United Pastors for Social Empowerment

Welcome to United Pastors for Social Empowerment!

UPSE is a collaboration of Pastors, institutions and community members that come together to address the issues that disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations living in our local post-industrial context. We feel that the most effective way to address these issues is from a faith based-community collaboration and by utilizing a solution-centered approach.

Building upon the strengths of community institutions, human services organizations and the faith based communities we are committed to obtaining positive outcomes in the following focus areas:

- Community Health

- Community Education (education equity, success, and retention)

- Community Development (closing the wealth gap)

- Community Justice

Obviously, we feel that this is a new approach to address urban problems and meet the needs of the community. The group meets at 5:30 PM the 2nd Monday of each month at The Croxton Auditorium at the Toledo Hospital just off the lobby in the older "Legacy" building.

Here is our vision and mission:

Vision

The United Pastors for Social Empowerment, a coalition of pastors, is committed to using its collective power to effectively empower communities of color and marginalized populations economically, socially, politically, and spiritually.

Mission

The United Pastors for Social Empowerment is an independent ecumenical group of senior pastors working in collaboration with community leaders and institutions to challenge the crises and disparities affecting the poor, marginalized, and communities of color through public policy advocacy, community development and through political empowerment and coalition building.

Time is running out! Our Annual Social Justice Awards Banquet—your chance to support our critical advocacy work and hear from keynote speaker Leah Rothstein —is just days away. If you haven’t reserved your ticket yet, NOW is the time.

Click to purchase HERE.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm EST
Location: St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church
Address: 4718 Brittany Rd., Toledo, Ohio 43615

Every ticket purchase and sponsorship directly sustains our mission to promote justice and equity in our communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to come together, celebrate social justice achievements, and fuel our collective impact for the year ahead.

This year’s UPSE Social Impact Awards keynote speaker is Leah Rothstein, a renowned expert in housing policy with over two decades of experience as a community and labor organizer, consultant, and advocate for affordable housing and community development. Co-author of Just Action, Leah has traveled the country, inspiring organizations, governments, and individuals to take actionable steps to combat segregation and promote fair housing. With a Master's in Public Policy from UC Berkeley, Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for equitable change to every audience she engages.

From The Toledo Blade (click photo to go to full article):