Community School Directors are United Way of Erie County employees embedded full-time within each Community School. They serve as the on-site connector between the school and community, building relationships with students, families, staff, and partners to remove non-academic barriers to learning. By coordinating resources and aligning support, Community School Directors, with the assistance of United Way backbone staff, help ensure every student and family has what they need to succeed in school and life.
Liz is an Erie native with a passion for community building, family engagement and advocating for social and economic justice. She attended John Carroll University where she received a bachelor's degree in sociology, with minors in political science and peace, justice and human rights. Liz returned to Erie to obtain her masters degree in social work and recently became a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania. Liz has worked part-time with the Community School Model at Edison Elementary for several years and has also served as a trauma case manager, working with families and children open with OCY in the Erie area. Liz is a strong believer in positive transformation that can occur when a holistic approach is used to support children's education, and she cannot wait to be part of Lincoln's mission!
Corporate Partners are integrated partners, not just donors. Their collaboration creates consistency, resources, and opportunities that directly impact student success and family well-being — key pillars of the Community Schools Model.
These businesses and organizations provide both financial and volunteer support, working side-by-side with Community School Directors to create meaningful opportunities, improve learning environments, and strengthen connections between schools and the community.
Interested in becoming a Corporate Partner? Contact Julie Chacona, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at julie@unitedwayerie.org. or Anita Kuchcinski, Vice President of Development at anita@unitedwayerie.org
These stories highlight real examples of how the United Way Community Schools model is creating lasting change. From improved student engagement to stronger family connections, each story showcases the people, partnerships, and progress driving success across our community.
At Erie High, a United Way Community School, preparing students for life beyond graduation means more than just academics—it’s about providing real-world opportunities. .
Through a new career readiness initiative in partnership with Erie Insurance and other local community organizations, senior students gained valuable exposure to industry professionals and career readiness skills this year. During the school day, students participated in skill-building sessions focused on dressing for success, interview techniques, and resume writing.
