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During the month of March, 2025 the amazing team at DQE Communications graciously volunteered their time at our food pantry for every distribution day. We cannot express how grateful we are for organizations like DQE Communications and the support they provide so Brashear can continue to serve South Pittsburgh families. If you and/or your organization desire to volunteer at Brashear, please contact us at (412) 431-2236.
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PRESS RELEASES
Contact:
Andrea Matthews
The Brashear Association, Inc.
412-265-8903
amatthews@brashearassociation.org
THE BRASHEAR ASSOCIATION, INC. RECEIVES $250,000 GRANT
FOR THE CREATIVE AND ANALYTICAL PLAY SPACE
PITTSBURGH, February 13, 2025 – The Brashear Association, Inc. today announced the receipt of a $250,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to assist with construction of a Creative and Analytical Play Space (CAPS) in the Knoxville neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh.
The first of its kind in the South Pittsburgh Hilltop, Creative Analytical Play Space will support Brashear’s vision for providing much needed outdoor space, educational programming and safe passage to and from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Knoxville Branch.
The Brashear Association, Inc. has reimagined three vacant lots across Ibis Way from its Brashear CARES Center where it provides social services such as a community food pantry, after school youth programming, and employment assistance.
“Our goal is to turn vacant lots into usable safe spaces where learning abounds. With our partners at Neighborhood Allies and their social impact design program, we were able to engage the community and gain extensive feedback from our youth and seniors,” said Andrea M. Matthews, Executive Director, The Brashear Association, Inc.
The Hilltop CAPS will include a solar panel pavilion and stage area with real time energy displays, terraced amphitheater garden walls for seating, a spray jet fountain, metal rainwater collection sculptures with underground cisterns and hand pumps for watering planted flower beds.
Concrete walks and steps provide a roughly 1/8-mile exercise loop. Play features include embankment slides with climbing ropes and a climbing wall at the Tree House which will promote muscle activation. The Tree House will sit in the tree canopy and will offer outdoor classroom space for area youth from various Out of School Time (OST) programs, including the youth program currently offered by Brashear.
A traffic calming mural is planned to drape over the rear facade of the Brashear CARES Center building and flow onto the pavement between the building and the CAPS.
The Hilltop CAPS is anticipated to start construction later this summer, and open to the public early 2026.. The Brashear Association is still fundraising to enable this full Community Dream version of the project. Contact Andrea Matthews to learn how you can support this initiative.
About The Brashear Association, Inc.
The Brashear Association, Inc. is a 107-year-old social services nonprofit organization that provides South Pittsburgh residents with access to quality programs and services that help families address social, educational, health and economic challenges. Brashear envisions a South Pittsburgh where everyone thrives and reaches their full potential.
Contact:
Laura Lander, Marketing Director
Culinary Legado / Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant
Email: marketing@emilianospgh.com
Phone: 724-321-4398
Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant Launches “Pop-Up Around Pittsburgh”
to Celebrate Community, Cuisine, and Charity
PITTSBURGH, PA – May 2025 – Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant is launching “Pop-Up Around Pittsburgh,” a city-wide culinary initiative that blends vibrant food experiences with powerful community impact. Running from June through October 2025, this new series will feature neighborhood-focused pop-ups highlighting local businesses and charitable partnerships across all Emiliano’s locations.
Emiliano’s will be raising money for leading charitable organizations like the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Crisis Center North, The Brashear Association, Bethel Park Community Foundation, Glimmer of Hope, and more, through its Pop-Up Around Pittsburgh event. Five creative cocktails will be available across each location with proceeds going to a unique charity each month during the campaign.
“This campaign is our love letter to Pittsburgh,” said Laura Lander, marketing director of Emiliano’s. “We’re connecting our food with the community—not just to serve tacos, but to serve our neighborhoods, uplift local charities, and build meaningful partnerships in every corner of the city.”
Since 2007, Emiliano’s has been more than a restaurant—it’s been a committed partner to schools, small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Pittsburgh region. With successful programs like “Benefit Days” and annual charity activities during Cinco de Mayo, Emiliano’s has funneled thousands in donations back into the community.
Now, “Pop-Up Around Pittsburgh” will expand that impact, offering:
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A rotating pop-up experience across Emiliano’s locations and partner venues.
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Weekly charity highlights, with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit each month.
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Promotional seasonal menus inspired by the family traditions Emiliano’s hold true to.
A New Chapter, A Renewed Commitment
In becoming a woman-owned business in 2025, Emiliano’s enters a new era—one that prioritizes inclusive leadership, grassroots connections, and bold, creative community outreach.
“2025 marks our most exciting chapter yet,” said Laura Lander, marketing director. “We’re not just growing a business—we’re growing roots in the neighborhoods that have become part of our family, and inspiring Pittsburgh to give back.”
Media & Partnership Opportunities
Emiliano’s invites media outlets, local charities, and community organizations to get involved. Whether through coverage, participation in pop-up events, or charitable collaboration, the team is committed to creating a campaign that’s as impactful as it is delicious.
For press inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Laura Lander
Marketing Director
Email: marketing@emilianospgh.com
About Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant
Founded in 2007, Emiliano’s is a Pittsburgh-based restaurant group known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to community involvement. Now under woman-owned leadership, Emiliano’s continues to innovate with purpose—serving great food and even greater causes.
