The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. (PIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates employment, education and training programs, congratulates Shannon Singosky on her promotion to Vice President of Workforce and Education. Shannon was...
The Private Industry Council (PIC) is proud to announce the Valor to Value Program—a vital initiative designed to support military veterans and their spouses. This program provides a comprehensive suite of services to assist participants in securing stable, full-time...
On Sunday, February 19th, staff from the PA CareerLink® Fayette County participated in TEAM IAN CHARITIES, "Turtle Bowl" to raise funds to "Help Others Run Their Race." TEAM IAN CHARITIES Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was established in memory of Ian Paul...
Head Start/Early Head Start Registration Day, a crucial step in opening doors to early childhood education for eligible families in our community. The event took place on March 19th, 2025 at 5 locations throughout the community. Head Start and Early Head Start...
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Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...
Owen Hockenberry was a fun-loving, goofy 6-year-old. He was the best big brother, son, and grandson that anyone could ever ask for. Owen loved going to the fair, Idlewild, camping, fishing, and pretty much everything and anything. He loved school and was excited to start first grade with his friends. He brought light to everyone he was around and had a heart of gold.
On 8/22/24, just 21 days after celebrating his 6th birthday, Owen passed away from a choking accident. The family is now using their pain in hopes to spread awareness about choking and to spare another family the heart ache they have endured.
In January, Danielle and Dustin, Owen’s parents, met with Assistant Director of Child and Family Services, Laura Rockwell, and Pre-K Manager, Stephanie Zebro, to share their story and to donate LifeVac USA devices to Pre-K Counts classrooms. Danielle, Owen’s mom, said “Don’t ever think that it won’t happen to you. We thought the same thing and even took all the precautions to prevent choking, and it still happened to us. We are here to bring awareness to choking and how quickly it can happen and to spread the word about LifeVac USA, a portable suction rescue device developed for clearing an airway obstruction of a choking victim. Many people have never heard of it, but we are here to change that.”
18 devices were donated so that every Pre-K Counts classroom in Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties could have their own device. During the CPR training in February, all staff were trained on the devices. Despite the circumstances, it was a blessing meeting Danielle and Dustin and hearing how much Owen enjoyed attending Pre-K Counts (he was a student from 2021-2023). We hope that his story can save more lives.
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