families
RAPID RESPONSE FUND
Federal funding freezes are forcing a crisis in Erie’s refugee resettlement community Since October 2024, Erie’s resettlement agencies have received no federal funding reimbursements, leading to more than 20 layoffs, with additional cuts expected and threatening successful resettlement supports for Erie’s new American residents
Erie County’s refugee residents have been legally resettled here by the U S government to escape humanitarian crises, including war, persecution, and displacement Since July 1, 2021, Erie’s local resettlement agencies
have helped resettle 3,588 refugees, with over 4,000 refugees eligible for social services within their first five years of arrival The Erie Community Foundation is designed to meet the moment when the community needs us most This is one of those times
Erie has a proud legacy of welcoming refugees and building a stronger, more inclusive community for all The federal funding shortage will soon cause a ripple effect across our local economy if we don’t engage in a collective (Continued inside cover)
VOL.
Rapid Response Fund
Website Refresh
Erie Retina Research
Erie Gives 2025
Northwestern Community
Youth Center
Erie Women’s Fund
Adaptive Bikes for Kids
Emerging Erie Fund Grant
Accepting Applications
JES Fund Update
Howell Family Scholarship
Board of Trustees
Calendar of Events
Photo from the Variety: A Children’s Charity press conference, where 10 adaptive bikes were gifted to
of children with disabilities offering new opportunities for freedom, mobility, and independence. Read all about it on page 5.
response Long term solutions are required, but we need to stabilize a rapidly declining situation, now
Erie’s refugee residents play a crucial role in our economy The federal refugee resettlement program has been a reliable program to help resettled families become self-sufficient – the refugee program is one of the most secure immigration pathways to the U S
Refugees own 5% of businesses in Erie County, despite being only 4 1% of the population 47% of resettled refugees are homeowners
Refugees and immigrants contribute $253 million to Erie’s economy annually. Immigrants in Erie County helped create or preserve 500 manufacturing jobs that would have otherwise vanished or moved elsewhere by 2019
You can make an impact: Rapid Response Fund.
SPRING CLEANING: OUR NEW WEBSITE
We’re excited to share that we’re revamping our website to better reflect our mission to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region today and tomorrow This new site will be your central hub for scholarship opportunities, community impact stories and the latest news Explore ways to get involved in the power of collective giving from joining our Affinity Funds to contributing to our Rapid Response Fund
Stay tuned this is our next step toward building a united, vibrant and thriving region for all!
Photos courtesy of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Photos are of participants in a wellness class.
ERIE RETINA RESEARCH COLLABORATES WITH SIGHT CENTER OF NWPA TO SUPPORT LOW VISION CLINIC
What if something as simple as reading a newspaper or setting an alarm clock felt out of reach? For individuals living with low vision, everyday tasks can become overwhelming But thanks to a powerful partnership between Erie Retina Research and the Sight Center of NWPA, that reality is changing “The impossible is possible again,” shared Dr Philip Susann, a patient whose life was transformed by the clinic’s care and assistive technology Through innovation, compassion, and community support including a pivotal grant from The Erie Community Foundation this initiative is giving people the tools they need to thrive This collaboration is about more than medical care it's about restoring dignity, independenc and connection to the world around u
Read more about the Low Vision Clin and its life-changing impact
GEARING UP FOR ERIE
GIVES
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Erie Gives! For the first time, ALL online fees will be covered, ensuring nonprofits receive 100% of every donation Each Regional Affiliate Corry, Findley Lake, North East, and Union City will support their local nonprofits through their own Bonus Bucks pools Registration is now open, so if you know a nonprofit in the Erie area, encourage them to register Check donations will be accepted starting June 17 After breaking records in 2024, this year is another chance to be a part of the power of collective giving!
Dr. Philip Susann with his low-vision device.
THE NORTHWESTERN C YOUTH CENTER: A SOF D
Albion’s Northwestern Community Youth Center (NCYC) has been a safe haven for local youth for decades, offering after-school activities, mentorship, and support Recent upgrades funded by a $14,650 Helping Today grant and $6,000 raised from Erie Gives include new computers, a commercial kitchen, music space, and more. Now mortgage-free, the center serves not just students but the wider Albion community with expanded programming “The kids are always first in our hearts,” said Missy Niedzielski, Executive Director “Then we serve the whole community.”
