Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
I happened across an interesting piece in the Post-Gazette earlier this week. It's a column about why this particular journalist gives her change to street people. On the one hand, I am one of those people she references that really think strongly that giving out money directly to the homeless is not the most efficient use of funds (supporting an established charitable organization is a much better way to help the homeless in the long run).
That said, I thought the most valuable thing about her article is the emphasis she implicitly places on recognizing the humanity of those in need. She doesn't brush by the street people and panhandlers. She greets them, interacts with them, converses with them. This can be a hard thing. It's outside many people's comfort zones and it does tend to invite more interaction than you may be prepared for. But it's a good thing, nonetheless.
Kudos to Ms. Petruzzi for acknowledging this.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
TOSD 2008
Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
That can only add up to one thing: Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work 2008 (TOSD).
EECM's annual Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day was a smashing success. On Thursday, May 8th, eighty middle and high school students set off for a day of career exploration
at more than fifty different job sites.
Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Veterinarians, Hair Stylists, Construction Workers, Software Developers, Realtors...the list goes on and on. This year, we managed to round up mentors in 28 different careers who were willing to bring a student to work for the day.
The purpose of TOSD is to give our young people a chance to experience a "day in the life" of a career they are considering. They're matched up with a mentor and then shadow that mentor for a day, learning about that job and what kind of goals they need to set if they want to achieve that career path later in life. It's a great program and a wonderful experience for the students.
The picture above shows a high school EECM participant amongst a cadre of other children that visited Horty, Springer, & Mattern law firm. The firm aligned its own annual Take Our Kids to Work Day for the children of the firm with EECM's program.
80 kids
+
28 different career paths
+
Dozens of working professionals
+
Many months of planning
That can only add up to one thing: Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work 2008 (TOSD).
EECM's annual Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day was a smashing success. On Thursday, May 8th, eighty middle and high school students set off for a day of career exploration
at more than fifty different job sites.Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Veterinarians, Hair Stylists, Construction Workers, Software Developers, Realtors...the list goes on and on. This year, we managed to round up mentors in 28 different careers who were willing to bring a student to work for the day.
The purpose of TOSD is to give our young people a chance to experience a "day in the life" of a career they are considering. They're matched up with a mentor and then shadow that mentor for a day, learning about that job and what kind of goals they need to set if they want to achieve that career path later in life. It's a great program and a wonderful experience for the students.
The picture above shows a high school EECM participant amongst a cadre of other children that visited Horty, Springer, & Mattern law firm. The firm aligned its own annual Take Our Kids to Work Day for the children of the firm with EECM's program.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Dick and Jane at 59
Written by: Joan Millar, EECM Board Member and long-time volunteer
I drive Meals on Wheels for EECM and have done so for a number of years. Still I am always amazed and surprised at the scope of the ministry. The story my visitor told me the other day adds another dimension to EECM's concern for the people of the East End.
He was from Bridge Housing, one of EECM's housing programs for homeless men. As we drove along, we talked about this and that and soon discovered neither of us was a native Pittsburgher, I from the Midwest, he from elsewhere in the state. A bit later, after we were comfortable with each other, he began telling me the story of his life and his experience with EECM.
"I'm 59 years old and been on drugs most of my life. I been in and out of rehab a lot. It's hard. You have to have faith and believe you can do it. The most important thing is to stay away from those old friends. I got new friends here. I been clean for two years now."
We were quiet for a while and then he continued his story.
"You know, I don't read that good. I really never learned how. But I'm learning now. EECM told me about that place where they teach you to read. Some kind of a ‘council.’ I don't remember the name.* I go there two hours twice a week. I been struggling to learn. But you know what? The other day I went to the library and asked if they had any Dick and Jane books. The lady got me one and I sat down and I could read the whole book! I was so excited! I knew every word. I'm so happy!"
Imagine a 59 year old man having gained the courage and self esteem to go to the library and ask for a Dick and Jane book. His story blew me away!
* The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
I drive Meals on Wheels for EECM and have done so for a number of years. Still I am always amazed and surprised at the scope of the ministry. The story my visitor told me the other day adds another dimension to EECM's concern for the people of the East End.
