Forbes Funds first executive-in-residence guides nonprofits looking for direction

(By Joyce Gannon / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

The Great Recession sent more people to food pantries and forced many who had never before known economic hardship to seek assistance in the form of second-hand winter coats or help paying their utility bills.

To meet the surge in demand for such services after the economy soured in 2007, South Hills Interfaith Ministries expanded its program offerings and quadrupled its revenue base — from $320,000 to $1.3 million for the current fiscal year.

Now the Bethel Park nonprofit — which runs two food pantries and provides programs including financial education workshops, clothing drives and activities for refugee families — is evaluating whether to expand its physical space and exploring whether to launch a major capital campaign.

“A wrong decision could really set the organization back,” said Jim Guffey, executive director. “We want to make sure whatever decisions we make will be sustainable.”

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