PONTIAC, Mich. – At E-Community Outreach Services, the mission is clear: families matter.
As a receptionist greets guests at the nonprofit’s Parent Empowerment Center, the phones are constantly ringing.
The staff, including case workers, embody the support this nonprofit organization provides to vulnerable individuals across Pontiac and Oakland County.
Eisha Branner, who started the nonprofit six years ago out of necessity, emphasizes the importance of helping families tackle tough situations.
“This is our Family Membership Store, where our families can come in and shop for free and get things that they need, from diapers to clothes,” said Branner.
The store is stocked with a variety of items, including toys and household goods, all based on the most requested needs.
“Diapers are our big need,” Branner said.
Branner’s commitment to this cause stems from her struggles and challenges in finding critical resources.
Now, the team at E-Community Outreach Services is dedicated to making access to information easier for others. Recently, they partnered with the Pontiac Housing Commission to provide wrap-around services to some of their clients.
Many individuals come to E-COS in distress, facing issues such as utility shut-offs and food insecurity.
“They come in distress. Lights are cut off, gas is off, no food. Sometimes they are walking up here to get assistance from us,” Branner said.
E-COS offers a range of programs for parents and youth, and Uriah Milton is one of the many members who have leaned on this organization for support.
“It helped me, for sure, because I thought I was going to get evicted. And now, I’m not. I thought I was going to be homeless. And I’m not going to be homeless now,” Milton said.
Milton also mentioned that case workers are assisting her with access to educational resources to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Dominique Clark, a manager in training at E-COS, said the demand for services is high.
“On a day-to-day basis, we help between 25 and 30 people,” said Clark.
The team at E-COS is passionate about the work and the impact they have on the community.
When asked about her motivation, Branner said, “This is my hometown. I’ve been through this. My family lives here. My friends. I just felt like, you know, if not me, then who is going to do it?”
Click here for more information about E-Community Outreach Services.
