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Our Mission
EECM changes the lives of people facing the impacts of poverty.
Our History
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) was founded in 1970 as a collective response to changes in the East End community, born when local faith communities recognized that the troubles of the community were too great for any one of them to address alone. EECM was initially envisioned to serve the young, the elderly, and the poor of the area, as well as to promote interfaith events. Throughout its 50 years, EECM has continued to respond to changing community needs through its many programs and services.
1970
Official incorporation of East End Cooperative Ministry
1971
Interracial breakfast for Peabody High School students, Meals on Wheels and tutoring programs begin
1972
Junior League of Pittsburgh and EECM develops Vintage Senior Citizens Center.*
1975
The East End Food-Coop* is created as an EECM program.
1976
The Soup Kitchen, originally a support system to those alone or new to the area, is named “Souper Bowl.”
1981
Summer Day Camp, a 5-week program for youth ages 5-16, begins.
1982
The Food Pantry opens, providing emergency groceries to local families.
1983
The Emergency Shelter opens in East Liberty Presbyterian Church.
1984
The Drop-In Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church is created.
1985
Bridge Housing, a one-year transitional housing program for men, opens.
1987
PennFree Housing program is founded.
1991
Sojourner House* is created as an EECM program.
2000
The William and Mildred Orr Compassionate Care Center becomes a program of EECM.
2007
PHYSED (Points of Healthy Youth Sustainability Engagement and Development), an intervention program for extremely high-risk youth begins.
2003
Safe Haven, permanent housing for men with mental challenges, begins.
2010
Families Achieving Independence Through Housing (F.A.I.T.H) formerly Dads House, serving homeless parents who have a disability and their children, begins.
2012
Ground is broken for Community House.
2013
EECM moves into Community House.
2015
EECM WorkForce is formed, creating opportunities for those most often overlooked.
2017
Launched EECM SewForward.
2018
Recovery House opens.
2020
EECM celebrates 50 years of service to the community.
*Programs, developed by EECM, which have become successful independent organizations.
#CreatingACommunityofOpportunityinPittsburgh
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