Back to School

Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant

I have a confession to make: I have an unnaturally strong affinity for school supplies. There is just something indescribably magical about walking into the Back to School section of a store and coming upon bins of pens, stacks of brightly decorated folders, and towers of crisp spiral notebooks. And don’t get me started on the wonders of pencil cases, assignment calendars, and other organizational must-haves. I’m pretty sure my love affair with school supplies is the direct result of genetics – my mom is an absolute fiend for any and all back-to-school accoutrements and has instilled in me a bone-deep instinct to purchase a new pack of Crayola crayons each fall, regardless of my need for them. Every August, after hitting the store together to pick up all the necessary supplies (and a good number that probably weren’t necessary), we’d carefully unwrap my new pens and pencils, put paper in the binders, label the folders, and pack it all lovingly into my backpack, ready for the start of the school year.

Unfortunately, for many families, back-to-school shopping is not a cherished family tradition, but rather a stressful exercise in budget-stretching and doing-without. Supply lists from schools keep getting longer and all those provisions don’t come cheap. Many of the families with whom we work have trouble putting food on the table, much less finding the money for a protractor or a new three-ring binder.

That’s why EECM hosts a School Supply Drive at the end of each summer. We want all of the participants in our Children & Youth school programs (nearly 800 of them) to be able to head off to school with at least a few new items. You can help us achieve this goal by donating new school supplies from the list below. And, while you’re helping out the youth of our community, you can also fulfill your secret desire to peruse the isles for new innovations in highlighter technology. And maybe, just maybe…buy yourself a pack of Crayola crayons, just in case.

Donations may be dropped off at the EECM offices:
250 N. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh PA, 15206

We are collecting the following items:

Bookbags/Backpacks
Pens & Pencils
Highlighters
Pencil Cases
Markers (preferably Crayola)
Calculators (graphing and regular)
Dictionaries & Thesauruses
Glue Sticks
Crayons (preferably Crayola)
Colored Pencils (preferably Crayola)
Scissors
3-Ring Binders
Spiral Notebooks
Loose-Leaf Notebook Paper
Assignment Calendars
2-Pocket Folders
Rulers
Erasers

Kidz E-Fest 2007

Written By: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant

When I arrived at the Peabody High School field last Saturday, the first thing that caught my eye was the giant inflatable jungle, complete with marauding dinosaur. Nearby was a group of young girls doing gymnastics, a crowd of high school boys painting a brightly colored mural, and a Christian rap group warming up their act. In and around the games and performers thronged hundreds of kids, towing good-natured adults through the crowd. Welcome to the 2007 Kidz E-Fest!

Kidz E-Fest is an annual, free to the public, fabulous, super-cool, and (dare I say?) awesome festival for the kids of our community. It might even be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.* Kidz E-Fest is the culmination of an eight-month internship for high school students – the Youth Business Initiative. The YBI is another of EECM’s many programs that benefit our community's Children & Youth.

Each year, under the careful direction of Muzz Meyers, an accomplished former East End businessman, 10 young people from a variety of East End high schools plan, raise funds for, and produce this great festival for the community. The purpose of the program is to help at-risk youth discover and develop skills that will make them employable and that can be utilized to better their future. Kidz E-Fest was chosen as the end product of the YBI program, because a creative endeavor like the youth festival captures young people’s energy and enthusiasm more than a traditional business might, and also allows them to do something wonderful for the East End community.

During their internship, the members of the YBI are entirely responsible for the production of Kidz E-Fest. They give presentations to potential funders, create marketing materials, develop (and then must stick to!) a budget for the event, design a program, secure permits for the site, negotiate contracts for equipment rentals and line up entertainment. Each participant is also responsible for recruiting 10 peer volunteers to work at the festival. This team is called the Make A Difference (MAD) Crew and their title emphasizes one of the most important goals of the project. The students of the YBI are committed to highlighting the positive aspects of their neighborhood and showcasing the great things that young people can accomplish. It gives them a welcome opportunity to give back to their community.

