United Way of Erie County

We were able to hang the beautiful artwork created by Ms. Ghadah Hussien with inspiration from our Newcomer Academy students. This art is a wonderful addition t...o the lobby. Each student that participated in the project will be mailed a printed photo of the mural to have at home! A huge THANK YOU to Erie Arts & Culture, Ms. Ghadah Hussien, Ms. Kelly Armor, and our ESL teachers for helping to re-purpose the PPA grant funding to make this project possible! #CommunitySchoolsInAction

The Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board is seeking proposals for Phase 38. Non-profit agencies interested in applying for funding are encouraged to contact Erica at [email protected] or at 814-456-2937 Ext. 235. Applications will be available after January 3, 2021 and must be submitted by January 15, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwayerie.org/efsp/.

Please see below for an exciting employment opportunity to support United Way Community Schools! United Way of Erie County was the recipient of a Federal Full-Service Community Schools Program Grant which provides funding to hire five Blended Case Managers to support Edison, McKinley, Pfeiffer-Burleigh, East and Strong Vincent community schools. The case managers will be employed by our partner, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, and will work to support the over...arching goals of the grant: 1) improving student attendance, 2) supporting mental health needs, and 3) increasing access to and use of community resources for parents and students. For complete details and to apply visit: https://careers.upmc.com/jobs/6054689-bsu-case-manager-ii

Here's to bright things yet to come and memories we hold dear, 3, 2, 1... have a safe and happy New Year! 2021 Thank you to all those for their generous support in 2020 and an early thanks to all those that will commit to supporting United Way's work and mission to crush poverty in 2021! That's LIVING UNITED.

We're finishing the year of 2020 celebrating more than 800,000 books being delivered to Erie's littlest readers through the Imagination Library for Erie County since the program began in July 2013! If you would like to sponsor a child in this amazing program funded by contributions to United Way of Erie County, visit UnitedWayErie.org/Give!

United Way of Erie County is a LOCAL social impact organization right here in our community. United Way is supported locally, governed locally and working locally on our mission to crush poverty. The key to breaking the cycle of poverty is through education. United Way is laser focused on ensuring our students and our families thrive. Because that's LIVING UNITED. Thank you to all those who support us in this vital work. Learn more: UnitedWayErie.org ... #LiveUnitedErie #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #EriePA

#communityschoolsinaction at East Middle, a Community School!!

#CommunitySchoolsInAction at Perry Elementary!!

December 17 progress photos!!

Important information from our Imagination Library page. Friendly reminder: The Imagination Library in Erie County is funded by local community support. #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #ReadMore

Perry Elementary, a United Way community school recently wrapped on their first ever WINTERPALOOZA event and it was a HUGE success! Students and their families received winter coats, boots, hats and much more thanks to dedicated community school corporate partner Eriez and many other community partners including Immanuel Baptist Church, HC Shouse Ministries, Inc / Shares of God's Love and Mask Erie. Also, special thanks to Mr. John from Immanuel Baptist, Ms. Messner, Ms. Caren and Mrs. Stubenhofer for helping to winter items to families! #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnitedErie

United Way of Erie County was recently the recipient of a $25,000 KeyBank Foundation COVID Response grant! We are so grateful for the support. Funds will go toward supporting COVID response efforts at United Way's ten community schools throughout Erie County serving more than 6,000 students and their families. #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnitedErie

Didn't get a chance to read our latest issue of Community Schools INBrief? You won't want to miss Shia's story where she helps out East Middle, a Community School! Shia Knight is an 11 year-old Luther Memorial student who was in need of completing community service hours over the summer. That's when Shia's mom Kelina, the East Middle School secretary, reached out to Rachel Pierce community school director. Kelina and Shia were looking for opportunities to give back to East an...d Rachel knew just the way to have Shia help! Find out how Shia helped others here: https://bit.ly/StudentVolunteerShia Check out the latest Community Schools INBrief: https://conta.cc/3ossEt5

Many thanks to Erie Playhouse supporters choosing to Pay it Forward when purchasing their A Christmas Carol - A Live Radio Play tickets! To date, more than 145 families at United Way community schools will be able to enjoy this unique community experience your generosity! And, BREAK a to all of our friends at the Erie Playhouse! We are greatly looking forward to the performances! #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnitedErie

Mission accomplished! Even during a pandemic! ALL of the holiday presents donated by Corporate Partner Wabtec Corporation earlier this month made their way to East Middle, a Community School and will be distributed to students and their families at Edison Elementary School, a United Way community school. Blankets and t-shirts also accompanied the board games! Our corporate partners rock! What an INCREDIBLE afternoon!... #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LoveErie #LiveUnited

