The East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) changes the lives of people facing the impacts of poverty. For over 50 years, EECM has been a community leader in addressing the issues that affect our area’s most at-risk and underserved populations. From its beginnings as an interfaith coalition of congregations, EECM has responded to provide hope and transformation to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity and to meet educational challenges and barriers to employment. EECM provides numerous services detailed on our website/link about EECM. Their food ministry is one First UU has been committed to help with for more than a decade(!), providing dinner one Sunday evening a month. Daily hot lunch free of charge and a robust Food Pantry are part of EECM’s services to the community.

Michael Bartley is the Director of Development and Public Relations at East End Cooperative Ministry. He’s responsible for publicizing the life-saving work at EECM as well as the heavy responsibility of raising money to keep the programs funded and going strong. Michael is a well-known face in the Pittsburgh community, having been a host and on-air journalist for decades, mainly at WQED TV. He earned 19 Emmy Awards as well as national and local awards for his many documentaries and television programs. After retirement from TV, Michael wanted to make a true difference by using his development skills to fulfill the mission at places like EECM where our vulnerable neighbors need the most help. Michael has served on many boards advancing the cause and rights of Pittsburgh LGBTQ neighbors. He served as a Commissioner on the Pittsburgh Human Relations board, appointed by Mayor Peduto.

Please support EECM through Share the Plate in the month of December.