Friday, September 19, 2003

By Sally Kalson, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

The late Frieda Shapira worked on behalf of children for most of her life. Now the Heritage Health Foundation in Braddock has established an annual award with her name on it to recognize others with the same commitment.

Murry Gerber, head of Equitable Resources Inc., will receive the first Frieda Shapira Award today at a celebration at the 4 Kids Early Learning Center, a project of the foundation.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. with tours and refreshments. About 200 political, foundation and business leaders are expected, many of whom helped develop the 4 Kids concept five years ago as part of the Early Childhood Initiative of the United Way of Allegheny County.

Gerber will be honored for his work as chairman of the Education Policy and Issues Center, promoting links between business and education leaders in the region, and as a member of the statewide Early Childhood Care and Education task force.

Shapira, who died in July at age 89, was a community leader and social worker whose child advocacy spanned more than 60 years. Members of her family, founders of Giant Eagle Inc., will speak about her legacy during the ceremony.

The 4 Kids network operates 11 preschools in the Mon Valley, providing health, education and social services for children from birth through preschool. It also runs full-day kindergarten programs in partnership with the Woodland Hills School District.

A long-term study by researchers from Children's Hospital has shown dramatic benefits to 4 Kids enrollees, including a large reduction in special education needs and a large decrease in children being held back between kindergarten and first grade.

The celebration also will launch a new campaign called Giant Steps 4 Kids to increase services, add more full-day kindergartens and create an online "early learning university."

Sally Kalson can be reached at skalson@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1610.

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