PLEASE SHARE! This holiday season, hundreds in Erie County will be in need of a warm and welcoming place that can provide a meal. Others will be looking to volunteer. And, some of our neighbors may not be able to provide a toy for their child. The power of United Way's 211 Helpline lies in connecting people in need with resources and services free and confidentially 24/7/365. A list of free holiday meals and related services for this time of year in Erie County is availabl...e by going to United Way's 211 website, PA211NW.org, or simply #dial211 for referrals. Download a copy: http://bit.ly/ErieHolidays211 **AND, if you know of a free holiday resource not listed, please share the information below on this post! We will work with program providers to get this information into the 211 database.

Don't miss your chance to read this extraordinary success story, featured in our brand new issue of Community Schools INBrief! Roberta 'Bobbie' Peters remembers the library at Perry Elementary, a United Way community school, as a five-year-old little girl. Fast forward to March of this year, and Bobbie was able to return to the library of her alma mater and share her love of reading with current kindergarteners sitting criss cross applesauce when the world was still normal. D...espite the pandemic, Bobbie has found ways to remain engaged at Perry including virtual read-alouds and providing supplies for a cards for troops initiative. She credits her time at Perry as the reason she has enthusiastically embraced volunteer opportunities that have been presented since Eriez Manufacturing Co. signed on as a United Way community school corporate partner earlier this year. "These kids are our future. If we help them and their families, it will make all the difference in their success in life. What I'm doing does not take a lot of time, and it clearly means so much!" Bobbie serves as the chair of the Eriez Orrie-M Community Outreach Committee, a volunteer role that has aligned seamlessly with opportunities available at both Perry and Harding Elementary, a community school. Bobbie has also participated in the recent Trunk-or-Treat event at Harding Elementary. Eriez serves as the Corporate Partner at both Perry Elementary and Harding Elementary. Read more: https://conta.cc/3ossEt5

Before Thanksgiving, we shared the amazing generosity of "Mr. D" who has become our resident coat angel! Well, with his permission, we can now share Mr. D's name... Phillip DiVecchio... and properly thank him! We are so grateful for his support. In total, dropping off nearly 100 coats for students at United Way community schools in need this winter season! But, if you try to thank Mr. D he will be VERY quick to tell you his generosity is that of paying it forward thanks to the countless doctors and nurses at our region's hospitals who have cared for him as he has battled cancer over the years! Frontline heroes, YOU ROCK! Mr. D, YOU ROCK! #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnited #LoveErie

Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary, a United Way community school, and the surrounding neighborhood now have a Little Free Library to call their very own thanks to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania - Little Free Library, Edinboro University and Rotary Club of Erie who partnered to bring the dream of having a LFL for students and families to life! Meghan Easter, community school director and Mike Jaruszewicz, United Way VP of Community Impact were on hand today to safely transport the transformed newspaper boxes donated by GoErie.com | Erie Times-News! #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LittleFreeLibrary

Forgot to check out the latest issue of Community School INBrief? You'll want to see the newest featured articles, including this one highlighting teachers in our Community Schools! At United Way, we know that the role of the community school director is to engage with students, families, partners, staff and right now, also importantly, teachers. Teachers are heroes. There is no question. And, without their dedication to reinventing the way they reach students in a virtual ...environment students and their families could not thrive. That’s why Iroquois Elementary recently installed motivational yard signs at teacher's homes thanks to community school corporate partner, Widget Financial! Read more: https://conta.cc/3ossEt5

In case you missed our latest issue of Community Schools INBrief, we wanted to share the great work of the Be There team at Strong Vincent Middle School, a community school! When students miss school, they miss out. It's that simple. And, in the current times, it's also important to remember that virtual does not equal optional. Too many absences (excused or unexcused) can keep students from succeeding in school and in life. That's why a group of dedicated Strong Vincent st...aff have committed to spreading this important message to families who need a little extra reminder. Be There, funded by United Way, serves as an intervention and prevention strategy aimed at preventing the serious consequences of truancy for students and families. From the onset of the Be There program at SV until the end of the first quarter, staff have seen a 72% increase in daily attendance! Read more: https://conta.cc/3ossEt5 Front: Katrina Byrd, community school director and Kaitlyn Falk, community school coordinator Back L to R: Deb Wright, behavior interventionist, Family Services of NW PA, Zach Spronatti, truancy monitor, Bethesda Trinity Center, Julian Brown, behavior prevention specialist, Preferred Solutions and Lee Rohan, behavior interventionist, Family Services of NW PA

