Wishart Award

The Wishart Award is made to a local nonprofit human service or community development organization that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in management and governance.

Selection Criteria

The award is presented bi-annually to an organization that has consistently demonstrated:

  • leadership among the staff and board of directors,
  • use of information and objective analysis in planning and programming,
  • a commitment to excellence in human resource management,
  • continuous improvement of service delivery processes,
  • measurement and monitoring of outcomes,
  • a commitment to consumer satisfaction,
  • openness to collaborative efforts with other organizations, and
  • accountability to the public trust.

Most Recent Recipient: North Hills Community Outreach

May 12, 2011

North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) is an interfaith organization that addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty. They envision northern Allegheny County as a sharing community where no one is cold, hungry or alone. Their values are:

  • Faith: Recognizing the love of God for everyone
  • Compassion: Treating all individuals with dignity, understanding and caring
  • Empowerment: Fostering self-sufficiency and improved quality of life
  • Stewardship: Managing our resources in a trustworthy and responsible manner for the good of the community

In 1986, when flooding ravaged portions of the North Hills, local religious and community leaders began working together to assist flood victims, directing the resources offered by congregations, businesses, civic organizations and individuals to best meet the needs of affected families. As a result, NHCO was incorporated in 1987 as an organization of People Helping People. Persons served include those who are hungry, homeless or facing eviction; those without adequate clothing, heat, light, or medical care; persons with disabilities; and those who have experienced natural disasters, such as fire or flood. Crisis can also be caused by illness, divorce, aging, death of a loved one, loss of a job, and addiction. NHCO accomplishes their mission through their growing number of donors, a dedicated staff and more than 1,200 volunteers.

NHCO provides services with a maximum of compassion and a minimum of red tape and serves as a "one-stop-shop" for those in need. Services include: two food pantries, emergency financial assistance, utility help, employment services, Family Savings Accounts, Community Auto low-income vehicle ownership program, an organic community garden, and many more.

Previous Honorees(starting with most recent)

  • Pace School
  • Family Services of Western PA
  • Auberle
  • Bethlehem Haven
  • Human Services Center Corporation
  • ACTION-Housing, Inc.
  • The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
  • The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank