Casa Brasil
5904 Bryant St
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Delivery: Order delivery in GRUBHUB
Website: https://www.casa-brasil.com/
Telephone Number: 412-404-7573

Round Corner Cantina (Mexican)
3720 Butler St
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
Email: hola@cantinapgh.com
Website: http://roundcornercantina.com/
Delivery: Order delivery in GRUBHUB

Tango Truck (only Empanadas)
Needs two days to prepare the orders.
Email: TangoFoodTruck@gmail.com 
Telephone Number:  412-641-0110

The Colombian Spot
2019 E Carson st
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
Delivery: Yes (Order delivery in GRUBHUB)
Website: https://www.thecolombianspot-pgh.com/
Telephone Number: 412-381-9000

STUDENT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND IS NOW AVAILABLE 

The Student Emergency Assistance Fund is a joint venture led by the Office of the Provost, Office of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement, Student Government Board, the Graduate & Professional Student Government, and the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. The health and safety of our Pitt community, particularly our students, is paramount. The fund, to be administered at the direction of the Provost, will be used to provide financial support for degree-seeking students of the University of Pittsburgh with unanticipated and insurmountable expenses related to emergency situations that may result in students facing financial hardship. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may apply for funds when they experience a financial barrier based on an emergency situation, and when they have exhausted all other available resources.

Expenses Covered by the Fund

Examples of emergency expenses to be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Medical necessities
• Food insecurity
• Unexpected transportation and travel expenses
• Overdue utility bills reaching a turn-off notice
• Homelessness, sudden loss of housing, or imminent eviction
• Loss of childcare
• Academic supplies and technology repair or support
• Up to $600 may be requested

Expenses Not Covered by the Fund

• Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
• Non-essential personal bills such as: current utility, credit card, cable, cell phone, etc.
• Parking tickets, library fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred
• Funds for the replacement of lost or stolen items
• Rent payments are not covered by the fund unless a one-time payment will delay or halt an eviction.

Hold on Eviction

Students who live off-campus should be aware of their Tenants’ Rights. In addition, the Attorney General of Pennsylvania has recently issued an order that evictions cannot take place at this time. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered courts closed to eviction proceedings due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The Court’s order is applicable to all Pennsylvania property owners, managers, landlords, as well as mortgage brokers and lenders.

Eligibility Requirements

Any Pitt student may apply for emergency funds. Each applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate financial hardship
• Experience an emergency, accident, illness, or other unforeseen event among the “covered” examples above
• Be currently enrolled as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking student

Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit a justification and supporting documentation as the situation allows. Examples of supporting documentation include but are not limited to:

• Eviction notice
• Utility bills indicating shut-off notice
• Medical bills

 
Students with non-emergent financial hardships that do not qualify for the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, including student account balances, are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid directly to discuss their situation and talk about possible aid options.
 

Application Process

Students in need of emergency financial assistance are encouraged to submit the application. Questions may be directed to emergencyfund@pitt.edu.
 
Completed applications are reviewed by members of the Student Emergency Assistance Fund Advisory Committee that includes representatives from Student Affairs and the Office of Financial Aid. A member of the committee will respond to emergency application submissions within 72 hours or three business days.
 
The maximum emergency aid allocation to a student will be $600. Payment will be distributed as soon as possible consistent with University policies and procedures. Each application is carefully reviewed to ensure all other financial aid resources are maximized first.
 
Students should set up direct deposit in PittPAY

How Do I Sign Up for Direct Deposit (eRefunds)?

1. Log onto PittPAY from the Student PittPay Login at payments.pitt.edu.
2. Select the eRefund tab.
3. Enter your bank routing and account information
4. Once you save the information, you will receive a confirmation email from PittPAY.

Students should be aware that emergency funding may create a taxable event that could require reporting to the IRS by the recipient.

Submit the application here

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher called upon the University to acknowledge our role in the response during this time of great challenge… Join us in Pitt’s Pandemic Service Initiative: expanding staff, faculty, and student service; contributing to drives and collections; and forging innovative partnerships. We are rolling up our sleeves.
 

PANDEMIC RESPONSE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

As part of the Pitt Pandemic Service Initiative, faculty, staff, and students are coming together to meet critical community needs. You can make a difference with even just a small amount of time. Priority needs identified by community partners include care and connection calls and IT support.

Student Service

Faculty/Staff Service 

Drives and Collections

We’re committed to being a University of the community. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pitt students, faculty, and staff are volunteering to provide technology support, well-checks, and a host of other forms of support. 

For community members, this means access to resources and information. 

RESOURCES & SUPPORT »  
 SHARE WAYS PITT CAN VOLUNTEER »

412 FOOD RESCUE

BUS STOP FOOD DISTRIBUTION!

https://412foodrescue.org/

This upcoming week is spring break for public schools. 

To complement food distributions at Pittsburgh Public Schools, organizations have come together to distribute food at BUS STOPS in West Pittsburgh, the Hilltop, and the Hill District/East from 11AM-1PM on Monday, April 6th, Wednesday, April 8th, and Friday, April 10th. ROUTES BELOW.

We will be distributing free grab-and-go meals at each bus stop to help meet the needs of students and families.

A few asks!
 PLEASE SHARE: Please share these routes and info with your networks to make sure we reach children and families in need.

 PLEASE VOLUNTEER: We need volunteers at the bus stops to help distribute food safely and ensure good physical distancing. Please EMAIL JGEISER@LATINOCOMMUNITYCENTER.ORG. All volunteers MUST wear a mask. Gloves will be available and all physical distancing practices will be enforced.

THANK YOU:
A Plus Schools
Latino Community Center - Pittsburgh
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Circles Greater Pittsburgh
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh
Construction Junction
The Salvation Army of Western PA
PNC
The Best Of The Batch Foundation
Eat'n Park
PA 2-1-1 Southwest
City of Pittsburgh - Office of the Mayor

#weareinthistogether

• Disaster Loan Assistance Information (U.S. Small Business Administration)
  • Disaster Loan Assistance Online Application (U.S. SBA)
    • NOTE: The SBA directs the use of Internet Explorer (or Microsoft Edge) to complete the online application
  • Disaster Loan Assistance Application (U.S. SBA)
    • NOTE: SBA Disaster Declaration has been approved for PA. Businesses in PA can now apply for the federal assistance.
• Disaster Assistance in Response to Coronavirus (U.S. SBA)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (U.S. SBA)
• COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development)
• Cardin, Bipartisan Senate Task Force Secure $377 Billion for Small Businesses (U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship)
• URA Announces Additional Steps to Help Mitigate Potential Ramifications of COVID-19 to Small Business Community [PDF] (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh)
• Coronavirus Bridge Loan program (Hebrew Free Loan Association Pittsburgh)
• Facebook Small Business Grants Program
• Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loans (DVI Funding)
• General Assembly Agrees to Transfer $61 Million From CFA To Small Business Loan Program (Commonwealth of PA)
• URA Loans (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh)
• Economic Development (Allegheny County Economic Development)
• Regional Development Funding Corporation
• Progress Fund
• Fay-Penn Loan Programs (Fay-Pen Economic Development Council)
• Northside Community Development Fund
• Washington County Council on Economic Development
• Greene County Economic Development
• Lawrence County Economic Development
• Butler County Economic Development
• SPC Financing Programs (Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission)
• Financial Programs (Catalyst Connection)
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Having a low-interest rate at the moment, the first advice is to talk to your bank. Keep the communication open. 
  • As of April 3, banks will unveil the PPP loan applications for a credit loan that is coming as part of the stimulus package. At least find out now the documentation requirements the banks will require to apply for the PPP loan. Start there.
• SBA Federal Gov, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Funding goes from the SBA directly to Companies. No banks.
  • **INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS (i.e. cleaning, constructions, restaurant, hairstylists) ARE ELIGIBLE 
  • • Requirements:
      • Need to have a credit score of equal or more than 600
      • If your tax returns have no personal signature because your accountant did them online, print the tax return, sign and date, then upload.
      • Make sure your tax returns have the exact person name spell out and it is the same copy you sent to the IRS. The reason is that SBA will match what you sent them and compare them with your taxes at the IRS.
    • Then as you apply online, print the forms, fill them out and get all the documentation ready. The SBA system is sometimes overloaded and won’t accept uploads. Then, you can email them or send them by regular mail.
    • Use Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, but not Google Chrome to access the SBA site.
    • For loans less than $25,000, no collateral needed, no business plan and no fees. It works like a credit card.
    • Max amount will be $2 million.
    • The first $10,000 will be considered a grant. Make sure you check the box on the application.
    • The interest rate is 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for non profits.
    • The payment term is 30 years and loan payments will start in 2021.
    • The loan amount is determined by SBA based on your business gross margins taken out of your tax returns. Calculate your loan request on what your business needs for the next 6 months financial need into the future.
    • Also, even if you are approved for the loan, you can opt to wait to use the loan, for later.
    • If you are a one-person worker, (and not an employee, but a contractor), you are considered a “Sole Proprietorship” and you can also apply for the SBA EIDL Loan
    • Use Internet Explorer or Edge, but not Google Chrome when applying online.
    • Covered Expenses:
      • Fixed debts (rent, etc.)
        • Some bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred
        • Accounts payable
        • Payroll
    • If having technical issues with the SBA Disaster Loan Application, print all the forms, fill them out, sign and date and mail the documents. Don’t forget to include the company financial information.  Here is the customer service info.  (Make sure you have your loan number, which is assigned in the portal.)
      • For help, you can reach out to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1- (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
      • The SBA Pittsburgh District Office at wpainfo@sba.gov .
• Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers Webpage with SBA Loan info. http://pasbdc.org/services/continuity/disruption-recovery
• Huntington Bank. New programs to help small businesses.
  • www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherThomasSBA
  • https://www.huntington.com/coronavirus
• Hebrew Free Loan Association – Up to $5000 at 0% interest
• Kiva loans up to $10,000 at 0% interest. Contact the Riverside Center for Innovation
• PA DCED – State Resource
• URA – City of Pittsburgh Loans – up to $15,000 at 0% interest
• Honeycomb Credit.
  • Loans up to $50,000.  The loans will have a 45-day payment free period and a 3.75% interest rate on the first 6 months, followed by a three-year fully-amortizing loan at 5 or 7.5%. As always, Honeycomb loans have no prepayment penalties.  This is an opportunity for small businesses to raise working capital in less than 30 days
• Bridgeway Capital. Any amount.

