foundation’s grantees, Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) focuses on creating generations of confident girls who are in control of their own relationships, experiences, decisions and futures. Recently, ROX released data from a national survey of 5th-12th grade girls: Findings from 1,273 U.S. Girls on School, Technology, Relationships … Read More >

FISA grantee, ACLU of PA publishes: Researching the Impact of School Policing

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FISA Foundation has been funding the ACLU of PA, in conjunction with the Black Girls Equity Alliance, to address the disproportionate negative consequences of school policing on Black girls and Black youth with disabilities. ACLU published this report: Research on School Policing by Aaron Kupchik, July 2020 It begins: Following … Read More >

Pittsburgh and Allegheny Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

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logo for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County celebration of 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which graphically incorporates icons representing various types of accessibility

The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a series of virtual events recognizing the landmark law that has transformed lives by removing barriers to civic participation, housing, transportation, employment, arts and recreation, education and much more. The goals … Read More >

FISA Foundation invites letters of inquiry for programs and services to improve the lives of people with disabilities

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionate negative consequences for people with disabilities. In an effort to be responsive to these changing needs, FISA Foundation is issuing an open call for letters of inquiry for projects and services to advance the rights and address the needs of people with disabilities in a ten-county area of southwestern Pennsylvania. There are two deadlines to apply: July 27, 2020 and again in February 2021. Average grant size will be under $25,000. Read More >

FISA Foundation invests in Black women leading change, help for victims of domestic violence, and essential services to people with disabilities during COVID-19

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Building upon its decades’ long commitment to social justice for women, girls and people with disabilities, FISA Foundation’s Board of Directors approved more than $250,000 in grants since April to advance gender-specific racial justice advocacy initiatives and for COVID-19 relief efforts focused on vulnerable groups including people with disabilities and … Read More >

FISA supports Black Girls Equity Alliance demand: Make Black Lives Matter in Schools

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screenshot of Black Lives Matter In Schools Webinar, showing Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen's Girls

Gwen’s Girls, a grantee and partner of FISA Foundation, offers holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences for Black girls and young women. For the last five years, CEO Kathi Elliott has convened and organized the Black Girls Equity Alliance, a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to addressing the systemic … Read More >

FISA Foundation statement of solidarity with anti-racism protests

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In recent weeks, we’ve collectively witnessed the senseless killings of George Floyd (over a disputed $20 bill) and Ahmaud Arbery (jogging in broad daylight) and learned about the murder of Breonna Taylor (in her own apartment).  Since the first viral video of police in Los Angeles beating Rodney King in … Read More >

With surge in domestic violence during pandemic, SWPA Says No More calls on community to seek help for victims

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Worried about a loved one who is trapped at home with their abusive parnter? Call us. Women's Center & Shelter 412-687-8005

“Stress does not cause domestic violence. But when someone is already controlling their partner, added stress – like losing a job or worrying about bills – can escalate emotional or verbal abuse into physical and sexual violence,” says Kristy Trautmann, executive director of FISA Foundation. If you’re worried that someone is unsafe, you can call a local hotline for help and advice about what you can do safely to help. It’s important to consult with experts to develop a plan that won’t make the situation worse. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. For a full listing of agencies serving the 10-county area, visit:  https://southwestpasaysnomore.org/help/. Read More >