Erie Insurance continues education investment with major donation
Erie Insurance continues education investment with major donation | Insurance Business America
Non-Profits & Charities
Erie Insurance continues education investment with major donation
Organization focused on breaking the cycle of generational poverty
Non-Profits & Charities
By
Kenneth Araullo
Erie Insurance has announced a $1 million donation to United Way of Erie County, a social impact organization focused on breaking the cycle of generational poverty through education in Erie, Pa.
This donation will help launch the Community Schools Model at Erie High School, aiming to improve academic growth, address students’ and families’ basic needs, increase engagement, boost attendance, and enhance school culture.
President and CEO Tim NeCastro (pictured above) said that United Way’s Community Schools Model advances student success by addressing basic needs and building trusted relationships.
“What I’ve learned working closely with United Way and our local school leaders is that nonacademic barriers are holding students back. These barriers are a lack of basic needs that we take for granted: food, clothing, personal hygiene and safety,” NeCastro said. “These are challenges children in our community face every day, and these are the challenges the Community Schools Model is helping to address.”
With funding from Erie Insurance and other community partners, United Way will hire community school directors for Erie High School and provide support inside the school. This support includes health, vision, and dental care, clothing and personal hygiene items, family engagement opportunities, and expanded learning time and enrichment programs.
Laurie Root, president of United Way of Erie County, acknowledged Erie Insurance’s long-standing support for education and the work of United Way.
“We are very grateful for Erie Insurance’s support of the Community Schools Model, removing barriers for children and families in our community and helping us build a brighter future for students today and for generations to come,” Root said.
Launched in 2016, the United Way Community Schools Model now serves nearly 10,000 students and their families in 16 schools in northwest Pennsylvania. The expansion to Erie High School will provide continuity for students and families who have already benefited from the model in the city’s elementary and middle schools.
Erie Insurance is United Way of Erie County’s largest workplace giving partner. Last year, employee contributions and the company’s matching gifts program totaled nearly $700,000 in support of United Way of Erie County and United Way organizations throughout the company’s footprint.
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