November 2025

CEO’s Letter to the Community

Dear Friends and Partners,


Our hearts are full. Thank you to everyone who sponsored and attended GECAC’s 60th Anniversary celebration in October. Erie County honored six decades of Helping People, Changing Lives, and your support fuels the work ahead. If you couldn’t join us, you’ll find highlights and photos on our website.


As we enter the holiday season, please remember: if you or someone you know needs support, reach out. We are, first and always, about community. Our promise is simple! If GECAC doesn’t offer the service you need, we’ll help connect you to a partner who does. No wrong door!


Why do Community Action agencies do what we do? Because every neighbor deserves both immediate help and a fair shot at stability. Community Action meets urgent needs. We walk alongside families, not just to hand over a resource, but to help them navigate systems, build confidence, and move from crisis to opportunity with dignity. That’s the work. That’s our calling. That’s GECAC.


Looking ahead, we’ll launch our Community Needs Assessment in early 2026. We will need your help! Your voice is essential. This survey helps us understand what’s working, what’s missing, and where we should focus next across Erie County. When you see it, please take a few minutes to share your perspective and encourage others to do the same.


Lastly, we also know there’s concern about federal and state budgets. Please know we are advocating every day for the programs our community counts on. We’ll keep you informed about any changes or disruptions, and our commitment to transparency and to the people we serve won’t waver.


Thank you for your steadfast partnership and belief in this community. Together, we’ll keep Erie warm, supported, and moving forward.


With deep gratitude,


Dr. Ben Wilson

Helping Our Neighbors Stay Warm

As temperatures drop, GECAC is proud to host Warming Erie County, a community giveaway event to help residents prepare for the cold season.


Join us for a free distribution of coats, gloves, socks, hats, and scarves — available for men, women, and children in need of warmth. Items will be distributed while supplies last, so early arrival is encouraged.



This event is part of GECAC’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and individuals across Erie County. Together, we can help ensure everyone stays warm, safe, and cared for this winter.


Event Details:

Date: November 17

Time: 1 PM – 3 PM

Location: Erie West Senior Center, 1210 West 8th Street

TRIO Upward Bound

Kicks Off First Saturday Academy of the Year

On November 8, 2025, GECAC’s TRIO Upward Bound program launched its first Saturday Academy of the academic year at Mercyhurst University. Held twice each month from November through April, these sessions allow students to strengthen their skills in Math, Science, English, and Spanish through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Marianne Tomasic

English Teacher &

Coehyn Maynard, Assistant

Annavie Azul

Math Teacher

Carrie Geist

Science Teacher


Additional teachers are Melissa Windoft (Spanish) and Jaydan Southworth (assistant).

Beyond classroom instruction, students also take part in grade-level seminars, workshops, and tutoring sessions that prepare them for academic success and future college opportunities.


(Left) Mauriona B., a Junior at Erie High, extracts strands of DNA from the nuclei of strawberry cells.

HomePlus

Building Community Through Partnerships

HomePLUS is all about making life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable for residents at Schmid Towers and Friendship Apartments. Funded by the Housing Authority of Erie, this multi-agency program brings together case managers from GECAC and nurses from LECOM, working side by side with the Housing Authority of the City of Erie to provide on-site support.



The program focuses on three main areas of case management: general support, mental health, and medical care. GECAC staff help with general and mental health needs, while LECOM nurses take care of medical support. But HomePLUS isn’t just about case management—there’s plenty of fun and community life happening, too.


From fun activities and social events to health education and fresh meals, HomePLUS is here to make life brighter, healthier, and more connected for everyone at Schmid Towers and Friendship Apartments.

We’re excited to announce that Christina Kessler has returned to GECAC as our new Chief Financial Officer. Christina’s career journey began right here at GECAC as a Budget Analyst. After gaining valuable experience elsewhere, she’s come full circle—bringing back a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a deep understanding of our mission.



We’re excited to have her back on the team and confident she’ll play a key role in shaping our financial future.

We are proud to announce the appointment of Junius Johnson as the new President of the Board of Directors at GECAC.


With a proven track record of leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to our mission, Junius brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to guide us into the future.

Please join us in congratulating Junius on this well-deserved role. We look forward to continued growth and impact under his leadership.


A Commitment to Helping Our Community

Staff Spotlight

Celinda Teodorski, GECAC's Accountant, is leading a thoughtful effort to support neighbors who are facing food insecurity. In partnership with Erie City Moms, Celinda has launched a Thanksgiving meal drive, inviting coworkers, partners, and community members to donate to local families in need. A donation of $40 will provide an entire meal for Thanksgiving.


Our staff member recognized an increased need in the community and took the initiative to create a simple way for others to help. Her leadership has inspired many of us to give what we can and remind others that small acts of kindness can have a real impact.


To help ensure a family enjoys a Thanksgiving meal, please consider adopting a family through the link below.

Our Programs

Area Agency on Aging

Community Outreach

Education & GED

Employment & Income

Housing

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Phone: (814) 459-4581
Senior Helpline: (814) 459-4581 Ext. 400