Meet Our Board Members
Erie Family Center would like to proudly introduce our Board Members to you! The Board ensures our organizational and strategical goals are being met, while supporting our mission. Our Board includes our President Bob Blakely, a retired Head of Juvenile Probation for Erie County, who worked closely with OCY and other non-profit agencies, and our Vice President Jennie Hagerty, the executive director of the Mercy Center for Women, as well as—
- Margie Oleszewski | Retired member of St. Martin Center and Sara A. Reed Children’s Center
- Stephanie Schaff-Turri | Quality & Performance Improvement Coordinator at Community Health Net
- Miranda Melquist | Owner of Nurturinse
- Sara Musone | Former Community School Director
- Patty Potter | Executive Director of Affinity Family Support Services
- Krystal Calkins | Parent Representative
- Sue Mack | Retired Erie County District Judge
- Allison Scarpitti | Erie County District Judge
Parent Resource Center
In the Summer, many children do not have access to the free or reduced meals they get during the school year. SUN Bucks is Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program that aims to reduce the problem of childhood hunger and food insecurity during the Summer months. This temporary assistance program provides families with a one-time payment of $120 dollars per eligible child to provide food for children during the Summer.
Not sure if your family is eligible? Click on the eligibility navigator to find out if your child is eligible or if you need to apply.
The Crafting Corner
Hop into Summer with this low-mess Jellyfish craft! This craft is a great way to enhance your child’s fine motor skills or provide decoration for a Summer gathering! The supplies needed are—
- Small paper bowl
- Tissue paper
- Googly eyes
- Curly gift bow or ribbon
- White string
- School glue
- Packing tape
- Scissors
Click here to learn how to create your own Jellyfish!
Community Partner Spotlight
This month we are shining the spotlight on 4 N.I.N.E Thrift Store. As a collaborator in our Diaper Depot program, 4 N.I.N.E helps to make diapers more accessible to PA residents in the North East area. They also offer a wide variety of affordable clothing and merchandise sorted, priced, and displayed by their hardworking team of volunteers.
What’s Happening in your Community?
The Bicentennial Tower is hosting their Free Second Science Saturday events! This month, the theme is “Help House the Pollinators,” and will take place on July 11th from 10am to 12pm. This event is geared toward grades 1-5, however anyone is welcome and there is no need to register!
Incredible Years Class – Enroll Now
This evidence-based class provides parents with social and emotional techniques to strengthen parent-child bonds, and teach positive behavior management. This 14-week class is set to begin Wednesday, July 15th from 10:00am to 12:30pm.
Upcoming 123 Magic Class- Enroll Now
This evidence-based simple parenting program breaks down parenting into three simple steps to reduce unwanted behaviors, increase wanted behaviors, and enhance parent-child bonds. This two-session class will take place on July 21st and 28th from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Upcoming Events
- Beach Day Group Connection: July 29th (12pm to 3pm) at Presque Isle Beach 11 (Don’t forget your suit, towel, & sunscreen!)
- Diaper Distribution: July 10th & 24th (10am to 12pm) at Mercy Anchor Community Center- Register Now [Must register by the Wednesday before at 8am]
- Diaper Distribution: July 29th (9am to 11am) at Corry Family Center- Register Now [Must register by Tuesday the 28th at 8am]