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ECGRA Newsletter
2014 Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grants Now Open!                    October, 2014
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Greetings!

 

We are very excited to announce ECGRA's second round of Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grants, the success of the Summer Jobs and More program, and a new ECGRA-funded interactive educational mural at Lead Asset expERIEnce Children's Museum. Read on to find out more.

MultiMulti-Municipal Collaboration Funding:


 ECGRA recognizes the importance of local government in developing a strong economy and community, and believes collaboration among councils of governments, county/city authorities, capacity-building nonprofits, and intergovernmental associations leads to a more effective Erie County and alleviates burden on taxpayers.

 

The purpose of Municipal Collaboration Grants, open now, is to incentivize the 38 municipalities of Erie County to enter into functional cooperation relationships. Last year, ECGRA invested $270,000 in MMC Grants projects and an additional $1,414,209 in local government development.


Don't miss your chance to receive up to $100,000 in MMC Grant funds.
Click on the link to read the guidelines and to apply for ECGRA's MMC Grants by January 8, 2015. 
JAM2014 Summer Jobs and More Program:

 

In a collaborative effort between ECGRA, Erie County government, The Erie Community Foundation, and Venango Training and Development Center (VTDC), 123 young peoples' lives were changed through employment this summer.

  

"This job opportunity helped me get focused
on my priorities..." ~youth employee

 

"This program has helped me think about 

more for my career..." ~youth employee

 

"That money helped save kids." ~employer

Starting in June, Erie young people age 16-21 received up to 20 hours of career readiness and soft skills training in preparation for job placement at one of our 32 partnering businesses and nonprofit organizations.

 

"...he explained to us what a good resume looks like and that you need to sell yourself...I wouldn't have had any clue how to do it without him..." 
~youth employee

 

Partners includeGannon University, Perseus House Charter School of Excellence, and Franco's Caf� in Erie, the Erie County Department of Emergency Services in Summit, Union City Family Support Center, and Dynasty Construction Unlimited, Inc., in Corry.

 

"It's an investment into the future of Erie County." ~employer

  

"It's that ah-ha moment. You see it in their eyes...
they really believe in themselves." ~employer

  

"I do really hope that other businesses
get involved..." ~employer

Each youth participated in an approximately 6-week placement with their host employer working up to 30 hours per week and earning $7.25 per hour. Of the 123 students who participated, 117 (95%) completed the program successfully and 16 youths were employed by either their host or another local organization.

 

 "All these kids, if they stay on track, are 

going to be successful." ~employer

 

Don't miss this inspiring video of just a few of the highlights experienced by those involved.  
expERIEnceECGRA and Lead Asset expERIEnce Children's

Museum Unveil Mural and Expanded PreK Curriculum

 

This week marks a new season of learning and play for children 6 months to five years old at ECGRA Lead Asset expERIEnce Children's Museum, 420 French Street, Erie. ECGRA and ECM unveiled a whimsical woodland-inspired mural in the all-new Tot Spot of the museum's lower level. The mural is now serving as an interactive learning tool for 12 new educational components created for toddlers and preschoolers by the museum's education and volunteer coordinator, Tami Fowler. The first new class, "Counting on Fall," debuted to children ages 2-5 and their caregivers Monday, October 27, at 10:30 a.m.

 
Click here for the expERIEnce Children's Museum 2014-15 schedule.

We hope you'll share this e-newsletter with your friends and colleagues and help spread this good news about our Erie community!


 

Sincerely, 

 

Perry Wood

Executive Director