At United Way, we know the Erie community embodies a generous spirit. With the many heightened needs this year has brought, we encourage individuals who can support our region’s nonprofits to do so today, GivingTuesday. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to our community. You can make a difference through United Way by giving the gift of reading.... It costs just $30 to sponsor a child for one year in United Way's Imagination Library for Erie County which has remained uninterrupted, serving a total of nearly 24,000 of Erie's littlest readers and their families as of December! The program is funded 100% by local community support. Join us today by giving the gift of reading to a child right here in our community. Sponsor a child: http://bit.ly/GiveReadingErie #ReadMore #GivingTuesday #LiveUnited

With little to no effort you can help your community by shopping Amazon.com via Amazon Smile. When you designate United Way as your charity via the link below, .05% of purchases will be donated directly to United Way of Erie County here in Erie, PA. Direct link to designate: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/25-1053091 #LIVEUNITED #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #Prime #CyberMonday

There are currently hundreds of Erie County organizations offering nearly 1,000 services in United Way's 211 database. Need help? Don’t know where to turn? Dial 211. United Way’s 211 Helpline is available for those who find themselves in need of information and referral. People can dial 2-1-1 and referral to services and support is made when resources in the database are available. 211 is FREE 24/7/365 to all residents in Erie County confidentially. In addition, if you are a nonprofit/social service agency and have adjustments to your program or service offerings during this time, please take a moment to update your information in the 211 database by reaching out to Paul Wotus via email at [email protected].

A very Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful and grateful for YOU!

This may look like just a pile of coats but it’s much more. An anonymous donor (we’ll call him Mr. D) has visited United Way three times recently to drop off winter coats for children in Erie. He leaves us with a big smile saying, They’re for the kids who need them. ... As Thanksgiving draws closer, we’re guessing he’s as grateful to be able to give as the children in need who will receive these at United Way community schools are to receive. #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnited #Heartwarming

It's very fitting we are celebrating American Tinning & Galvanizing during Thanksgiving week because we are VERY thankful for each and every one of their employees! That's right, of the team at ATG contributed to this year's annual workplace campaign in support of United Way's mission to CRUSH poverty in our community, collectively raising $34,919.80! L to R: Mike Spain, Rodney Chiarelli (Vice-President), Teesha Weems, Bob Drzewiecki, Sandy Schultz, David Bertges (Fi...nancial & HR Manager), Todd Deckert In addition to being 100% supportive of United Way's work, ATG is also a dedicated corporate partner at Diehl Elementary, a community school! #LiveUnited #EriePA #ATG

It's the last week of Wegmans 20 Days of Giving Thanks! To all those who have supported us while shopping, we say THANK YOU! Support continues through November 26! #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #LiveUnited #EriePA

We join Harding Elementary, a community school in thanking Frontier neighbors and small businesses for the support! #CommunitySchoolsInAction

Progress continues at our new home!

Thank you Mask-Erie! #CommunitySchoolsInAction

With all COVID-19 guidelines in place, Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) in collaboration with Our Neighbor's Place will open the seasonal warming shelter beginning this evening, November 18. The first two weeks of the shelter will be located at and hosted by the Mental Health Association of Erie County, 1101 Peach Street - providing warm and safe shelter to those in need from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Masks are required to enter facilities. Social distancing practices are b...eing upheld. For the complete schedule and to learn more about the joint efforts of EUMA and Our Neighbors' Place visit: https://bit.ly/OverflowShelterSchedule20

The latest news and updates on United Way's community schools initiative has hit inboxes. Check it out! #CommunitySchoolsInAction #LiveUnited #EriePA

United Way would like to recognize the generous spirit of the Gannon University family who collectively raised a total of $15,152 during this year's workplace giving campaign in support of United Way of Erie County and our mission to crush poverty in our community! United Way could not carry out our impactful work without community support and for that we are SO grateful and give a BIG thanks to the Gannon family - you are shining examples of what it means to LIVE UNITED. #LiveUnited #GannonU

Wegmans 20 Days of Thanks continues! Our friends at Wegmans Peach and Wegmans West are holding their annual Scan Campaign in support of United Way’s mission to crush poverty in Erie County through November 26. Thanks to the countless Wegmans customers who will support United Way at the checkout!... #20DaysOfThanks #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #ErieLive #LoveErie

Strong Vincent Middle School’s Junior Chef Club + Erie Farm to School = BIG success for students and their families! #CommunitySchoolsInAction

This Veterans Day, and every day, we honor our servicemen and women. If you are a veteran in need of help, please dial 211 today and let United Way support you.

