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At United Way, we have made the choice to become razor sharp focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education. And, when we talk about education, we include family engagement as research strongly shows this impacts how children show up and participate at school. In fact, it is estimated that on average, parental engagement increases more than 50% in the first three years of launching a community school.

At the 2023 Annual Meeting, held May 11 at the Bayfront Convention Center, we used the opportunity to spotlight how family engagement blossoms through the Community School Model. More than 320 community leaders, supporters and partners gathered in support of LIVING UNITED and the mission to crush poverty in our community. View photos from the event which was sponsored by UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Hamot.

With your partnership, we’re moving Erie towards a collaborative community of opportunity where all students succeed and all families thrive. We invite you to learn more about the impact of community schools in the video shared at the event.

Those in attendance at United Way's 2023 Annual Meeting met four parents who are dedicated to their children and making choices to help them be successful in school. Studies show strong parental engagement leads to improved grades for students, increased positive attendance and decreased involvement in negative behavior. In essence, the decisions these engaged parents are making have a direct correlation to the decisions their students are making – with very positive results.

Parental engagement is a top priority for all United Way community schools, and United Way is so appreciative of parents like John, Lachanda, Jaime and Heather. If you were not at the event (or even if you were!) you will want to meet these incredible parents.