YOUTH GROUP CONFRONTS VIOLENCE IN “OPERATION RESCUE” PRESENTATION THIS FRIDAY

EECM's Youth Empowerment Project tackles the issue of violence with a set of performances in "Operation Rescue."

Pittsburgh, PA (April 8, 2025) – East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) invites the community to a powerful evening of storytelling as members of its Youth Empowerment Project present “Operation Rescue: Teen Tips for Resisting Youth Violence Today” on Friday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at 6175 Harvard St., East Liberty.

Operation Rescue is a series of original skits written, produced, and performed by local teens, aimed at preventing youth violence. Sponsored by the City of Pittsburgh’s Stop the Violence initiative, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services, this free event offers an unfiltered look into the challenges young people face—and the choices they make—in confronting violence in their communities.

Over the past month, about ten student participants have worked collaboratively to write scripts, rehearse performances, and build sets.

“The students have worked hard on these performances,” said Reverend Darnell Leonard, Vice President for Children and Youth Services at EECM. “Operation Rescue sheds light on the real-life pressures teens grapple with daily. It will be eye-opening for everyone who attends.”

Violence prevention remains a critical priority for the city and county. While recent data shows a decline in youth gun deaths, Allegheny County recorded 97 homicides in 2024, with 80 of them involving firearms (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2024).

The event is part of EECM’s Project Impact, a violence prevention initiative under its Children and Youth Services (CYS) division. Through Project Impact, thousands of K-12 students are learning conflict-resolution strategies and alternatives to violence. The Youth Empowerment Project includes a core group of students, ages 14–18, dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for safe schools and communities.

Reserve your free spot by registering at https://shorturl.at/Z2MdU.

About East End Cooperative Ministry

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) is a nonprofit organization serving Pittsburgh’s East End through programs that address food insecurity, housing, and youth development. Its Children and Youth Services division works to empower young people with tools for academic success, emotional well-being, and violence prevention. Learn more at eecm.org/childrenandyouth.