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Dear Community Members,
At GECAC, we believe that real change starts at the community level. Community Action isn’t just a program, it’s a promise. A promise to listen, to act, and to stand alongside those who are working hard to overcome barriers every day. It’s about building systems that serve everyone with dignity, opportunity, and respect.
Recently, we hosted a community webinar, "Bridging the Gap Between Poverty and Self-Sufficiency," which sparked an honest and necessary conversation. Poverty shows up in more ways than we often realize, whether it’s financial insecurity, lack of access to healthcare or education, food insecurity, or social isolation. These challenges are interconnected and require thoughtful, united solutions.
This fall marks a significant milestone for us. We’re preparing to launch our Community Needs Assessment, a critical process that allows us to hear directly from our neighbors, partners, and clients. Your input will guide our future direction and help ensure that the work we do continues to reflect the real needs of Erie County.
As we move forward, our work will continue to center on collaboration, equity, and community voice. Together, we can address the root causes of poverty and build a future where every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for walking this path with us. We’re honored to serve this community and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together. Lastly, mark your calendars and save the date. Join us for our 60th year celebration – October 30, 2025 – More details to come!
In service,
Dr. Ben Wilson
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Celebrating Success
GED Graduation Ceremony
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We are proud to announce that GECAC held a GED Graduation Ceremony to honor the incredible achievements of our recent graduates! These individuals have shown resilience, dedication, and unwavering determination to reach this milestone, and we couldn't be more inspired. Their hard work is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your education and open new doors for the future.
To our graduates: You did it! Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you. A huge thank-you to our teachers, volunteer tutors, families, and community partners who made this day possible.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Erie County Community College for graciously hosting our event and to Erie County Executive Brenton Davis for delivering an inspiring keynote address. Your support helped make this celebration truly special!
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A Community Effort
That’s Making a Difference
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Spruce Up Erie County
Supporting 727 Families with Hygiene & Cleaning Supplies
These essential items play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain their health and dignity, especially during challenging times. From soap and sanitizer to cleaning products, we are dedicated to providing families with the necessary resources to maintain a safe and clean home. In addition, GECAC distributed 1,591 pairs of socks and 149 bags of food.
A big thank you to all our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this possible. Together, we’re working to build a stronger, healthier community:
Autism Society, Erie Family Center, Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Home Instead, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Senior Helpers, St. Hedwig Church, St. Jude Church, St. Lawrence Church, St. Luke Church, St. Stanislaus Church, The Davis Agency, Wegman’s, Ed and Brenda Pasko, and Terri Schnepp.
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Gratitude on the Greens
Thank You for an Unforgettable Golf Classic
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We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible teams who came out to support and play in our Golf Classic! Your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and generosity made the day truly special.
From friendly competition on the greens to the laughter and camaraderie throughout the day, you helped make this event a huge success. Your support goes a long way in assisting us in Helping People and Changing Lives.
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Your Support Drives Impact
Thank You, Golf Classic Sponsors
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible sponsors who made this year’s Golf Classic a huge success! Your generous support enables us to continue delivering vital services, including aging care, youth and adult education, workforce development, and housing assistance throughout Erie County.
Whether you sponsored a hole, donated prizes, or supported us in any other way, your contribution made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Special thanks to our Tournament Sponsor: Root, Spitznas & Smiley, Inc.
We are truly grateful for your partnership and look forward to seeing you on the green again next year.
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Paddle, Protect, Learn
Upward Bound Dives Into Eco-Discovery
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GECAC teamed up with the Watersmith Guild’s Surfs Up program to give the Upward Bound high school students an unforgettable experience! The day was filled with paddleboarding and hands-on ecological testing at the lagoon in Presque Isle.
While out on the water, the students collected water samples using nets attached to their boards. Back on shore, they got to dive deep into their findings, using microscopes and iPads to identify microplastic particles.
| | | A Little Time. A Lot of Love. Lifelong Impact. | | | | |
The Foster Grandparent Program connects older adults with children who need extra love, guidance, and support. GECAC recognized our amazing volunteers. Visit the link below to see all of the photos.
Pictured is Patrica Vild. She was recognized for volunteering for 20 years, a total of 17,486 hours of impact.
Whether it’s helping a child learn to read, offering a listening ear, or simply being a steady, caring presence, Foster Grandparents make a lifelong difference every single day.
| | | Calling All Older Adults in Erie County! | |
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Join us for the next Senior Meet Up on August 18th! Each month, the Tri-Boro Senior Center hosts a special time for seniors to gather, meet new friends, explore new restaurants, and have fun.
In August, we’ll be meeting at The Sunset Grill. Plus, each senior will receive a free pair of sunset-orange sunglasses to add a little extra fun to the day.
RSVP by calling Alex Celeski, Tri-Boro Senior Center Director, at 814-474-2211. We can’t wait to see you there!
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The Power of Community Action
Why GECAC Matters More Than Ever
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Donate $60 for GECAC's 60th Anniversary!
Looking ahead, our vision is bold—a future where poverty no longer defines a lifetime and aging is celebrated with dignity and respect. A future where every program fosters self-sufficiency and opportunity is within reach for all.
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Every day, lives are changed because of GECAC. And beyond the statistics are real people. Real families. Real stories of strength, struggle, and transformation.
But we can’t do it alone. Our story is written by the people we serve and the partners who walk with us.
Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply spread the word, you are part of the change.
For 60 years, we’ve fought poverty, supported aging, and built stronger communities. And we’re just getting started.
GECAC—rooted in the past, rising toward the future.
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Our Aging Programs help thousands of older adults age safely at home with dignity, independence, and connection.
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Adult Basic Education isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity. It creates pathways out of poverty, boosts our workforce, and builds stronger families and communities. When adults learn, everyone benefits.
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Housing Assistance helps families stay in their homes during tough times; whether due to job loss, medical emergencies, or other crises. Stable housing is the foundation for a healthy, secure life.
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GECAC at the Capitol
Advocating for Erie’s Future
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Dr. Ben Wilson, CEO of GECAC, joined the Erie Regional Chamber for Chamber Day at the Capitol in Harrisburg. Dr. Wilson and the other community leaders met with elected officials to discuss collaboration.
It was wonderful having Dr. Wilson there to advocate on behalf of GECAC and Erie County businesses.
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Phone: (814) 459-4581
Senior Helpline: (814) 459-4581 Ext. 400
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