Wilkinsburg Education & Arts Nonprofit Celebrates One Year

For Makelle Terry, a senior Wilkinsburg High School student, F.U.S.E. means opportunity.

“It's a place to relax, get help on homework, get some working experience and to be mentored by the volunteers that take their time to embark on this mission in place for us,” he said. “I feel like we can go to infinity and beyond there because so many people with the careers we are striving for are there and available with the answer to our questions. It's kind of a blessing, really.”

The Wilkinsburg-based nonprofit now celebrates its first full year of after-school services to students within the school district with its second fundraiser, to be held at the Godley-Fisher residence at 1348 Denniston Ave., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 4. Ticket prices start at $25 and can be purchased on Showclix via credit card.  Tickets can also be purchased, and donations received, on the evening of the event. 

F.U.S.E.—which stands for Fostering Skills for Urban kids through Social-emotional & literacy Education—already has made great strides as a successful after-school program for East End students, providing workshops, field trips to businesses, including Google, and more. In addition, the students led a peaceful protest before school district leaders earlier this year, demanding better conditions and more opportunities.

“F.U.S.E. has had a great impact on my life because again it has opened so many doors for me and actually gave me some insight on what the real working world is like,” Makelle said of his own experience.

In its first year, the organization has helped the students involved to improve academically, advocate for themselves, and advance their career and college goals. Michele Passerrello, a co-founder of F.U.S.E. said, “... the strong support we've received from so many people in the community means a tremendous amount to F.U.S.E. and the young people it serves. F.U.S.E. provides resources and a roadmap forward for students who might otherwise be overlooked and underserved by the school system."

Meet some of the F.U.S.E. youth at this celebration and hear about the differences in their lives.

Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be generously donated by some of Pittsburgh's finest restaurants, and Miguel Sague and his Latin Trio will provide the entertainment.

Passionately committed to bridging Pittsburgh's literacy gap faced by urban youth, F.U.S.E. merges artistic and authentic learning in a safe, neutral, and green space.

The pursuit of social and emotional wellness is the core value. F.U.S.E. members believe this vision, coupled with explicit connections and community relationships, will lead youth to their own self-advocacy and actualization.

For more information, visit www.fusepgh.org.

For ticket information, click here: http://www.showclix.com/event/3717903/tag/fbog.