Our friends at Wegmans are once again supporting United Way and asking for customers to support too! Can we count you in to round up or contribute a small amount at the check out? #LiveUnited #EriePA #Wegmans

WE’RE MOVING! United Way of Erie County recently announced we will be moving our offices to the second floor of the former Wayne School building located at 650 East Avenue. This move comes at no net cost to United Way thanks to the sale of our current building and a generous gift from an anonymous donor! The move aligns seamlessly with United Way’s collective impact strategy and laser focus on education as the organization will now be co-located with Erie Center for Arts and Technology along with other valued impact partners and neighbors to East Middle School, a United Way community school.

For those who missed the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s Homecoming, trust us, you’ll want to hear what these McKinley Elementary School Mariners have to say! The future of Erie is bright! City of Erie Government | Erie Police Dept. | Erie PAL | R Frank Media

PLEASE SHARE! This Thanksgiving, hundreds in Erie County will be in need of a warm and welcoming place that can provide a meal. The power of United Way's 211 Helpline lies in connecting people in need with resources and services free and confidentially 24/7/365. A list of free Thanksgiving meals in Erie County is available by going to United Way's 211 website, PA211NW.org, or simply #dial211 for referrals.... Download a copy: https://bit.ly/ThanksgivingMealsErie #LiveUnited #Thanksgiving #EriePA

United Way is pleased to be partnering with our friends at the Erie Playhouse to offer tickets for A Christmas Carol - a Live Radio Play to families in need through the Pay-It-Forward option! Each $25 Pay-It-Forward selected as an add-on to your purchase will sponsor a family from United Way’s community schools who would otherwise not be able to enjoy this unique community experience! Please consider choosing the Pay it Forward option when visiting EriePlayhouse.org for your tickets which go on sale TODAY at 9AM!

Thanks to our friends at Erie County, Pennsylvania who recently contributed $494.96 in juror donations to United Way! These donations are made possible after the County announced earlier this year the generous juror contribution initiative, allowing jurors in Erie County the option to choose to have their daily jury duty payment gifted to United Way! As always, donations to our organization stay local and help United Way on our mission to crush poverty in Erie. #LiveUnited #THANKYOU

PLEASE SHARE! Wegmans 20 Days of Thanks begins today! Beginning TODAY - November 26 our friends at Wegmans Peach and Wegmans West will be holding their annual Scan Campaign in support of United Way’s mission to crush poverty in Erie County. Thanks to the countless Wegmans customers who will support United Way at the checkout!... #20DaysOfThanks #RaisedLocalStaysLocal #ErieLive #LoveErie

URGENT NEED: United Way Erie FREE Taxes is in need of volunteer tax fliers for the 2021 filing season. Gain experience, make new connections, help make a differ...ence in our community. Check out why Jeff Rozier has been a volunteer since 2012! REGISTER HERE: https://www.unitedwayerie.org/eriefreetaxesvolunteer

Congratulations to Mrs. Farina of McKinley Elementary School "Home of the Mariners"! #GoldenAppleAward #CommunitySchoolsInAction

Remember free, confidential help is only a call, text or chat away!

IT'S ELECTION DAY! If you haven't already, please VOTE and let your voice be heard. #LiveUnited #VoteUnited #Vote2020

United Way of Erie County was thrilled to support Our West Bayfront's 4th annual Eerie Fall Fest at Gridley Park this past Saturday! Families were encouraged to participate in a social distant "Costume Walk" with fun, fall themed activities for everyone. We're glad to see everyone had a great time in a safe environment!

A BIG thank you to this year's generous United Way Incentive Prize sponsors which include Wegmans Peach, Wegmans West, Red Letter Hospitality - The Cork 1794, Molly Brannigan's and The Skunk & Goat Tavern, Country Fair, Scott Enterprises, Peek'n Peak Resort, Erie BayHawks, Erie SeaWolves and Erie Otters Hockey Club. As a thank you for LIVING UNITED when you donate just $3/wk or more to United Way of Erie County through your workplace, you are eligible to WIN BIG one of these GRAND PRIZES! And, for those United Way donors who increase their annual gift by at least $.50/week... you are eligible to win our STEP UP PRIZES courtesy of JENSEN'S TARGET COLLISION, Erie Playhouse and Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel #LiveUnited

Thanks to all those nominating United Way of Erie County in the Erie Reader’s Best of Erie 2020 recognition! Now it’s time to vote! Do you LIVE UNITED? We need your support! VOTE HERE: https://bestof.eriereader.com/

United Way is a local social impact organization on a mission to CRUSH poverty in our community. But, we can't do it alone. Will you join us? Donating is easy. And, now, our payroll deduction option --- the most popular way to donate to United Way --- is available online! GIVE TODAY: UnitedWayErie.org/Give

We’re very happy to be partnering with our friends at the Erie Playhouse!

