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Dear Friends and Partners,
A community that thinks strategically is a stronger community.
At GECAC, we believe strategy isn’t a “planning exercise”. It’s how a community stays strong, responsive, and ready for what’s next. Over the past year, our team has been taking a hard look at how people in Erie County are experiencing hardships today, how those needs are changing, and how we can continually improve the services and supports we provide.
As I celebrate my first anniversary as CEO, I’m grateful for the trust our community places in GECAC, and I am proud of the work our staff does every day to help people stabilize, move forward, and thrive. This first year has reinforced something I’ve always believed: Today, poverty looks different for different families, and solutions to tackling poverty must evolve with the times. So we believe our programs meet the needs of today’s generation.
Why strategic thinking matters in Erie County.
The need is real and measurable:
We’ve also seen how quickly essential supports can be disrupted. This fall, Pennsylvania experienced a temporary SNAP payment halt tied to the federal government shutdown, creating uncertainty for families who rely on these benefits to put food on the table. Even after payments resumed, the situation was a reminder that many households are just one disruption away from crisis.
According to US Census data (2022), 14.5% of Erie County residents live in poverty. This equates to an estimated 39,662 people in Erie County living in poverty. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent neighbors choosing between rent and utilities, parents working hard but still falling behind, and older adults who shouldn’t have to decide between groceries and medication.
In 2026, GECAC will continue to think strategically about what services we can bring to Erie County to tackle poverty and how we can grow and strengthen existing programs so they align even better with community needs. That includes focusing on outcomes, partnering with employers and community organizations, and designing services that reflect today’s realities: rising costs, changing workforce expectations, and the barriers families face in housing, transportation, childcare, and economic mobility.
We can’t do this work alone. If you believe a community that thinks strategically is a stronger community, here’s how you can help:
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Volunteer your time and talents
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Donate to support services that reduce poverty and strengthen families and older adults
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Share our mission—tell a friend, invite someone to connect with us, and help spread the word about available supports
Together, we can ensure Erie County is a place where children, families, and older adults have the support and opportunity they deserve.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Ben Wilson
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