This year, the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) celebrates 50 years of grassroots work in Pittsburgh’s East End.  What began in 1976 as a small effort by neighbors determined to invest in their own community has grown into an organization that supports affordable housing, small businesses, youth programs, adult employment, environmental initiatives, and arts and culture, all while keeping the neighborhood’s voice at the center of its work.

BGC’s early days were marked by bold, community-driven action: residents purchased $5 “shares” to fund projects and launched the first Bloomfield-Garfield Bulletin, a newspaper that still fosters neighborhood pride today. From those modest beginnings, the organization has remained board-driven and community-focused, guiding the growth and revitalization of Garfield, Bloomfield, Friendship, and surrounding neighborhoods. “From the very beginning, our neighbors showed what’s possible when a community invests in itself, and is willing to take some calculated risks in order to change things for the better.” said Rick Swartz, Executive Director of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation. “Fifty years later, that spirit still guides everything we do.”

To honor this milestone, BGC is celebrating the people, projects, and moments that make the organization and the community special. Throughout the year, we’ll share a series of 50 Q&As highlighting board members, staff, volunteers, partners, and local businesses who have shaped the past 50 years, featured both in the Bloomfield-Garfield Bulletin and on BGC’s website. In addition, we’ll host 50 community events and meetings to mark the anniversary and engage residents in the life of the neighborhood.

As we reflect on 50 years of community-driven work, you can help ensure the next 50 by contributing a $5 “share” or a donation of any amount, just like residents did in 1976, to sustain BGC’s vital programs. 

Check out the interviews with 50 People Behind Our Impact Q&A