Business Links

• UPDATED Industry Operation Guidance 3.21.2020 (Office of the Governor)
• Governor Wolf Closure Order 3.19.2020 (Office of the Governor)
• Secretary Levine Closure Order 3.19.2020 (Department of Health)
• Detailed List of Life-sustaining and Non-life-sustaining businesses
  • Exemption Request: RA-dcexemption@pa.gov
  • Questions regarding mandatory closure: RA-dcedcs@pa.gov
• Closure Press Release
• Disruption Recovery Resources (PA Small Business Development Centers)
• COVID-19 Business Resources (PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development)
• Business Resources for Coronavirus (PA Chamber)
• Quick Guide: Small Business Disaster Recovery [PDF] (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• UPDATED Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19 (PA Dept. of Labor & Industry)
• COVID-19 and Employer Unemployment Compensation FAQs (PA Dept. of Labor & Industry)
• How to file for unemployment (Office of Unemployment Compensation)
• COVID-19 Security Resource Library (National Cyber Security Alliance)
• Business Continuity Planner (DisasterSafety.org)
• COVID-19 Guidance (Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA))

We invite submissions to the conference “Contemporary Developments on Media, Culture and Society: Argentina and Latin America.” The conference, organized by The Center for the Study of Media and Society in Argentina (MESO), will take place on August 27 and 28 2020, at Universidad de San Andrés in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This will be the sixth annual conference organized by MESO on the interactions between media, culture and society. For more information about previous events, please visit our website. This sixth annual conference is sponsored by the Center for Global Culture and Communication at Northwestern University.

Submissions should contribute to ongoing conversations about media, culture, and society in empirical, theoretical or methodological ways. They might also broaden our knowledge about the relationship between media, culture, and society at the national and regional level. Articles may refer to different aspects of communication, media, and cultural goods and services in the areas of journalism, entertainment -cinema, theater, television, music, etc. - advertising and marketing, public relations, social media, and video games, among others.

Topics to be addressed include the following, among others:

• Transformations in content production.
• Change in the use of media.
• Innovation and technological change.
• Media sustainability and funding.
• Gender, race, ethnicity, and identity.
• State, government and civil society.
• Regulation and public policies.
• Political communication and electoral campaigns.
• Production, distribution and consumption of information on social media.

To make a submission:

• Submit an extended abstract of the article, with a maximum length of 500 words (excluding title and references).
• Detail contact information, a brief (no more than 75 words) biography of each author and provide institutional affiliation and position.
• The deadline for submission is April 30, 2020. Scholars should provide the extended abstract via submission form: https://forms.gle/mRa6SygdtaFLZF2E9

A selection committee will evaluate the abstracts and the results will be notified to the authors on May 31, 2020.

Please write to mediosysociedad@udesa.edu.ar if you have any questions and/or need any further information.

Pennsylvania Court Interpreter Program

Court interpreters are a vital tool in fulfilling the Judiciary's obligation to guarantee the rights of persons with limited English proficiency and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

"Due process is a core value of the American judicial system, ensuring that every litigant and criminal defendant receives a fair hearing that is based on the merits of his or her case and presided over by an impartial judge. No one should be put at a disadvantage in court by reason of race, ethnicity, or gender. The basic fairness of the Pennsylvania court system is jeopardized if litigants with limited English proficiency (LEP) are unable to have access to competent interpreters and other language assistance."