At the end of the program, the YBI kids all filled out evaluation forms, telling what they had learned and giving feedback about the program. Here’s a sampling of what they had to say:

“I’ve learned to voice my opinion and to listen to others, even if I still feel strongly about my view. I’ve learned that it is okay to aim high but in order to reach the goal you gotta start at the bottom.” -- Larry

“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to show what I am capable of.” -- Kionna

“It is a great experience and it will help you learn about running your own business.” -- Philip

*and if that word is unfamiliar to you, turn off your computer this instant and go rent Mary Poppins.

United By What? Part 4

The question is: As an organization that embraces diversity of religious belief, what does it mean to say that we are “United by Faith?” Today's response comes from The Rev. Randy Bush, pastor of East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

If we're honest with ourselves, we're not truly united by faith because we've each developed patterns of faith "expression" (e.g., worship, polity, mission and stewardship spending priorities, fellowship and outreach programs) that are designed mostly to serve our own needs first. We maintain our own worship spaces to the exclusion of helping others; we publicize our own events over that of what others offer; we respond to needs arising from our own congregations before going outside our walls to assist others in need. In relation to ecumenical and interfaith efforts, we are not united by a shared faith perspective and common religious practices; at best, we come together despite our different perspectives and practices and occasionally have a shared sense of community during brief moments of interfaith worship or service.

From a two-dimensional perspective, (that is, considering our churches and synagogues only in terms of how we directly relate to one another), we are not as unified as we should be. However, from a three-dimensional perspective (adding God into the mix of how any two churches or synagogues relate), we are united in faith, in that the fruits of our best efforts do overlap and connect on a deep level. Think of it as ripples moving out from an array of stones thrown into a still pond. From one vantage point, the rocks never land in the same spot and are rarely even near to one another. But when seen from above, the cumulative effect of these stones (i.e., good works) does overlap and merge together into one intricate design. I believe that when people of faith do their work with integrity and conviction, as well as with an openness to similar ministries occurring all around them in other congregations, then we discover a broad unity of faith through God's grace and the "merging ripples" of our good works in the world.

United By What? Part 3

The question is: As an organization that embraces diversity of religious belief, what does it mean to say that we are “United by Faith?” Today's response comes from David Kaplan, Council of Congregations representative for Congregation Rodef Shalom.

I have for many years believed that if we as a spiritual society focused on the similarities of our beliefs rather than the distinct differences, we would live in a much more peaceful world. The members of EECM are drawn to the mission by the clear needs of our clients. Every faith espouses the mandate to care for the most vulnerable members of our society. Every faith has a mandate to feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, care for the sick and take responsibility for the care of our children.

It is the desire to contribute, by virtue of our faith, which unites our members.

In the Jewish tradition, we have a commitment to, repair the world…"Tikkun Olam”. Repairing the world is far reaching and includes all manner of life and nature. We all have a responsibility to leave this earth having made it a better place. EECM provides me with a vehicle to work with people of all faiths, to repair our corner of the world.

United By What? Part 2

The question is: As an organization that embraces diversity of religious belief, what does it mean to say that we are “United by Faith?” Today's response comes from the Rev. Dr. Stuart Broberg, pastor of First Presbyterian Church and EECM Board Member.

I have read in a book (the title escapes me) that the word "faith" itself needs to be broadened and deepened to be more all-encompassing. Faith, in its old context, can be seen as linked only to a particular set of beliefs, as in, the "Faith" of the Presbyterian Church or _____________ (fill in the blank with name of a particular congregation, denomination, religious tradition).

I think we can look at the word "faith" in a much broader way and mean this, rather, "closely held values and core principles" that arise out of the human spirit and experience. Faith means drawing those values out of the people involved (from multiple faiths, congregations and belief systems) rather than imposing them from any one particular religion on the individual (or organization such as EECM).