What began in response to concerns for youth safety has grown into a multi-generational resource, rooted in care, connection and opportunity for all who walk through its doors
Read more.
ERIE WOMEN'S FUND HOSTS FOLLOWUP SESSION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
In January, the Erie Women’s Fund hosted an eye-opening session on the urgent and often overlooked issue of human trafficking To continue the conversation, a follow-up virtual session was held featuring a Q&A with Jordan Pine, Founder of Greenlight Operation, and District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz The discussion provided a deeper look into the realities of trafficking, common misconceptions, warning signs to watch for, and resources available to help protect and educate the community. For ways you can continue the conversation or to watch the recording of the session, please click here
The team behind the Northwestern Youth Community Center.
10 LOCAL ERIE KIDS RECEIVE LIFECHANGING, CUSTOM-MADE EQUIPMENT
In September 2024, The Erie Community Founda awarded a $25,000 grant to Variety, the Children Charity, transforming the lives of ten local childre with disabilities. Funded through unrestricted donations, the grant provided six adaptive bikes and four adaptive strollers offering new freedom mobility, and joy to children and their families At the celebration event, held at the Foundation, families shared emotional stories, and the day ended with a heartwarming parade of kids riding their new bikes For 12-year-old Emily, the bike meant she could ride alongside her family again “With this one, she can ride with friends and family again it’s life-changing,” said her mom, Laurie Five-year-old Harlo’s father shared how the gift would empower his daughter: “This will boost her confidence and show her she can do anything.”
Read more of this heartfelt story
APPLY NOW: EMERGING ERIE FUND GRANT
The Emerging Erie Fund (EEF) is ready to invest in bold ideas that move Erie forward! EEF is committing up to $100,000 this grant cycle to support a local initiative that will make a meaningful impact in our community both now and for the future Please review all eligibility requirements and guidelines before submitting your application. Application deadline: May 23. View our RFP.
DOUBLING THE IMPACT: AN UPDATE ON THE JES ENDOWMENT FUND
The Jefferson Educational Society Endowment Fund at The Erie Community Foundation is off to a strong start with $16,025 raised! Thanks to a generous pledge from JES co-founder and Vice Chairman Bruce Raimy, all individual donations up to $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $250,000 This is a powerful opportunity to double your impact and help secure the future of Erie’s premier nonpartisan think tank
To support the JES Endowment Fund, simply mail or deliver a check to The Erie Community Foundation (459 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA 16507) with "JES Endowment Fund" in the memo line Join us in ensuring the mission of civic education and engagement continues for generations to come
A LEGACY OF GRIT: THE HOWELL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
When Dr Gary and Helen Howell establish the Howell Family Scholarship, they wante give more than financial support Their de to help young people led to the Howell Fa Scholarship through The Erie Community Foundation Last year, three students fro Cathedral Prep, McDowell High School, a Collegiate Academy, each received $8,00 toward their education “We wish you God blessings and the will to persevere no ma time. Never give up and you will succeed e read more about Gary and Helen and the
Dr. Gary and Helen Howell.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David M Tullio, Board Chair
Thomas A Tupitza, Esq., Vice Chair
James R Walczak, Esq , Secretary
Marcus S Atkinson
Lauren Bauer, CIMA®, CPFA™
Kathleen Brugger, CPA
Annē L. DiPillo
William M Hilbert Jr
Charles G Knight III, CPA
Sarah Hagen McWilliams
Timothy NeCastro
Robin Scheppner
Karinna Vernaza, Ph D
The Erie Community Foundation
459 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814.454.0843
ErieCommunityFoundation.org
S
T
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N
MAY
Tuesday, May 13 Corry Community Foundation Annual Meeting
Monday, May 26 Offices closed
JUNE
Wednesday, June 4 LGBT Fund Education Session
Tuesday, June 17
Friday, July 4 Offices closed Friday, May 23 EEF Grant Deadline
ECF Annual Meeting
JULY
Thursday, July 24
EWF Summer Gathering