Starting to take shape...construction now exceeding destruction as we get to see where the life changing and community changing mission of ECAT will take place.

United Way is fortunate to be among the local nonprofits participating in Boscov's Friends Helping Friends sale WHICH ENDS TODAY. Choose to support United Way and our mission to crush poverty when you shop TODAY! #LiveUnited #FriendsHelpingFriends #Boscovs

Eli and Ellie are giving big thanks on behalf of United Way to UPMC Health Plan for their recent donation of 400 thermometers for community schools basic needs pantries! These will be given out to families in need so they won't have to worry about this essential household item being available during the pandemic. THANK YOU!

Reinventing programming during a pandemic is a challenge but our friends at the Erie Playhouse have answered the call when it comes to Erie Playhouse PLAYtime! United Way proudly supports this lively and interactive program for students throughout Erie County which uses the arts as a vehicle to make a meaningful connection with stories from the Imagination Library for Erie County. For the time being, the entire program is virtual thanks to Ms. Maeve, Ms. Trish and Ms. Kate who use song, drama, movement, and visual arts to make the books children are receiving in the mail each month come alive while creating purposeful shared reading. #ReadMore #LiveUnited #CommunitySchoolsInAction #PLAYTime #EriePlayhouse

Teachers... we see you and appreciate you! #CommunitySchoolsInAction

BIG thanks to Chick-fil-A who recently contributed to United Way’s mission to crush poverty with a generous donation of virtual attendance incentives and meal vouchers for families in need at community schools and staff thank you bags! #LiveUnited #CommunitySchoolsInAction

We’ve got a SPOOKtacular message for ZooBOO attendees while they’re at the Erie Zoo! How awesome is this?!? #EerieStrong #ReadMore

Families in Erie County are experiencing a shortage of diapers due to COVID-19 job loss, changes in public transportation and lack of supply in retail stores. That's why United Way is pleased to support the Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot which has FOUR upcoming mobile distributions planned throughout Erie County! OCT 14 at 9:30AM at The Salvation Army Corry, PA OCT 15 at 2:30PM at Diehl Elementary, a community school OCT 16 at 2:30PM at Strong Vincent Middle School... OCT 19 at 11AM at PerryElementarySchool COMPLETE DETAILS ON REGISTRATION: http://eriefamilycenter.org/diaper-depot/get-help/ MORE INFO ON UNITED WAY'S SUPPORT: https://bit.ly/30G2UQJ

United Way is pleased to announce Julie Chacona has joined the team as Director of Major Gifts! Julie is an Erie native and has a rich history of service to the community. She earned Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a double minor in Fine Arts and Economics from Boston College and holds fundraising certificates from Indiana University Lilly School of Fundraising. "We are extremely pleased to have Julie join our United Way team. She has outstanding experience and knowledge in the fundraising field and is well respected. And, her commitment to improving our community makes her a perfect fit for United Way’s team," said Laurie Root, United Way senior vice president. Full announcement: https://bit.ly/JulieChacona

United Way is proud to support Positive Youth Development of Erie County (PYD)!

United Way of Erie County is pleased to be able to offer the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card in our community which has resulted in vital prescription discounts for more than 14,000 Erie County residents. Download this handy flyer for more details and to use the card: https://bit.ly/FamilyWizeErieCounty

United Way is fortunate to have nearly TWENTY dedicated corporate partners making the work of community schools possible throughout Erie County. THANK YOU for ALL YOU do to support students and their families at United Way community schools. Accudyn Products, Inc. American Tinning & Galvanizing Bonnell's Auto Group... Custom Engineering Company, Erie, PA Erie Insurance Eriez Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Lincoln Recycling - Erie Matrix Tool, Inc. McInnes Rolled Rings Parker LORD Corporation Reed Manufacturing Company Reddog Industries Smith's Hotdogs Team Hardinger Transportation and Warehouse TechnipFMC Wabtec Corporation | GE Transportation Widget Financial See more