Ebenezer Pastor Dr. Vincent Campbell, alongside Citizens EVP Suzy Donahue, who presented the check.
Grant provides $35,000 in funding, communications and volunteer support
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Ebenezer Outreach Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services designed to address the needs of residents living in underserved neighborhoods in the Hill District and surrounding communities, has been named a 2022 Champion in Action in the category of Innovation & Transformation.
The award, announced on Wednesday, July 20, jointly by Citizens Financial Group, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.
“We are proud to honor an organization that provides programs and services designed to address the needs of residents living in underserved neighborhood,” said Mark Rendulic, Pittsburgh Market President, Citizens, in a statement to the Courier. “EOM’s creative, thoughtful leadership team – which oversees a range of top-notch supportive services ensuring Hill District residents have a pathway to success – makes them a true Champion in Action.”
Ebenezer volunteers and staff along with representatives from Citizens.
“Ebenezer Outreach Ministries has set an impressive example for transformation and innovation,” said Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO, in a statement. “They took a typical food pantry and combined it with their workforce development program to build a modernized Basic Needs Center that helps to provide valuable services within their community.”
Ebenezer Outreach Ministries (EOM) provides career training programs that are critical to breaking down barriers to success. They also provide free access to hot meals, a food pantry with dry foods and essential basic household needs, a health clinic, a daycare, after-school programs and transportation assistance. The organization makes a promise to provide wraparound services for program participants for up to 36 months after the completion of a training program. The Basic Needs Center is the cornerstone of that promise and sets EOM apart from the average workforce or job placement program. The Community Meals Ministry is unique because the meals are prepared by a professional chef, as might be served in a nice restaurant, as opposed to free-meal offerings that are often pre-packaged or mass-produced. The delivery service goes a step further to address transportation and mobility challenges.
Ebenezer staff member Shirley Laidley, posing in Ebenezer’s model pharmacy/drug store/call center, where “Ms. Shirley,” as she’s known, runs a workforce development program.
“Ebenezer Outreach Ministries is grateful and humbled to be named a Citizens Champion in Action, and we will maximize this opportunity to make an even greater impact on our community,” said Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell, Founder and CEO of Ebenezer Outreach Ministries, in a statement. Reverend Dr. Campbell is also pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District.
The Champions in Action program, now in its 20th year, has awarded more than $10 million in contributions and promotional support to 367 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint. In Pittsburgh, 51 nonprofits have been honored, receiving more than $1.4 million.
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