CEO’s Letter to the Community | | |
Dear Friends and Partners,
Why Community Action Matters
The true measure of a community is how we show up for people when they need support the most. That is the work we share across Erie County for older adults, families, and youth.
Our commitment must go beyond good intentions. It must be reflected in how we serve, support, and stand beside one another every day.
At its core, this work is about helping people maintain their health, independence, and connection to their community. It is about ensuring support is available before challenges become crises. And it is about opening doors to education, healthy living, youth engagement, and opportunity so individuals and communities can thrive.
Ultimately, this work is about dignity, hope, and belonging. It is about making sure every person feels seen, supported, and valued. I do not just believe in this mission. I am deeply committed to it. Lasting impact only happens when we work together.
Recently, I have reflected on our community action goals and the work happening across Erie County. These are not just ideas. They must be demonstrated through how we serve, partner, lead, and follow through. The challenges we face are real, and so is our responsibility to address them.
None of this work happens alone. It takes all of us, a collective commitment to showing up for one another.
Erie, let’s move forward together. I encourage you to support GECAC by volunteering, participating in events, or making a financial gift. Your support helps us meet critical needs, expand opportunity, and provide flexible assistance beyond what grant funding alone can sustain.
How do we build a stronger community? We do it together.
For Erie, With Erie,
Dr. Ben Wilson
| | GECAC was represented in Washington, D.C., where we were able to meet with legislators across Pennsylvania and the Country. Pictured left to right are Andrew Block, Community Action Association of PA, Director of Public Policy; Matthew Trott, GECAC Chief Operations Officer; U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson; Dawn Godshall, CEO of Community Action of Lehigh Valley. | |  | Dr. Ben Wilson had the opportunity to introduce himself to The Honorable Tom Ridge, as the new CEO of GECAC. The former Secretary of Homeland Security also served two terms as Pennsyvania's Govenor. Ridge and Benjamin Wiley, former GECAC CEO, were close friends and colleagues. | | | The Jefferson Educational Society hosted Governor Josh Shapiro, where Dr. Ben Wilson had the opportunity to reconnect with the Govenor. | | | The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership coordinated an important conversation with Pennsylvania Attorney General, Dave Sunday. | | |
Bright Futures Summer Jobs Program
Opens Doors for Erie County Youth
| | |
This summer, young people across Erie County will have the opportunity to gain more than just a paycheck. The Erie County Bright Futures Summer Jobs Program is connecting local youth with meaningful employment experiences that build skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for future success.
Designed for youth ages 14 to 21, the program offers paid summer positions that provide real-world workplace exposure. Participants will work June-August, developing essential job readiness skills, exploring career interests, and contributing to local businesses and organizations.
Bright Futures is a collaborative initiative led by Erie County Government, Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and GECAC. Together, these partners are working to strengthen Erie County's workforce pipeline while creating pathways to long-term career and educational opportunities.
Join us in creating opportunities that matter. Become a Bright Futures employer or participant today!
| | Bright Futures Summer Jobs Program Press Conference | | |
Left to Right:
Brandon Mendoza, President & CEO, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; Krystal Robinson, Owner, Taste and See; Dr. Perry Wood, Executive Director, ECGRA; Christina Vogel, Erie County Executive; Rock Copeland, Erie County Councilman; Angela Amatangelo, ECGRA
Vice-Chair; and Dr. Ben Wilson
| | |
Aging with Dignity,
Independence, and Community
| | |
May is Older Adults Month. It is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
Don’t miss activities and events we have planned! Visit the link below to read our Senior Center's May newsletters to learn more and get involved
| |
Report Elder Abuse Now!
Daytime: (814) 459-4581 ext. 205
Evening/Weekend: (814) 451-1520
| |
Protecting Older Adults
Safety and dignity go hand in hand. GECAC's Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) program responds to reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, ensuring older adults are protected and supported.
Through careful assessment and intervention, OAPS works to restore safety while respecting each individual’s rights and autonomy. It is a critical safeguard that helps ensure every older adult can live free from harm.
| | |
Join Us on the Course for a Great Cause!
We invite you to be part of the 34th Annual R. Benjamin Wiley and Walter L. Osborne Memorial Golf Classic. This special event brings together community partners, businesses, organizations, and golf lovers to support programs that help individuals and families throughout Erie County.
There are several ways to get involved.
• Register a foursome and enjoy a great day of golf
• Become an event sponsor and showcase your support for the community
• Gather colleagues or friends and play as a team
Your participation helps GECAC continue its mission of helping people and changing lives, one household at a time.
To register a team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit our Golf Classic webpage. We hope to see you on the course!
| | |
Erie Day 2026
Erie Stands Together for Housing, Growth, and Opportunity
| | |
Erie showed up strong in Harrisburg! Community leaders from across Erie County, including GECAC's CEO, Dr. Ben Wilson, gathered on the Capitol steps for Erie Day, standing together to advocate for state support for affordable housing, bayfront development, and a stronger, more sustainable local economy.
GECAC was proud to be part of this united effort. Alongside more than 40 organizations representing local government, nonprofits, education, and business, Dr. Wilson worked to highlight shared priorities and the real needs of our community.
This moment reflects something bigger than a single day. It signals a growing, coordinated commitment to move Erie forward together with one clear, aligned voice.
Thank you to Infinite Erie, Erie Regional Chamber, Erie County Government, City of Erie Government, The Erie Community Foundation, and other Erie leaders for representing Erie County and communicating Erie's needs to the state officials in Harrisburg.
| |
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Earn Your GED with GECAC
| |
Dreams Realized: Meet Our GED Graduates
We are proud to celebrate our GED graduates and the dedication, perseverance, and commitment that brought them to this milestone. A graduation ceremony was held at Erie County Community College to honor this achievement, with GECAC staff and family members in attendance to recognize and support the graduates as they reached this important goal.
Congratulations to each graduate on reaching this important accomplishment. Your efforts are an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing all that you continue to achieve.
| |
Turn “Someday” into Today
Sometimes life gets busy, and goals are put on hold. For nearly 10% ofadults in Erie County, one of those goals is earning a High School Equivalency Diploma. Not finishing high school on a traditional path is not the end; it is a new beginning.
At GECAC, we offer free GED classes designed to meet you where you are and support you every step of the way. Getting started is easy with a quick call or email, and classes are available in person, online, or in a hybrid format. We are also home to Erie County’s only in-person GED Testing Center, making exams more accessible. When signing up for your exam on GED.com, use code PAFreeGED.
When you are ready, we are here. Take the first step and start your journey today.
| | |
GECAC is hosting free Rental Workshops designed to help individuals and families feel more confident navigating the housing process.
Attendees will learn practical tips on budgeting for rent, understanding lease agreements, what to look for before signing, and a better understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities.
Workshops are held on the fourth Monday of each month from 3:00-5:00 PM.
We look forward to helping you take the next step toward stable and informed housing decisions.
| | | | | |
A Quick Look at a Big Issue: Housing in Our Community
Access to safe, affordable housing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing individuals and families in our community. While the issue is complex, a new short video from GECAC offers a clear and compelling snapshot of both the need and the action being taken to address it.
| | |
Now Hiring
Join Our Mission to Build a Better Future!
| |
Phone: (814) 459-4581
Senior Helpline: (814) 459-4581 Ext. 400
| | | | |