He was from Bridge Housing, one of EECM's housing programs for homeless men. As we drove along, we talked about this and that and soon discovered neither of us was a native Pittsburgher, I from the Midwest, he from elsewhere in the state. A bit later, after we were comfortable with each other, he began telling me the story of his life and his experience with EECM.
"I'm 59 years old and been on drugs most of my life. I been in and out of rehab a lot. It's hard. You have to have faith and believe you can do it. The most important thing is to stay away from those old friends. I got new friends here. I been clean for two years now."
We were quiet for a while and then he continued his story.
"You know, I don't read that good. I really never learned how. But I'm learning now. EECM told me about that place where they teach you to read. Some kind of a ‘council.’ I don't remember the name.* I go there two hours twice a week. I been struggling to learn. But you know what? The other day I went to the library and asked if they had any Dick and Jane books. The lady got me one and I sat down and I could read the whole book! I was so excited! I knew every word. I'm so happy!"
Imagine a 59 year old man having gained the courage and self esteem to go to the library and ask for a Dick and Jane book. His story blew me away!
* The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Monday, May 19, 2008
What's a Mystery Box?
Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
I know I left you hanging after the silent auction post a couple weeks ago, where I ended with a teaser about Mystery Boxes. So, without further ado, in addition to the Silent Auction at EECM's annual fundraising event, A Flavor of the East End, attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase Mystery Boxes.
A Mystery Box is sort of like a raffle -- only better! We will have for sale 200 brightly colored round boxes. Inside each box will be a poker chip with a number which enters you in the raffle for the Grand Prize (two round-trip tickets anywhere Southwest Airlines flies -- increasingly valuable given the rising cost of gas this summer!). Simple enough. You buy a box; you drop your chip in the grab bag; if we pull it out, you win.
But wait...that's not all. It gets better. In addition to a raffle chip, some of the Mystery Boxes will also contain smaller prizes (or vouchers for them -- don't think that a bigger box is necessarily a better bet) that are yours immediately. Things like CDs or drink tickets or gift certificate to local stores. At the moment, we are offering a 1 in 4 chance of winning a secondary prize, but we're hoping to increase that to 1 in 3, depending on what other donations come in.
But wait...that's not all! It gets better again. (Hard to believe, I know). Not only do you have a chance to win the grand prize -- not only do you have a chance to win a smaller cool prize -- but the value of your donation to EECM is doubled when you buy a Mystery Box.
Say what? That's right!
The proceeds from our Mystery Box sales will go to benefit EECM's Reach Out to City Kids (ROCK) campaign. Thanks to an anonymous friend, all donations to EECM's Children & Youth programs -- including the Mystery Boxes -- made between May 15 and June 30th will be matched, up to $10,000.
This means that when you buy a $20 Mystery Box, you're actually donating $40 to EECM. Wow. I don't think it gets any better than that!
I know I left you hanging after the silent auction post a couple weeks ago, where I ended with a teaser about Mystery Boxes. So, without further ado, in addition to the Silent Auction at EECM's annual fundraising event, A Flavor of the East End, attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase Mystery Boxes.
A Mystery Box is sort of like a raffle -- only better! We will have for sale 200 brightly colored round boxes. Inside each box will be a poker chip with a number which enters you in the raffle for the Grand Prize (two round-trip tickets anywhere Southwest Airlines flies -- increasingly valuable given the rising cost of gas this summer!). Simple enough. You buy a box; you drop your chip in the grab bag; if we pull it out, you win.
But wait...that's not all. It gets better. In addition to a raffle chip, some of the Mystery Boxes will also contain smaller prizes (or vouchers for them -- don't think that a bigger box is necessarily a better bet) that are yours immediately. Things like CDs or drink tickets or gift certificate to local stores. At the moment, we are offering a 1 in 4 chance of winning a secondary prize, but we're hoping to increase that to 1 in 3, depending on what other donations come in.
But wait...that's not all! It gets better again. (Hard to believe, I know). Not only do you have a chance to win the grand prize -- not only do you have a chance to win a smaller cool prize -- but the value of your donation to EECM is doubled when you buy a Mystery Box.
