May is National Community Action Month! |
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GECAC is a Community Action Agency, established in 1965 to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty and help people achieve self-sufficiency. The words to the left make up the promise each Community Action Agency across the nation makes to those we serve. Join us in celebrating May as National Community Action Month, recognizing the work done by more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies, working collaboratively to move the needle on poverty. |
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Become a Member of
GECAC's Board of Directors
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To reduce poverty in Erie County, GECAC works to better focus available local, state, federal, and private resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to new opportunities, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
GECAC's fifteen-member Board of Directors has a tripartite structure, a requirement for all Community Action Agencies nationwide.
- One-third represent the low-income population in Erie County
- One-third are elected public officials or their representatives
- One-third are from the private sector, which includes representatives of business, industry, labor, and other major groups and interests in the community
The Nominating Committee is always recruiting new board members who can offer the critical skills needed to manage and grow the organization. Some areas of expertise they are recruiting for include:
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Community Needs Assessments
- Economic Development
- Financial Planning and Control
- Fundraising
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Legal
- Organizational Capacity
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Public Policy/Legislation
- Strategic Planning
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Summer JAM is now the Earn + Learn Program
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Erie County Government has launched a new workforce development program. Formerly known as Summer JAM, the program is now named Earn + Learn. In partnership with GECAC, this program will connect youth with work year-round instead of just over the summer. Low-income youth will get work and businesses will get a new workforce.
Businesses interested in hiring youth can contact the program director to get more information:
Jamilia Gates
jgates@gecac.org
(814) 459-4581
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Tier One
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Typically, ages 14-17, with little to no job experience
- Work 180 hours
- GECAC pays payroll taxes, worker's compensation, and half of the wages
- Employer covers 25% of wages
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Tier Two
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Typically, ages 16-21, with previous job experience or career-oriented
- Work 180 hours
- GECAC pays payroll taxes and worker's compensation
- Employer covers 75% of wages
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GECAC Provided 372 Bags of Food |
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Through collaborations with local churches, GECAC collected 372 bags of food and 135 grocery store gift cards to distribute to our clients. Two local churches that participated in our Giving Tree Event noticed that more and more of our clients were wishing for food as opposed to traditional Christmas gifts. They approached GECAC and asked if they could help address this growing need as they knew that food prices had skyrocketed and that many of our clients have had their SNAP food benefits greatly reduced. Five churches and one organization filled bags with 16 non-perishable items such as peanut butter, jelly, mashed potato mix, stuffing mix, oatmeal, pasta, beans, and more. They also donated grocery store gift cards valued at $25 each.
Thank you to our amazing partners! Their members and parishioners truly are helping people and changing lives!
- Senior Helpers
- St. Luke Church (Erie)
- St. Boniface Church (Erie)
- Our Mother of Sorrow Church (Erie)
- St. Lawrence Church (Albion)
- St. Philip Church (Edinboro)
- Wegmans
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AmeriCorps Seniors Appreciation Luncheon
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Retired Senior Volunteer Program:
(left) Rosella Kwitowski, 20 years of volunteer service at the Bayfront Bookshelf (center) Sue Zill, 25 years of volunteer service at the Second Harvest Food Bank
(right) Joyce Liscko, 27 years of volunteer service at the Tri-Boro Senior Center
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Foster Grandparent Program- 18 years of service: Matt Trott, Area Agency on Aging Division Manager, honoring Patricia Vild
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Foster Grandparent Program- 10 years of service:
(left to right) ) Mary Beth McClaren, Selestine Davis, and Helen Norman
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Foster Grandparent Program- 5-9 years of service:
Front Row (left to right): Nadine Harris, Dennis Plonski, and Sharon Brown Back Row (left to right): Emma Cooper, Eva Henderson, Trina Norton, and Karen Billings.
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Foster Grandparent Program- 0-4 years of service:
Front Row (left to right): Suzanne Hudson, Janet Coy, and Patricia Brunsonc Back Row (left to right): Latonya Walker, Clinteria Moore, Elizabeth Stanton, and Ella Hairston.
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GECAC is proud to announce that Kimberly Newhouse and Jacob Dembinski are our newest GED graduates! Congratulations Kimberly and Jacob. Our board of directors and staff are proud of you!
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31st R. Benjamin Wiley & Walter L. Osborne Memorial
Golf Classic
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Thursday, June 22, 2023
Venango Valley Inn & Golf Course
21217 Church Street, Venango, PA 16440
Registration……….10 am
Shotgun Start……….11 am
Awards Banquet……….5 pm
Please join us for one of the most rewarding events of the year, GECAC’s R. Benjamin Wiley & Walter Osborne Memorial Golf Classic.
Much like last year, the tournament promises to be a great day of relaxation and fun. We have already had a very strong response, and registration is underway. Our past golf tournaments have been tremendously successful because of the support of sponsors and golfers. We hope that you will consider joining us in 2023. Sponsorships are available! Visit the link below for more information.
The Golf Classic will be played in memory of Tyrone Moore, past tournament chairperson, who recently passed away. We are thankful for his outstanding leadership, guidance, and wisdom.
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GECAC has launched a video library to help the community learn more about our programs, how the programs can help you and your family, and if there are any qualifications for you to use the services.
Listen and watch as each program director explains their program. There are 22 videos ranging from Meals on Wheels to Digital Literacy Classes and more!
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- Accountant
- Division Manager
- Adult Protective Services Caseworker
- Director, Direct Care Worker NWPA
- Payroll/Fiscal Assistant
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Combating Hygiene Poverty |
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GECAC is again presenting Spruce Up Erie County to combat hygiene poverty.
What is hygiene poverty?
Many people locked in poverty or those who find themselves in times of crisis often experience restricted options. This leaves them caught between being able to heat their home, pay their rent, buy food, or keep clean. Hygiene poverty can be shaming, humiliating, and excluding and can result in social isolation.
It can lead to a lack of confidence and can negatively affect good health and mental well-being which can impact early childhood development, employability, and social interaction.
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Phone: (814) 459-4581
Senior Helpline: (814) 459-4581 Ext. 400
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