In early June, PCSI Executive Director Sarah Cook traveled to Washington, DC to meet with staff from the offices of Congresswoman Summer Lee, Congressman Chris Deluzio, Senator John Fetterman, and Senator David McCormick.
During these meetings, Sarah shared PCSI’s 2025 Annual Report and highlighted what PCSI sees every day in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County: families working hard while navigating rising food, utility, and housing costs.
She also emphasized the importance of the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which allows Community Action Agencies like PCSI to respond flexibly to local needs and connect individuals and families with essential support.
The conversations also centered on employment as a pathway to long-term stability. Sarah shared how PCSI supports customers in building job skills, preparing for employment, connecting with training opportunities, and taking steps toward greater financial stability.
In addition to sharing PCSI’s work, Sarah invited congressional staff to visit PCSI, learn more about the organization’s programs, and connect their constituents to PCSI’s services.
These conversations help ensure that the realities faced by the people PCSI serves are reflected in discussions about federal programs and funding. They also provide elected officials and their teams with a clearer understanding of the challenges families in our community experience every day.
PCSI appreciates the opportunity to share the experiences of our community and to advocate for the resources that help individuals and families build more stable futures.