By this reinterpretation, we would mean we are united in closely held values and core principles that lead us to concerted action to help those in need that represent a variety and diversity of religious expressions, rather than one particular "faith". The difference is this --"faith" defined as drawing lines of demarcation to exclude people versus "faith" defined as core values and principles that cross various lines and divisions and, quite to the contrary, includes people.

United By What?

Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant

If you have ever received any printed material from EECM, or checked out our website, you will have noticed a prominently featured motto – United By Faith, Dedicated To Service. This is the EECM “slogan”, for lack of a better word, an attempt to encapsulate the heart of who we are into a short, memorable phrase. It lends itself well to t-shirts and bumper stickers.

However, in the year that I have been working for EECM, I have encountered numerous furrowed or quizzically-raised eyebrows when people hear this motto. Behind the questioning looks is a question: “how can you be united by faith if you are an interfaith organization?” It’s a valid question. In our society today, we see more examples of religions in conflict than in harmony; faith has become a divisive issue rather than one which brings people together. As an organization that embraces diversity of religious belief, what does it mean to say that we are “United by Faith?”

I have my own thoughts on the subject, but you hear my thoughts often enough! Instead, over the next week or so I am going to be posting responses to this question that I have received from several leaders and members of congregations involved with EECM. I asked them to address the issue in a paragraph or two and they have responded with thoughtful, meaningful reflection. I hope you will enjoy their responses as much as I have. Stay tuned!

10 Questions for...Mary Trinkle

That's right! It's time once again for another installment of the ever-popular blog: "10 Questions For..." If you've missed the earlier posts, don't forget to read up on Janice Rivers and Penny Murray.

10 Questions for Mary Trinkle: Secretary/Receptionist

1) How long have you been at EECM?

Three days! :-)

2) If you could be any superhero, who would it be and why?

I would be any character from the movie The Incredibles

3) What do you do when you're not at EECM?

I have two other jobs. I am a nanny and I tutor Japanese. I also enjoy running and other exercise.

4) What is your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?

I don't have one yet. I'm new!

5) List three adjectives that best define your personality:

Listener
Caring
Happy

6) What do you like best about working for EECM?

The fact that we get to help people that are in need of our service.

7) Who is the best TV/movie villain of all time?

The witch from Snow White

8) List four previous jobs you've had

Admissions Office Assistant

Athletics & Fitness Center Assistant (St. Vincent College)

English Tutor/Teacher to Japanese kids

9) What is your favorite book?

Japanese comic books and Mary Higgins Clark mysteries

10) What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about Pittsburgh?

Favorite: it's a cute small city

Least Favorite: not enough good public transportation

Wish List from ExtraOrdinary Tutoring

This post comes at the request of our fabulous ExtraOrdinary Tutoring coordinators. They are in need of a few small (and a few not so small) office items for the tutoring center. If you are able to donate any of the below items, please contact us at 412-361-5549.

Educational Items
* Please note: we prefer new games. Magazines can be new or recently used.

1 Connect 4 game
2 Sudoku games
1 Chutes & Ladders
1 Memory (Original Version)
2 Chess sets
2 Mankala boards
1 Dominoes set

Subscriptions to Muse, Discover (for Kids), Pittsburgh Magazine, Pittsburgh Courier, Hi-lights, Scientific American, Ranger Rick, National Geographic.

Larger Items
These are items that we dream of having. If you are updating your home office or your office at work, this could be a wonderful way to recycle your items for a good cause and receive a tax write-off! Of course, we'll also take new items...

6 Adjustable Heigh Office Chairs -- new or gently used, smaller chairs without arm rests preferred
1 Laptop computer -- preferably new or no more than 3 years old, Apple or PC
5 Desktop Computers -- preferably new or no more than 3 years old, Apple or PC

Many thanks!!