Say what? That's right!
The proceeds from our Mystery Box sales will go to benefit EECM's Reach Out to City Kids (ROCK) campaign. Thanks to an anonymous friend, all donations to EECM's Children & Youth programs -- including the Mystery Boxes -- made between May 15 and June 30th will be matched, up to $10,000.
This means that when you buy a $20 Mystery Box, you're actually donating $40 to EECM. Wow. I don't think it gets any better than that!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Work-A-Thon
Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
Each year, Trinity Christian School organizes a really cool one-day event. It's called the Work-A-Thon. The goal is to raise money for the school by volunteering at sites across Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Students request pledges from family, friends, and neighbors for each hour that they serve during the Work-A-Thon.
This year, on May 1st, the school sent out 267 students, faculty and chaperones to more than 33 sites around the City. Together, they logged an amazing amount of volunteer hours -- more than 2,400 hours in one day! They raked leaves, spread mulch, painted, planted flowers, participated in the National Day of Prayer, began the building of a new park, worked with senior citizens and more.
As you may have suspected, East End Cooperative Ministry was the fortunate host to a team of students from Trinity. Eight students and two teachers spent the morning packing Food Pantry bags and preparing meals for Meals on Wheels. They served lunch at the Soup Kitchen and ate with our clients.
This week, we received a note from the school, with this lovely phrase: "We thank God for the blessing of serving you."
And we thank the students and teachers of Trinity Christian School for organizing this wonderful project.
Each year, Trinity Christian School organizes a really cool one-day event. It's called the Work-A-Thon. The goal is to raise money for the school by volunteering at sites across Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Students request pledges from family, friends, and neighbors for each hour that they serve during the Work-A-Thon.
This year, on May 1st, the school sent out 267 students, faculty and chaperones to more than 33 sites around the City. Together, they logged an amazing amount of volunteer hours -- more than 2,400 hours in one day! They raked leaves, spread mulch, painted, planted flowers, participated in the National Day of Prayer, began the building of a new park, worked with senior citizens and more.
As you may have suspected, East End Cooperative Ministry was the fortunate host to a team of students from Trinity. Eight students and two teachers spent the morning packing Food Pantry bags and preparing meals for Meals on Wheels. They served lunch at the Soup Kitchen and ate with our clients.
This week, we received a note from the school, with this lovely phrase: "We thank God for the blessing of serving you."
And we thank the students and teachers of Trinity Christian School for organizing this wonderful project.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cots for the Homeless
Written by: Kate Snyder
I never cease to be amazed by how awesome our volunteers are. We have a fantastic group of individuals who regularly give their time to EECM. They all deserve serious commendation for all that they do, but some really go above and beyond.
Take Wil, a volunteer with our homeless programs. If that name sounds familiar, it's because I've mentioned him before (click here and here). Wil regularly volunteers in our Men's Emergency Shelter and, through his interactions with EECM staff, he noticed that the shelter could really use some more camping cots.
Our shelter is licensed to house 24 men. On most nights, we shelter more like 30. We try not to turn people away if it can be avoided and so we sleep the overflow 
guests on cots in the dining room. But they tend to break and we were running short.
guests on cots in the dining room. But they tend to break and we were running short.But not for long -- it's Super Wil to the rescue! Wil recruited friends and family to contribute funds to purchase new cots. He found out what type we use, ordered them, and had them shipped to EECM. And just like that, we had new cots.
I cannot say enough what an amazing gift this was. Not only because the cots are great (which they are) but because Wil made it so easy for us. He did all the work -- fundraising and ordering -- because he saw a need to be met. And we appreciate him for it.
Many thanks also to everyone who contributed money for the new cots. They're perfect!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Attorneys Against Hunger
Written by: Kate Snyder
I didn't have a chance to post this article during Have a Heart for Hunger because the donation arrived in April, but I wanted to give a special shout-out to the Allegheny County Bar Association's 
Attorneys Against Hunger for their great support of EECM this spring.
Attorneys Against Hunger for their great support of EECM this spring.For the past 15 years, the Attorneys Against Hunger campaign has raised money for a variety of hunger-services providers throughout Allegheny County. This year, EECM was fortunate enough to be included in their efforts, which raised a whopping $98,000.
