At Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary, a United Way Community School, helping families feel connected doesn't stop at the school doors.
Last week, United Way Community School Director, Courtney Tirak launched "Meet Your Neighbor", a walking tour designed to introduce families to the businesses, organizations, and resources located right in their own neighborhood.
The idea came after Courtney attended an Erie Arts and Culture Ethnic Market Tour. Inspired by the experience, she saw an opportunity to create something similar for Pfeiffer-Burleigh families.
"I thought it would be great for our families to take a tour of the PB neighborhood and visit resources," said Courtney. "I am hoping families will increase their familiarity with the resources, feel safe in, and develop a positive view of the area surrounding the school."
Families participating in the tour spent time walking through the neighborhood, learning about local resources, meeting community partners, and discovering facts about the area they call home. Along the way, they also had the opportunity to connect with one another and build relationships outside of the traditional school setting.
For Courtney, strengthening those connections was one of the program's primary goals.
"I hope families get a chance to talk to each other on the tour, make new acquaintances, and feel more safe and comfortable in the area surrounding the school," she shared.
The pilot program also highlights an important component of the Community School Model: bringing schools, families, businesses, and community organizations together around a shared commitment in supporting the future generation of Erie.
The success of the first tour has already sparked ideas for future opportunities. Courtney hopes to expand the concept with specialized tours focused on topics such as health resources and services for English Learner families. She is also exploring hosting another neighborhood tour in August for incoming kindergarten families and students transferring to Pfeiffer-Burleigh.
Special thanks to Neighborhood Art House, Erie Bank, UK Market, and Denny's Ice Cream for welcoming families and helping make the event possible.
The "Meet Your Neighbor" pilot program is a great example of how the United Way Community School Model extends learning and engagement by bringing families, schools, and community partners together to build stronger connections and a greater sense of belonging in the neighborhoods they live, learn, and grow in.