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The latest on what we're up to, most proud of, and inspired by.

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United Way's 'Uniting for Education' Campaign Launches with $1Million Gift from Erie Insurance

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Friday Jun 7th, 2024

On June 7, 2024, to secure the Community School Model for this and future generations, United Way of Erie County today announced a $1 million donation from Erie Insurance and kicked off the public phase of an ambitious endowment campaign and special impact project.

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Community School Leadership Retreat

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Wednesday May 22nd, 2024

On May 14, United Way of Erie County held our first annual Community School Student Leadership Retreat sponsored by Women United. Nearly 200 students who are members of leadership groups from 13 elementary and middle community schools came together at UPMC Park for a day of fun games and leadership skill building. 

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Understanding Trauma-Informed Communities

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Tuesday May 21st, 2024

Supporters of United Way know that community schools work to break down nonacademic barriers low-income children face keeping them from being successful in school. A child’s life circumstances can greatly impact their ability to learn and thrive.

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Stakeholder Voice, a vital component to the community school model

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Tuesday May 21st, 2024

Data-driven decision making is a guiding principle of the Community School Model. We look at attendance, behavior, academic proficiency rates and more to determine needs and measure impact – but we also place heavy emphasis on stakeholder voice.


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Empowering Communities: A Q&A with Katie Jones

Tuesday Mar 12th, 2024

Katie Jones, regional president for ERIEBANK, is vice chair of United Way of Erie County’s Board of Directors and a member of Women United for Community Schools. She is a longtime supporter of United Way and advocate of our work. As United Way celebrates Women’s History Month, we’d like to feature this Q&A with Katie, who is a great leader for our organization and one of our strongest champions.

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Insights from Grover Cleveland Elementary Principal

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Wednesday Mar 6th, 2024

United Way of Erie County spoke with Deanna McFarland, principal of Grover Cleveland Elementary, about her experience implementing the Community School Model at Grover Cleveland and the changes she has seen in school culture since becoming a community school. 

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How would you make Erie High a school you love?

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Tuesday Feb 20th, 2024

Participate in the Erie High Community-Parent survey today! We need to hear from you to understand how we can improve Erie High through the Community School Model planning process.

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Glasses2Classes Coming to United Way Community Schools

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Tuesday Feb 13th, 2024

If a child cannot see, they cannot learn. That’s why United Way of Erie County and Erie’s Public Schools have announced the launch of Glasses2Classes for students. The program is set to launch February 20 with the first eye exams happening at East Middle School. Full schedule is attached. An estimated 7,000 students attending Erie’s Public Schools are expected to be provided with free vision screenings and glasses as necessary.

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United Way Set to Host Volunteer Clearance Clinic February 29

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Thursday Feb 8th, 2024

Are you interested in volunteering in Erie’s Public Schools, but haven’t had the time or ability to get all your clearances? Here is your chance! Submit an interest form and you will be contacted about joining United Way of Erie County’s FREE Clearance Clinic on Thursday, February 29  at East Middle School.

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Weekly INBrief: November 15, 2023

Wednesday Nov 15th, 2023

Read the full article published in the November 15 issue of United Way's Weekly INBrief eNewsAny number of reasons may compel an individual or family to move to another country—war, persecution, job opportunities or to be closer to family, for example.

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Board of Corporators: Impacting Change Through Data

Wednesday Nov 1st, 2023

Impacting Change Through Data. That was the topic discussed to a crowd of nearly 80 guests at the recent Briefing for United Way's board of corporators, funding and corporate partners. Jackie Bull, Assistant Principal, McKinley Elementary provided a comprehensive look at how utilizing data and the Community School Model together are working to overcome barriers and creating positive change, including significant academic growth, for students living in one of Erie’s poorest zip codes.

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National Fuel announced as community school corporate partner at Woodrow Wilson Middle School

Monday Oct 16th, 2023

United Way of Erie County and Erie’s Public Schools have announced National Fuel as the community school corporate partner for Woodrow Wilson Middle School. United Way, as the backbone organization for community schools, has worked over the last several months to build a strong partnership with National Fuel and secure their long-term support as a committed corporate partner for Wilson. 

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Edison Elementary, a United Way community school to construct new building

Wednesday Oct 4th, 2023

Big changes for the students and families of Edison Elementary, a United Way of Erie County community school, are soon to come as Erie's Public Schools prepares to construct a new Edison school building. 

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United Way of Erie County announces Bobbi Pollock as Tocqueville Award recipient

Thursday Sep 28th, 2023

United Way of Erie County has announced that Bobbi Pollock is the 2023 Tocqueville Award recipient. The award will be presented to her during United Way’s Leadership Recognition Reception sponsored by Northwest Bank and the William M. and Frances Schuster Fund at The Erie Community Foundation on Wednesday, October 4 at the Erie Art Museum.

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Community School Impact Tour

Wednesday Sep 27th, 2023

At United Way, we know it’s important for supporters and community leaders to see our work in action to understand the full scope of the Community School Model. That’s why we offer community school impact tours.

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2023 United Way Workplace Campaign

Wednesday Sep 6th, 2023

United Way's annual campaign for 2023 gets underway this fall. Thank you to all those who are and will continue to be advocates for donating to United Way through the workplace!

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Red Carpet Events

Wednesday Aug 30th, 2023

Students across Erie County started the new school year with cheers and words of encouragement from teachers, principals, community school directors, corporate and funding partners, Women United members and other volunteers during Red Carpet welcome back events held at community schools.

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United Way's newest Board Members

Thursday Aug 24th, 2023

Welcome United Way of Erie County New Members of the Board of Directors!

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Celebrating Wegmans Partnership

Wednesday Aug 16th, 2023

When Wegmans wants to raise funds for United Way of Erie County, their goal is to create meaningful change in our community by supporting our mission…and to have fun while doing it! 

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Wabtec Corporate Partnership Highlight

Wednesday Aug 9th, 2023

Thanks to the generosity of United Way of Erie County’s corporate and funding partners, together, we are making a transformational impact in the lives of students and their families throughout Erie County. Throughout the year we are featuring corporate partners in the Weekly InBrief because we know the business community understands when children fall behind in school the consequences create a ripple effect.