EECM's share of the campaign was just over $5,800. Wow!
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the 2008 Attorneys Against Hunger campaign.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Stamp Out Hunger!
Written by: Kate Snyder
This coming Saturday (May 10th) is a very important day. Do you know why? Answer: Saturday is the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. This is the country's largest single-day food drive. In 2007, they collected and distributed more than 70 million pounds of food. Wow.
Participation is easy. All you have to do is place a bag of non-perishable food items in a bag by your mailbox and your mail carrier will pick it up. They ask that you make sure that none of your donated items have past their expiration date and please do not donate food in glass containers.
That's it. So simple! Last year, the Pittsburgh area collected 501,000 pounds of food. The food drive is run through America's Second Harvest, a national chain of food banks. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a member of Second Harvest, and East End Cooperative Ministry in turn receives a large chunk of the food for our Food Pantry from them. So by participating in Stamp Out Hunger, you'll be helping EECM.
Isn't partnership awesome?
This coming Saturday (May 10th) is a very important day. Do you know why? Answer: Saturday is the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. This is the country's largest single-day food drive. In 2007, they collected and distributed more than 70 million pounds of food. Wow.
Participation is easy. All you have to do is place a bag of non-perishable food items in a bag by your mailbox and your mail carrier will pick it up. They ask that you make sure that none of your donated items have past their expiration date and please do not donate food in glass containers.
That's it. So simple! Last year, the Pittsburgh area collected 501,000 pounds of food. The food drive is run through America's Second Harvest, a national chain of food banks. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a member of Second Harvest, and East End Cooperative Ministry in turn receives a large chunk of the food for our Food Pantry from them. So by participating in Stamp Out Hunger, you'll be helping EECM.
Isn't partnership awesome?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Rebate Checks
Written by: Kate Snyder
Tra la! It's May! Flowers are blooming and spring is in the air. But this year, there's something else in the air as well. Rebate checks. In theory, a rebate check from the nice people at the IRS should be arriving on my doorstep some time in the next few weeks. Score!
If you're like me, you've got a list a mile long of possible uses for this financial windfall. You could:
Take a vacation
Pay off some of that credit card debt
Buy some snazzy new seasonal clothes
Finally put in those new windows in the basement
Invest in your retirement
Go out for several really (I mean *really*) nice dinners
...Say what? You want me to do WHAT with my mad-money rebate check?
That's right, I'm asking you to consider donating some of your rebate
check to charity. Specifically, to East End Cooperative Ministry. I know, you have bills to pay and dreams to fulfill. But the thing is, our clients do too, and they're trying to pay their bills and reach their dreams with a lot less income than most of us have. In fact, a lot of our clients have so little income that they won't be getting a rebate check.
I'm not asking for the whole $600 or however much you qualify for. But how about setting aside $50 to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, or provide a mentor to a troubled kid?
You can make a secure online donation to EECM by clicking here.
Tra la! It's May! Flowers are blooming and spring is in the air. But this year, there's something else in the air as well. Rebate checks. In theory, a rebate check from the nice people at the IRS should be arriving on my doorstep some time in the next few weeks. Score!
If you're like me, you've got a list a mile long of possible uses for this financial windfall. You could:
Take a vacation
Pay off some of that credit card debt
Buy some snazzy new seasonal clothes
Finally put in those new windows in the basement
Invest in your retirement
Go out for several really (I mean *really*) nice dinners
But how about giving some of it to charity?
...Say what? You want me to do WHAT with my mad-money rebate check?
That's right, I'm asking you to consider donating some of your rebate
check to charity. Specifically, to East End Cooperative Ministry. I know, you have bills to pay and dreams to fulfill. But the thing is, our clients do too, and they're trying to pay their bills and reach their dreams with a lot less income than most of us have. In fact, a lot of our clients have so little income that they won't be getting a rebate check.I'm not asking for the whole $600 or however much you qualify for. But how about setting aside $50 to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, or provide a mentor to a troubled kid?
You can make a secure online donation to EECM by clicking here.
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