The ROCK Report

The numbers are in and I am pleased to announce that we reached our goal of $10,000 for the Reach Out to City Kids campaign. Technically we surpassed it. Thanks to an at-the-wire donation, we actually raised $10,040!

This generous support by the community enables us to receive a matching gift of $10,000 from an anonymous donor. Many thanks to the 79 individuals, congregations, and businesses who made the 2007 ROCK campaign a success!!

Summer Day Camp

Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant

Well, it’s 90 degrees outside and the humidity is pushing 80%. It must be summer. And to me, summer equals day camp. I spent every summer during my formative years at a variety of camps. They were mainly day-camps at the local YMCA, spent making friendship bracelets, playing kickball, and swimming like a fish. My favorite camp experiences were the few weeks I got to spend at a sleep-away horseback riding camp. Like any rural Midwestern girl worth my salt, I thought horses were just about the greatest thing in the world and I took riding lessons for years growing up. When I moved to Pittsburgh, it took me a bit by surprise to realize that a lot of the kids in the city have never actually seen a horse in the flesh. Lucky for them, a horseback riding trip is just one of the many fabulous experiences awaiting them at EECM’s Summer Day Camp.

Summer Day Camp runs for five weeks during the summer and is attended by more than 200 urban youth ages 5-16. The camp features a wide variety of sports and games, arts and crafts, music, dancing and drama as well as age-appropriate outings to various local attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo, The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, local amusement parks, and, of course, a horseback riding ranch.

It’s a fun and fabulous experience full of all the things that childhood should be full of: laughter, play, and sun-kissed noses. As with all of our programs at EECM, however, there is more to Summer Day Camp than frolicking. The target population for Camp is at-risk youth, drawn from neighborhoods characterized by high levels of violence, substance abuse, unemployment, and poverty. The overall goal of the camp, then, is to empower and equip these young people, who are so often exposed to negative environmental influences, with the necessary information, skills and world outlook to negotiate these challenges in their lives.

Every year, all Camp activities are centered on an ethical theme. Every segment of Camp, from music to dance to life learning lessons, is planned to tie into the year’s theme. In 2006, to help youngsters address problems they experienced at home, the theme was “Turning Life Struggles into Life Celebrations.” The culmination of Summer Day Camp is a dramatic production at the end of the five weeks, planned and executed by the campers, which showcases the lessons and skills they have learned and speaks to the theme of Camp.

Summer Camp is one of those experiences that all children should be allowed to have. Some of my happiest childhood memories – and one of my best friends – came from those golden summer days. I look forward to seeing our youth share those experiences and hope to relive a few myself. After all, you’re never too old for a friendship bracelet.

Project Soap

Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant. The quote was respectfully borrowed from the May 2007 edition of The Journal, the magazine of the Coin Laundry Association.

At EECM, we spend a lot of time brainstorming new ideas and seeking out new partnerships with community organizations, and I love this process. What I love even more, though, is when a great idea seeks us out instead!

A couple months ago we were approached by Evan Hirsh, the president of the West Penn Coin Laundry Association (WPCLA). Mr. Hirsh had an idea that was looking for an outlet: the stores in the association from time to time found themselves in possession of damaged, dented and otherwise “unvendable” boxes of soap and fabric softener. What to do with them? Well…why not distribute them to social service organizations? And thus was born Project Soap.

Mr. Hirsh explains that “we feel as though part of our mandate as a professional trade association is to provide opportunities for our members to jointly provide for the less fortunate in our community…where each of us individually might not have much to offer, as a group we believe that we will be able to gather quite a bit of produce for distribution.”

In addition to the supplies collected by the individual stores, a few local commercial soap distributors have agreed to donate supplies to the effort. EECM cheerfully accepts these soap donations for use throughout our housing programs. We offer laundry facilities to all of our residential housing clients. At any given time, we have more than 50 individuals in those programs, from the Men’s Emergency Shelter to the Orr Compassionate Care Center, and so we are always in need of laundry detergent. It’s a perfect partnership!