- Final Report of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System, March 2003

Become an Interpreter

The Interpreter Certification Program was established to provide trained and qualified interpreters for the courts of Pennsylvania. A statewide roster of qualified and certified interpreters helps each judicial district implement effective interpreter services. The program works with judges, administrators and the legal community to promote awareness of interpreter issues including training, testing, skills and the role of interpreters. For an overview of the need, requirements and qualifications, download the Become an Interpreter brochure. To learn more about the necessary qualifications to become a court interpreter, take the Self-Assessment Quiz, and read about the required Knowledge and Skills court interpreters must have. If you would like to become an interpreter, register for the Interpreter Certification Program.

Orientation Workshops

All candidates are required to attend a two-day orientation workshop sponsored by the Interpreter Certification Program. 

The interpreter program will be holding their next orientation workshop in Pittsburgh on May 2-3.

Workshops are offered in locations throughout the state. Dates and locations are posted on the interpreter program calendar as they are scheduled. 

Topics covered in the workshop include interpreting as a profession, the state's judicial system, ethics and professional development, interpreting skills and modes of interpretation. Candidates receive training materials, information about resources, legal glossaries and study tips for the written and oral examinations.

Workshops are taught by federal and RID certified interpreters who have legal interpreting experience. Candidates must attend both sessions to meet certification requirements. Sessions start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. each day and are limited to a maximum of 50 attendees.

Registration

To register for the orientation workshop, print, complete and mail the orientation registration form to the address at the bottom of the form. Since places are limited, it is important for candidates to submit registration forms as early as possible. The Interpreter Certification Program tries to accommodate candidates' date preference in the order forms are received. 

The cost of the workshop is $150 for state residents and $175 for non-residents. Registrations must be accompanied by full payment. Payment can be made by money order or personal check written to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Registration and payment must be received by 5 p.m. on the registration deadline listed as the first choice. A $25 fee is assessed for all returned checks. Registrations canceled before the confirmation letter is mailed are entitled to receive a full refund. Candidates who fail to attend the workshop will not receive a refund.

Download the orientation registration form.

Attendance

Once forms and payments are received, candidates are sent a confirmation email. Once registration closes, candidates receive a confirmation letter with the location of their orientation site, directions and any other relevant information. All arrangements are made at the candidate's expense. You must bring your confirmation letter and a valid government issued photo ID on the first day of the workshop.

The Institute of Reading Development offers summer reading skills programs in partnership with the continuing education departments of more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide. Since 1970, the Institute’s teachers have helped over 3 million students master valuable reading skills and develop a lifelong love of reading.  Programs designed by the Institute give students the right skills, books, and experiences that result in greater success in school and beyond.

We are currently hiring hard-working, encouraging people with a passion for reading to teach our summer programs. As an Institute teacher you will:

• Earn up to $8,000 in one summer. Our full-time teachers typically earn $550-$700 per week.
• Improve your teaching skills and confidence during our comprehensive, paid training program.
• Gain over 400 hours of classroom teaching experience with a variety of age groups from 4-year-olds to adults.
• Help your students become successful readers with a love of great books.

Successful Institute Teachers:

• Have strong reading skills and read for pleasure
• Are responsible and hard-working, with good communication and organizational skills
• Will be patient and supportive with students

Learn more about teaching for us and apply today: Summer Teaching Jobs

1. Bachelor’s Degree in social service, education or related field (Master’s Degree a plus), and/or 3 years of experience with immigrant services, service coordination or other social services.
2. Alert to cross-cultural differences in dealing with foreign-born clients, able to behave in a culturally sensitive manner, and to respond appropriately to the cultural characteristics of the clients.
3. Excellent team player with organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
4. Be a practicing Catholic with familiarity with Catholic theology and social teachings.
5. Fluent or near fluent reading, writing, and speaking in English and Spanish. Experience in translation-interpretation is preferred.
6. Strict adherence to confidentiality and ability to pass a background check.
7. Flexible schedule for some evening and weekend hours. Car required.

1. Screen/meet with clients to determine and assess gaps in service, English proficiency level, medical needs, social service and other needs, provide referrals, and track progress on a regular basis.
2. Develop individual plans that aim to build competence in accessing services independently.
3. Coordinate services and referrals with partner agencies, County human service providers, schools, healthcare and government entities, etc.
4. Interpret in person or by phone to connect immigrants with services.
5. Collect and record client data, producing measurable outcomes, as appropriate.
6. Write case notes for all activities on behalf of clients, including any telephone communications.
7. Perform Exit interviews during last quarter to determine successes and future plans.
8. Serve as cultural liaison, informing internal and external providers on culture, norms and customs, and orienting immigrants to American systems, customs and culture.
9. Practice cultural sensitivity while engaging with professional partners, communities, and clients.
10. Recruit, train, and manage a team of volunteers to support the ministry and outreach.
11. Liaise with an ESL Coordinator and office staff to ensure room requests, schedule, announcements, and other ESL needs for clients needing English class referrals.
12. Attend any meetings required by supervisor.
13. Manage social media communications with Latino community.