Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2020

www.ReadMPM.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com BEST OF 2020 2020 W W W . B E S T O F M P . C O M I t takes courage for a client to walk through the doors of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), where the staff provide a safe, non-judgmental space where residents East of the Cooper can receive a hand up during hard times — not a hand out. “We’re not a one-size fits all program,” said Kathleen Forbes, director of programs. “We serve many different populations, from the elderly and those on disability, to people in situational poverty who have just hit a rough spot or those working hourly wage jobs and are challenged to make ends meet.” Recently, a client reached out after he was forced to spend his monthly food budget on an unanticipated car problem. ECCO helped lessen that burden. Another woman and her son fled a domestic abuse situation and needed assistance until she could stand on her own again. ECCO provides three main services: basic needs (food pantry, clothing closet and financial assistance), health services (dental and medical clinics, prescription assistance and counseling) and empowerment programs (career-focused classes, including résumé building and a savings-match program). In 2019, ECCO provided life-giving programs and services to over 1,900 families in our community. “When individuals and families walk through our doors, they are met with kindness, and leave with hope and inspiration,” says Denise Bryant, case manager. “Success for the client looks like they’re able to stand on their own, they’re able to maintain their monthly bills without any assistance. Many clients love to give back and even make donations to ECCO after becoming self-sustaining.” Bridging the Gap East Cooper Community Outreach For more information on ECCO’s services and how to get involved, visit eccocharleston.org or stop by their office at 1145 Six Mile Road in Mount Pleasant. BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS