In The Community
JB and Deborah actively support the House of Manna and Homewood Renaissance Association, non-profit organizations dedicated to providing job training, jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, business growth, and profit for Homewood-based businesses and restoration and beautification of Homewood and the surrounding environs. These organizations are led by Reverend Eugene "Freedom" Blackwell and his wife Dina "Free" Blackwell, longtime residents of Homewood.
Deb and JB support Animal Friends, a non-profit, companion animal resource center servicing the needs of pets and people and making connections for a happy and healthy life. Deborah was a long-time Board Member of Animal Friends and estimates she fostered more than forty dogs and cats over several years. They sponsor the annual fundraising event - Black Tie & Tails - which is always fun and an event not to miss.
Deb and JB are actively involved with the Northway Christian Community, a multi-site, inter-denominational church currently with campuses in five locations around greater Pittsburgh, with more to come. Deborah is active in the music ministry as a keyboard player and singer. JB is active in facilitating several small groups and Bible studies. They can routinely be seen service as greeters and ushers at the Wexford campus and the East End campus.
As a couple, they actively support the Northway Counseling Services, led by Mr. Marc "Hutch" Hutchinson. Northway Counseling Services has its principal offices located in Wexford, and satellite offices at each of the Northway Christian Community campuses. Deborah and JB have benefited individually and corporately from the outstanding support and counseling offered by the Northway Counseling Services.
Northway Christian Community has services on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings to enable a community of people of all ages and faith backgrounds to come together to follow Christ. The people in this community support each other through small groups and various ministries. Weekend services include live music by a terrific band, inspirational and sometimes humorous videos, and biblical teachings that are relevant to our everyday lives.
One of the support ministries available at Northway is called Marriage Matters. This multi-week program is lead by an exceptional pastor/therapist and small group leaders and is designed to help engaged and married couples to communicate lovingly. The program provides hope for growth, tools for growth, and an environment for growth and to forgive transgressions. JB and Deb have not only participated in the program, but are supporting the expansion of the program to programs for singles, divorcees, and for the workplace. They highly recommend participation for engaged couples and for people not ready to divorce.
For the person considering initiating or currently going through a divorce, there is an outstanding program called DivorceCare that is sponsored by many of the churches throughout the county. The program of 10 weekly seminars includes videos and group support to help those individuals experiencing the pain of the divorce process. Samples of the videos and a more detailed explanation of the program can be viewed at www.divorcecare.com. You can also find a local group through this site.