GECAC Greater Erie Community Action Committee

Congratulations to Katie Phillips, GECAC Housing Director, for completing the Erie Ambassadors Program!🎓

The Erie Ambassadors program, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, is a 10-week leadership experience that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, and initiatives shaping Erie County’s future.

Katie gained insights into Erie County's:
History and tourism
Arts and cultural institutions
Academia
Economic development
Government and civic engagement

A great accomplishment- well done, Katie!

Today, GECAC joins communities across the nation in recognizing Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and hope.

Juneteenth reminds us that the journey toward opportunity, equity, and justice requires ongoing commitment from all of us. As a Community Action Agency, GECAC is dedicated to empowering individuals and families, reducing barriers to success, and helping create a stronger, more inclusive Erie County for everyone.

We honor the significance of this day and the generations who have worked to advance freedom and opportunity for all.

Happy Juneteenth!

At GECAC, this belief guides everything we do.

For many individuals and families, success is not about a lack of determination. It's about overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of opportunity. Whether it's helping a senior access services, connecting someone to job training, assisting a family with utility support, or helping an adult earn a diploma, removing barriers creates new possibilities.

When barriers come down, people can move forward. They can pursue education, find employment, maintain stable housing, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Financial scams targeting older adults continue to grow, making awareness and education more important than ever.

GECAC, Erie Federal Credit Union, Widget Financial, and Marquette Savings Bank are committed to helping older adults stay informed, protected, and connected to resources that can prevent financial exploitation.

By working together, we can help ensure that every older adult in Erie County is treated with dignity, respect, and security.

We encourage you to attend a free virtual webinar titled "Trending Scams and Fraud Prevention for Older Adults" on Tuesday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m.

Visit this link to register for this impactful webinar.

Trending Scams and Fraud Prevention for Older Adults | FDIC.gov The program will highlight how MSOA helps safeguard individuals from common schemes such as imposter scams, romance scams, and phishing. scams, and ph

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Donya Moore, GECAC's Older Adult Protective Services Supervisor, recently appeared on Erie News Now to discuss an issue affecting far too many older adults: financial scams.

To report elder abuse contact:
Statewide 24 Hour Toll-Free Hotline
1-800-490-8505

First at 4: World Elder Abuse Day Click here to view this video from erienewsnow.com.

At GECAC, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

During Pride Month, we celebrate the diversity that makes our community stronger and reaffirm our commitment to serving all people with dignity, respect, and compassion.

For more than 60 years, GECAC has worked to help individuals and families across Erie County access the resources and support they need to improve their quality of life. Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or background.

This month, and every month, we remain dedicated to building a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.

Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive Erie County.

This month, GECAC is joining communities across the country to raise awareness and encourage action. We invite you to wear purple on June 15th to show your support for older adults and your commitment to preventing elder abuse.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. Too often, it happens behind closed doors, leaving older adults feeling isolated and vulnerable.

To learn more about GECAC's Older Adult Protective Services, visit https://www.gecac.org/work/aging/older-adult-protective-service

In Erie County, we all have a role to play in protecting our older neighbors, friends, and family members. By staying connected, checking in on seniors, recognizing warning signs, and speaking up when something seems wrong, we can help prevent elder abuse before it happens.

Visit GECAC's Older Adult Protective Services webpage for more information on how to report abuse at https://www.gecac.org/work/aging/older-adult-protective-service

It's the Senior Farmers' Market Voucher time for folks aged 60+ in Corry, North East, and Fairview/Girard.

Stop by our senior centers on June 15th to get your $25 voucher that can be exchanged for fruits and vegetables at approved farmers' markets or roadside stands.

To find out if you are eligible, visit https://www.gecac.org/work/aging/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program. We hope to see you on June 15th!