Pittsburgh Presbytery - Mission Agencies

Wilkinsburg Community Ministries

UNITED WAY #242

702 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
412-241-8072

MISSION

To provide an effective and meaningful community ministry to all the families and individuals residing in the geographic area around the participating congregations. To extend the ministry of the church to all people by mediating the saving grace of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Acting as the cooperative agent of the member congregations. Wilkinsburg Community Ministry develops and engages in activities and outreach programs aimed at meeting physical, social, economic and spiritual needs of all people in the community. The ministry is currently supported by twenty congregations, along with judicatories, foundations and civil organizations.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

MEALS ON WHEELS: For the Wilkinsburg area
EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY: We service Wilkinsburg residents with emergency needs and also the following areas: Homewood, Forest Hills, East Hills and Swissvale. A referral from the Food Bank is needed for these other areas.
ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES: Angel Food regular boxes provides enough food to feed a family of 4 for a week at the cost of $31 or for a larger family $41. Other items can be purchased at a low cost. Payment is due at the time of ordering and we take cash, money orders and food stamps.
FOOD PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH: This program provides well-balanced meals each day to children with behavioral problems through the PLEA (Programs for Living, Education and Advocacy) program and at risk youth through after-school programs. Lunch or dinner is provided for 3 programs in the Wilkinsburg and surrounding areas. This program also operates throughout the summer months.
Utility Assistance through the LIHEAP (Light and Energy Assistance Program) and Dollar Energy applications.
WCM also has clothing, free bread and canned soup on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Holiday bags are given out at Thanksgiving and Christmas to the residents of Wilkinsburg.

HISTORY

The Wilkinsburg Community Ministry began as a cooperative effort of ten congregations in Wilkinsburg in April 1968. The original steering committee was composed of laity and clergy from the Methodist, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, and the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg. The Board of Directors was formed with two lay people and one clergy person from each of the cooperating congregations. Along with the part-time chaplain, the late Samuel McGill, the steering committee sought to serve as mediator in the racial unrest among the youth of the community and help them deal with the social forces affecting their lives.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Ann Greider, Executive Director; Raymond Tolbert, Social Services Director; Anita McKeithen, Meals on Wheels Coordinator; Bertha Hobson, Office Manager and Receptionist; Jami Broom, Development Strategist; Marcia Haley, Volunteer Coordinator; Sharon Walker, Head Cook and Kitchen coordinator; Edward, Kitchen Assistant.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGREGATIONAL OR INDIVIDUAL INVOLVEMENT

By supporting the ministry programs through prayer, financial and material donations, volunteering, food drives especially during the holidays.

INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Ann Greider, our Executive Director, is available to come out and speak to any agency/ organization that makes a request.

VISIT US ON THE WEB

www.wcm15221.org