The Private Industry Council (PIC) was pleased to serve as a valued partner to the Western PA Operating Engineers, beginning with preparation coursework on January 10th & 17th, 2026 and concluding with testing held from January 21st - 27th. Operating engineers are...
The Private Industry Council (PIC) Afterschool Program, funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, and administered by the state of PA made a meaningful impact on students and families in Fayette and Westmoreland...
The holiday season is a time of joy. However, it also comes with busy schedules, gift shopping, and year-end deadlines. Taking care of yourself is essential not just for your well-being, but so you can truly enjoy the holiday season. Here are some cheerful self-care...
Families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start of Fayette County were invited to “Alphabet Safari” held at the Lemont Furnace Head Start Center on November 19, 2025. The theme of the event was to focus on language and literacy skills from the program’s school...
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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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