Over the past decade, United Way of Erie County made a bold decision to shift from its traditional role as a fundraiser for local nonprofits to becoming a proactive social impact organization.
This dramatic change was guided by a laser-sharp focus: breaking the cycle of generational poverty through education. It required more than just a new approach—it demanded a new mission, expanded scope, innovative funding strategies, and significant organizational restructuring. This comprehensive transformation has placed United Way of Erie County among the national leaders in social impact, setting a high standard among more than 1,000 local United Ways across the United States.
The driving force behind this shift was Erie’s urgent and persistent issue: generational poverty. Through extensive community dialogue, collaboration with local business leaders, rigorous research, and learning from successful models nationwide, United Way identified generational poverty as the focal area, education as the key solution, and Community Schools as the strategy to accomplish this ambitious goal.
In the 2016-17 school year, United Way launched its first five pilot Community Schools in partnership with Erie’s Public Schools
- East Middle School
- Edison Elementary
- McKinley Elementary
- Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary
- Strong Vincent Middle School
Since then, the model has significantly expanded significantly expanded. Today, United Way supports twenty Community School Directors embedded in Erie County schools, with comprehensive backbone support from an additional twenty office-based United Way staff members. This structured approach underscores United Way’s commitment as a backbone organization - a central role coordinating resources, aligning partnerships and ensuring measurable results for students and families.
Why make this significant shift?
Economically disadvantaged children face multiple non-academic barriers severely impacting their academic achievement and ability to succeed. In some Erie schools, over 90 percent of students face these barriers. The urgency is real and immediate. Basic needs, physical, mental, and behavioral health resources, enrichment opportunities, family engagement, and more are all part of the Community School Model, leveling the playing field so every child can grow and achieve their dreams. United Way is committed to its role as the backbone organization for Community Schools. We believe, without hesitation, that breaking the cycle of poverty requires an upstream approach; focusing on our future, the successful graduates of public education. These young people will shape our community and workforce for generations to come. United Way chose to step forward boldly, making challenging decisions and strategically addressing the root causes preventing student success. To genuinely break the cycle of poverty, we recognized the need for systemic change. That’s precisely what the Community School Model accomplishes—working collectively toward academic success by breaking down barriers beyond the traditional scope of public education, barriers that have multiplied unchecked for decades. We often remind ourselves this is a marathon, not a sprint. Systems change doesn't happen overnight. Decades of challenges require time, commitment, resources, and sustained financial support to resolve.
The Four Foundational Pillars
We firmly believe focusing on student success is not just worthwhile—it’s critical for Erie’s future. It’s essential for our citizens, businesses, economic health, and future generations. United Way of Erie County is setting the gold standard for public education in the Commonwealth, leveraging recognition and support that Erie County has too often missed out on. At its core, the United Way Community School Model places dedicated Community School Directors directly within school buildings. These directors coordinate partnerships and resources tailored to each school's unique needs. The Model is adaptable and collaborative, built around four foundational pillars:
1. Building a Positive Environment Creating safe, inclusive school climates through targeted mental health support, behavioral interventions, and positive reinforcement.
2. Expanding Learning and Enrichment Opportunities Providing after-school programs, leadership retreats, and enrichment activities to broaden student experiences and deepen their engagement.
3. Authentic Family Engagement Strengthening connections between schools and families through community events, workshops, and direct support.
4. Strengthening Community and Neighborhood Ties Building robust partnerships with local organizations and businesses to ensure students have essential resources like food, clothing, healthcare, and educational support.
Each pillar involves extensive collaboration among educators, families, students, community partners, and United Way. Real-time data and comprehensive feedback (qualitative and quantitative) inform ongoing adjustments, ensuring strategies remain impactful and responsive.
What does this look like in practice? Imagine schools where children regularly receive eye exams and glasses, ensuring clear vision. Picture schools where families regularly participate in evening workshops, gaining strategies to support their children. Envision classrooms where students and teachers start each day with community-building circles, creating trust, respect, and mutual support.
These aren't hypothetical scenarios - thanks to donor support and United Way of Erie County, they are everyday realities in our Community Schools.
This collaborative model has set the gold standard for public education in Pennsylvania. It positions Erie County as a beacon for education innovation, drawing attention and inquiries from beyond the region. United Way of Erie County continues to demonstrate that strategic partnerships and community commitment create lasting, transformative change.
