Pictured L/R: Erie FCU CEO, Brian Waugaman, Erie FCU CMO, Tom Brennan and Erie FCU Director of Community Outreach, Katey Cross
UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW CORPORATE PARTNER COALITION TO BENEFIT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY, A UNITED WAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Erie, PA (September 24, 2024) - A new Corporate Partner Coalition was unveiled today at a press event held at Lincoln Elementary, a United Way community school. Five leading financial institutions have joined to form this partnership to support the students through the Community School Model. The partners are PNC Bank, Erie Federal Credit Union, ERIEBANK, Marquette Savings Bank, and Northwest Bank.
This collaboration brings together a group of dedicated institutions, working collaboratively to support the community school initiative. Their combined effort marks a significant investment in the future of Lincoln Elementary’s students. The United Way of Erie County refocused its mission about 10 years ago to “crush poverty in our community”. A critical component of this strategy has been to improve the educational outcomes at schools across the County through the concept of a “Community School”, a model launched in 2016-17. To date, seventeen schools across Erie County have been designated as a community school, one in which a four-pronged approach is instituted to drive the desired outcomes.
“As the CEO of Erie Federal Credit Union, I am honored to express our enthusiastic support for the newly introduced Lincoln Elementary School and Corporate Partner Coalition” stated Brian Waugaman. “Through partnership, this collaboration brings together the combined resources of a dedicated group of institutions, and aligns perfectly with our credit union’s commitment to fostering strong, vibrant communities by addressing the holistic needs of students and their families.”
The United Way Community Schools Coalition transforms schools into community hubs, providing not only essential educational programs but also vital social services, health resources, and basic needs support. By removing barriers to success, the initiative ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
“From our legacy start as the Erie School Employees Federal Credit Union, we believe that investing in our youth is investing in our future” said Waugaman. “Through our partnership with United Way and as a member of the Lincoln Elementary School & Corporate Partner Coalition, Erie Federal Credit Union is dedicated to creating an environment where every student can succeed, and every family can flourish. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
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