TUDI Mechanical Gears Up for their Annual Heat for the Needy Program.  Things are heating up at TUDI Mechanical Systems. The company is sponsoring its 7th annual Heat for the Needy program and is currently seeking nominations for individuals or families who are in need of a new furnace but cannot afford the investment. To date, TUDI’s Heat for the Needy program has benefited over 100 local families.  This year, the Heat for the Needy awardee is relieved in knowing that her new furnace is not only reliable but energy efficient as well. Nomination letters will be received until December 23, 2005 and recipients will be notified on January 5th. A minimum of ten families will be chosen to receive new furnaces, which will be installed during TUDI’s One Day Miracle on January 21st.  For more information about the Heat for the Needy program, contact Leah Ohodnicki at (412) 771-4100 ext. 206 or leah.ohodnicki@tudi.com     Approximately sixty percent of the Southwestern Pennsylvania region's 1.5 million workers travel outside their resident municipality to work.  Commuting options are an integral part of life for the region’s employers and workers.  CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission that is dedicated to helping commuters in Southwestern Pennsylvania find alternatives to driving alone to work. The CommuteInfo program offers a wide range of free ride-sharing services to employees and employers within the region, such as a toll free phone number for information and referrals, telecommuting resources, vanpool/carpool rider matching, as well as transit/biking/walking resources.  If you would like additional information about CommuteInfo and commuter alternatives, please visit www.commuteinfo.org, or call toll free 1-888-819-6110.      Child Support…..Child Support by  Vernard Alexander Every Monday at the Reemployment Transition Center, a new group of “Non Custodial Parents” starts the “Job Readiness Program”. At the RTC we have many programs; City SPOC, County SPOC, Home Ownership Program and the Non Custodial Parent Program. Vern, what is a Non Custodial Parent? I am glad you asked! Click here to read more>> Ways to Work application now available online at www.fswp.org   Ways to Work provides low-interest car loans to working families with poor credit histories. Applicants must: 1) Live in Southwestern PA 2) Work at least 20 hours per week for the past 6 months 3) Be an involved parent or guardian for at least 1 child under the age of 18. 4) Have a valid Pennsylvania Drivers License 5) Meet income guidelines (see attached flyer) 80% of median income 6) Demonstrate the ability to make a small monthly payment Eligible applicants can borrow up to $4,000 for the purchase of a used car and $1000 for car repair. Loans are repayable over 24 months at an affordable interest rate. Ways to Work helps families solve transportation problems, build positive credit and take a step toward financial self-sufficiency.  For more information, contact Ways to Work Toll Free at 866-965-5929 x650 OR visit our website www.fswp.org to complete the online application!  Please feel free to distribute the attached flyer to educate your consumers about this valuable program. Finding Employment With Criminal Records by  Vernard Alexander Today many employers are doing background checks on potential employees. These checks can range from drivers, credit, character and criminal records. Criminal records are a major barrier to employment. It’s a catch 22 situation. The first step in finding employment with a criminal record is knowing what type of criminal record you have. Its very common for employers to do a background check in the state where the job will be located. For $10.00, you can apply for a copy of your criminal record with the Pennsylvania State Police...  Click here to continue article>>>

Biz Resources Info for business owners from services to loans     Health Resources Get info on different health & Fitness programs in the Pgh area for men & women. Financial Resources Find out how to get help with paying your gas bill and other utilities & how to get free money      Relocation Resources Help for those trying to relocate to the Pgh area. Housing Resources Housing assistance for the Pittsburgh region.   Whether going on a bus trip or volunteering for children.  You have to do something!