<article class="content"> <p>2018 was a big year for Hello Neighbor!</p> <p>In 2018, <a href="https://issuu.com/helloneighbor/docs/2018_impact_report_websingle">we doubled our impact</a> by launching two new cohorts! Throughout 2017, we saw that not only was our model of intergenerational and intercultural mentorship working, but that there was a growing demand. It was a lot of work to double the amount of matches last year, but we’re so glad we did. Today, we can proudly say we’ve matched 72 families from 11 countries of origin with Pittsburghers to guide and support them as mentors, advocates and ultimately friends. Their time together includes over 4,000 mentoring hours and 500 individual activities.</p> <p>We are on the frontline with the families we serve, helping them break out of their social isolation with the goal of ultimately becoming more comfortable and confident in their new lives in Pittsburgh.</p> <p>I am looking forward to all 2019 has to offer and to the continued support of Pittsburgh. In the current political climate, we are doing all we can to be a bright light and shining example of who Americans can - and should be.</p> <p>I wake up every day inspired by our mentors and mentees giving of themselves to create relationships that will last a lifetime. There are so many ways to become a part of the Hello Neighbor team. Contact me directly anytime at sloane@helloneighbor.io to discuss in more detail.</p> <p>Sincerely Yours,</p> <p>Sloane Davidson Founder, Hello Neighbor</p> <div class="top-padding-medium"></div> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2SevkX32ZlKc0JlSHNLUEM5dWM0czRQeG9XVU5oMkJta2RV/view" class="button white-background">Download<span class="show-on-desktop"> Report</span></a> <a href="/donate" class="button extra-border" style="margin-left:1em !important;">Donate<span class="show-on-desktop"> Now</span></a></p> <div class="top-padding-medium"></div> <p><bold>Also, see the <a href="https://www.helloneighbor.io/2017impactreport">2017 Impact Report ›</a></bold></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Testimonials</h2> <p>“Your program is beautiful. We learned to do things we’ve never done before. All Americans are not the same, just like we are not all the same. This is something we learned about each other.” - Iman, Mentee</p> <p>“We used to be scared of prejudice, when we were in our country, but thank God not here. We all believe in one God. I’m Muslim, my American Friend is Jewish, other friends are Christian. If I called my friend with a problem, she would come right away.” - Motab, Mentee</p> <p>“I learned that our mentors want to be friends with other cultures. I did not know that. I thought most people did not like refugees like us. They are nice, just like us. We are more similar than different after this experience.” - Hari, Mentee</p> <p>“I’ll always remember our visit at the Science Center with my mentor. It was my first time ever going to a museum. Now we know all the places and feel more connected to Pittsburgh. It is our place now too.” - Saraswati, Mentee</p> </article>