Presenting a fascinating interview with David Lambacher, community manager and theological mentor at PRISM

We are delighted to interview David Lambacher, community manager and theological mentor at PRISM. David worked in campus ministry and homeless ministry for 10 years before coming to work on staff with PRISM in 2019. Immerse yourself into David's fascinating success story and explore how David's journey with us. David shared his favorite SmartMatchApp features and tools and how it helped his amazing work. Plus at the end David gave a few hot tips and advice to our young community managers around the world.

Welcome to PRISM!

PRISM is a welcoming community for international students and scholars in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We're so glad you're here!  We hope to help you gain a deeper experience with American people and culture, and we want to learn more about your people and culture too!

Our Purpose

A Community of Fun

Our purpose at PRISM is to make your experience in Pittsburgh as enjoyable, memorable, and fun as we possibly can!  While we know your studies are very important to you, we also know that having good times with new friends is just as important.

A Community for Everyone

PRISM loves students from every country!  We are a diverse community made up of people from all over the world, and we love learning from one another.  If you're reading this, we want you to know you're welcome here!

A Community of Faith

We at PRISM are committed to the purposes of a loving God.  We believe that the true message of Christianity is one of faith, hope, and love.  We regularly read the Bible, discuss it, and let it shape our lives.

Why We Exist

We understand that you are in a completley new chapter of your life.  Coming to Pittsburgh for education, an internship, or post-doc work can be a challenging time as you are far away from friends and family.  We exist so that you don't have to be alone during your time here, and we want to offer you many opportunities to build relationships while you're here!  We are passionate about embracing and engaging people from all over the world.  We hope that no matter how long you're here, you take time to experience Pittsburgh culture, make new friends, and learn about our greatest passion, Jesus our Lord!

Programs:

Friendship Partners

Want to develop a meaningful friendship with an American here in Pittsburgh? Our Friendship Partner program is a great way to meet someone new, experience life in Pittsburgh together, and make memories you will cherish.

You can celebrate holidays together, meet up for coffee between classes, go shopping, or anything really! It provides a great way for you to enjoy American culture, learn English, and to have fun. It is suggested that you make time to meet your friendship partner at least one time per month. 

Mentorship

PRISM's Mentorship Program will match you with a mentor, as you journey through an 8-session curriculum that will surely benefit your life both now and in the years to come. We believe genuine Mentorship addresses the whole person, not just workplace advancement. This creates a well-rounded approach to all of life's challenges.

What is a Bible Study?

We gather together to intentionally read the Bible, interpret its meaning, and discuss how it applies to our lives.  The Bible is a historical collection of 66 books that expresses God's truth and communication to humanity.  The Bible contains narrative, poetry, prophecy, and much more.  No other piece of written communication has affected all parts of the world and civilization the way the Bible has.  Come check out one of our studies to learn more about the Bible with us!

English Language Learning

Our English Conversation Group is a casual class for practicing your spoken English without the stress of grades! You will spend time talking about idioms, conversing one-on-one, sharing in a small group about a topic, and building friendships along the way. This will help you become more comfortable speaking on a large variety of topics concerning life, ideas, and culture. This group is currently in session, so just show up!

Activities:

What is the Garage Giveaway?

The Garage Giveaway is PRISM's big annual event where we offer newly arrived international students and scholars the opportunity to acquire FREE furniture and small household appliances to help you get settled here.  It is our way to welcome you to Pittsburgh! 

Holiday Hosting

The holiday hosting experience provides you with the opportunity to meet and enjoy a holiday with an American family. Often this involves sharing a holiday meal, talking, playing games, and sometimes visiting an American church. 

Hospitality House:

House Fellowship

The House Fellowship is an opportunity to experience what a house church might feel like.  It is a caring community of people that come together for fellowship, worship, Bible reading and discussion.  Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a small Christian community of faith this group is for you!

Open House Fridays

This is a biweekly gathering to enjoy an evening of food, fun, and discussion centered around culture, life's big questions, and faith.  Bring a dish to share!

Short Term Stays

Welcome to Pittsburgh!  PRISM is an organization for international students and their families.  
As our valuable guests, we are glad to offer free high-speed WIFI, air-conditioning, free use of laundry/ kitchen/living room/dining room/one car parking space at PRISM Hospitality House.  
All guests staying at PRISM Hospitality House will be charged a Daily Guest Room Fee per night.   An extra person staying in the same room will be charged an extra $10 per night.
Daily Guest Room fee per night:

Room 1 on the Second Floor -$50 (Queen size bed with private bath)

Room 2 on the Second Floor- $40 (Single bed with shared bath)