EECM Announces New Strategic Direction
- East End Cooperative Ministry
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East End Cooperative Ministry Unveils Bold Strategic Direction for 2025–2026: Focused on Centering Dignity and Building Equity
PITTSBURGH, PA (July 15, 2025) - East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM), a trusted anchor of support in Pittsburgh’s East End for over 50 years, has announced its new 2025–2026 Strategic Direction, a two-year roadmap to deepen its impact in the community through a renewed focus on dignity, equity, and transformational care.
Amid escalating challenges in housing insecurity, food access, and social isolation, EECM’s new strategic direction boldly reaffirms its mission: "To change the lives of people facing the impacts of poverty." The organization aims to be not only a provider of vital human services, but a leader in building a more just and connected community.
Four Strategic Focus Areas
EECM’s plan is organized around four key priorities that will guide the organization’s work over the next two years:
Centering Dignity EECM will integrate trauma-informed, person-centered approaches across all services, emphasizing respect, autonomy, and compassion in every interaction.
Building Equity Committed to racial, economic, and social equity, EECM will expand access to housing, food, and stabilization resources for historically marginalized communities.
Strengthening Organizational Health To meet growing demand sustainably, EECM will invest in its staff, infrastructure, and systems to ensure long-term resilience and impact.
Growing Community Partnerships EECM will broaden its collaborative network across Pittsburgh to co-create solutions and elevate the voices of people with lived experience.
A Vision for Transformation
“This strategy is not just a plan—it’s a promise,” said President and CEO, Dr. Diona Jones. “A promise to meet people where they are, to honor their dignity, and to stand beside them in their journey toward stability and empowerment. We are shifting from service delivery to human connection.”
The strategic direction was shaped by months of input from community members, partners, staff, and board leaders, with special attention to the lived experiences of the people EECM serves. To read the full strategic direction, click here.
Call to Action
As part of this bold new chapter, EECM invites individuals, funders, volunteers, and partners to join in advancing its mission. The organization seeks support to fund core programs in housing, food, and youth programming—areas where federal resources have now become limited.
About East End Cooperative Ministry
Founded in 1970, EECM serves thousands of individuals annually through integrated services in housing, food, reentry support, youth programming, and crisis intervention. Operating out of its East Liberty Community House, EECM is a place where compassion and practical support come together to help neighbors survive and thrive.
