By: Patty Tascarella | Pittsburgh Business Times | January 31, 2024 | Read the full article

Two Pittsburgh nonprofits that have partnered since 2016 on Wednesday said they’ve have taken their working relationship to the next level.

Omicelo Cares’ successful programming will be integrated into Neighborhood Allies’ portfolio of services. After procedural matters are completed, Omicelo Cares will dissolve and its mission and work will continue as programs of Neighborhood Allies.

Omicelo Cares was created in 2015 to co-power existing community members in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods to own financial assets, grow their businesses and lift their incomes.

The relaunched services will formally commence in May 2024 with a new cohort of the Real Estate Co-Powerment series. The series had been envisioned and funded by Neighborhood Allies and co-created and implemented by Omicelo Cares.

Joshua Pollard, founder of Omicelo Cares, is a new board member of Neighborhood Allies.

“This integration will be a testament to the value that can be created when organizations collaborate more deeply, reduce costs and get the utmost impact from each philanthropic dollar invested,” Pollard said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to build upon our collective accomplishments and increase the returns that community members see on their investment of time and capital into improving their own communities.”

Neighborhood Allies said it is proud to continue the shared vision of Omicelo Cares to build prosperity in low-income communities through business and asset ownership.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey of collaboration and unity to drive transformative change in Black communities through real estate education,” Presley Gillespie, Neighborhood Allies president & CEO, said in a prepared statement. “By combining our efforts and resources, we are confident that we can create lasting economic impact and co-power emerging developers and entrepreneurs.”