The ability to provide consistent support to children in the community is a top priority for the Triboro Ecodistrict, closely tied to promoting equity and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Since October, both the Millvale Community Library (MCL) and Sharpsburg Community Library (SCL) have benefited from the work of Rebecca Kaye, a social work fellow and senior at the University of Pittsburgh. She was placed at these libraries through the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) for her practicum field placement. Kaye described both communities as “amazing” and said she has been welcomed into each with open arms. However, she has found a greater need for her services in Millvale.
“At Sharpsburg [Community Library] they have an art director who organizes programming for kids and teens, and right now Millvale is in the process of applying for a grant in order to hire [a Youth Services Staff person] at MCL,” Kaye said.
At MCL, Kaye leads two youth development programs. In the first, she collaborates with an officer from the Millvale Police Department, the local magistrate, and students who have received a misdemeanor or are experiencing difficulties at school. Prior to Kaye’s involvement, these students were required to complete community service hours by picking up trash around the borough.
“That’s great for the community, but developmentally it’s not doing anything for the student except enforcing a harsh punishment, and there is a component of embarrassment which isn’t necessary,” Kaye said. “Instead of picking up trash, they’ll come in weekly and work on different self-growth activities with me including writing reflection papers.”
She said there is some cognitive behavioral therapy involved and discussions around how emotions can impact behavior, and remembering to stop and think before reacting. Kaye said both the magistrate and the officer have provided positive feedback on the program.
In the second program Kaye is the co-facilitator for Nina Hotkowski, a licensed clinical social worker in Millvale who facilitates a coping skills group, which focuses on how to deal with stress and talking about mindfulness practices.
One day, Kaye hopes to become a family and child therapist, and she has been learning a lot during her time at MCL and SCL through the relationships that she’s built with the kids. Many of them have been through traumatic experiences, but “they’re not going to say that” and explain what they’ve been through. That kind of openness comes with trust that develops over time.
“Social work is a profession of showing up and being able to help people when they feel no one understands what they’re going through,” Kaye said. “Cultivating meaningful relationships is my top priority, because most people just need someone who will listen. It is about guidance and support and being that resource for them; I think that’s very special and important, and it means a lot to me.”
Anyone from Millvale, Etna, or Sharpsburg is welcome to visit Kaye at the Millvale Community Library on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays from 1-5 p.m. She is accepting scheduled and walk-in appointments for general assistance, referrals, and support. If you’d like to get in touch with Kaye and learn more, call MCL or send an email to kayer@einetwork.net.
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