Earthen Vessels Outreach

Results: We serve approximately 100 children each summer in our youth program. More than 5 individuals have earned their high school diploma through the Penn Foster online program. Our kitchen ministry serves 100s of healthy meals a day to youth in the community and to organizations in need.

Target demographics: children and families in the East End communities.

Direct beneficiaries per year: EVO serves 10 - 12 feeding sites throughout each summer while using the ELM Initiative to help with employment and food preparation.   More that 400 home-made tasty USDA meals are prepared daily and sent out to different food sites in the East End of Pittsburgh.   EVO is the second largest non-governmental summer food provider in Allegheny County.  There are only 5 non-governmental sponsors in the county with more than 2 sites.  The food that EVO serves to the sites located in the above areas is freshly cooked on a daily basis with fresh fruits and vegetables.   During the summer of 2018, there was average of 22,000 meals served.

Geographic areas served: East End communities of Pittsburgh

Programs: After school program - focuses on academic support specifically in math, reaching, and other education skills. The program site is part of the direct-after-school provider network. The after school program serves more than 50 children annually.

Summer day camp - academic services are provided in the morning, and recreation is offered in the afternoon for 6 weeks during the summer recess from school. The program is offered for 8 hours a day, for children up to 14 years old. Over 80 children were served in 2014.

Performing arts initiative - between us girls (bugs) and between us boys (bubs) teaches 4th grade - high school youth character building, positive decision making, song, dance, and hands on projects. Spring and other holiday performances are scheduled with the song and dance. Employment, Learning, Mentoring (ELM) for high school and young adults.  ELM teaches employment skills and work force training while building ongoing social skills.  The ELM program currently operates programs in the following areas: hospitality industry, construction, maintenance and landscaping, and housekeeping. Adult Diploma Program- Adults are able to earn the high school credits they need in order to earn their high school diploma at their own pace. HEALTHY MEALS PROGRAM EVO has begun to serve 'hot meals' to After-School Programs free of charge throughout the school year.  These meals guarantee that all children will have 3 healthy meals daily, ensuring that the children are not going home hungry at the end of the day.    FRIENDSHIP HOUSE Friendship House is meeting place in the neighborhood that provides a safe nurturing haven for the community to either visit or find permanent shelter. Several of the young adults who come to serve at EVO live in Friendship House. TGIF FRIDAY KIDS CAMP A faith-based program that is offered weekly throughout the school year with a healthy, nutritious dinner. Children are taught positive social skills and participate in music and drama presentations throughout the year. MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP  Middle school youth from nearby neighborhoods gather once a week for our program.  The evening begins with a meal, followed by a mentoring and disciplining time, and then breaks apart for a variety of activities.  Those activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, sports, competitive games and much more.  Call the office at 412-681-7272 for schedules, and to register. RECREATIONAL TRIPS Through a partnership with Tickets-for-Kids Charities, EVO is able to offer free tickets for children to many events in Pittsburgh. These events expose the youth to an alternate culture that expands, balances and broadens their worldview. Events have included Pirates and Penguins games, roller-skating and ice-skating, movies, museums, plays, the Symphony, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo and many other venues.