Milestone Spotlight: First 10 Years

2009

Neighborhood and Family-Based Efforts Launch

Upon release of local report, “The High Cost of Poverty: It Affects Us All,” Erie Together (ET) is formed and begins work to strengthen families and bolster neighborhoods.

2010

Aspiration is Defined; Countywide Action Teams Begin

Community forums are held engaging 600+ people to define ET’s aspiration. Collective impact process is established. Four teams launch to create and execute learn, work and thrive “Impact Plans.”

2011

First Big Win: Kindergarten Readiness

School districts & early education providers develop definition of “Kindergarten Readiness” endorsed by all Erie County districts. Creates first “collective impact” success story and foundation for sustained collaboration.

2012

Career Exploration & Preparedness Emerge as Priorities

Teams lay initial groundwork to help K-12 students explore careers, and also develop “Keys to Getting & Keeping a Job” skills checklist and resource guide for job seekers.

2013

A Year of Building

Teams develop mission- aligned resources and strategies. These include kindergarten readiness toolkits and materials, and the “Career Street” and “ex-offender reentry” strategies. Working together bears new fruit.

2014

ET Leads Region into National Spotlight

ET’s application to America’s Promise is approved, making Erie Co. one of 100 national GradNation communities. “More Caps & Gowns” mentoring project rolls out to improve on-time high school graduation rates. Career Street launches.

2015

Quality Early Learning & Literacy Campaign Begins

ET creates the “Block by Block” early learning and literacy campaign bringing tools and resources to neighborhoods and families across Erie County.

2016

Three New Initiatives Take the Stage

Two ET-created initiatives to prepare students for postsecondary success, careers and life launch: the Youth Civic Engagement Symposium and the Erie Co. Career Pathways Alliance. A third, the Erie Co. Reentry Services & Support Alliance begins serving clients.

2017

Maintaining the Course; Bolstering Efforts

This year’s focus is on evaluation and implementation, ensuring initiatives are moving forward well and making needed adjustments for greater impact.

2018

Shoring Up for the Future

ET teams develop a communications plan to clearly articulate the movement’s collective impact facilitation and community engagement approach, body of work and impact, and a plan for community investment to help ensure sustainability.

2019

Domestic Violence Reduction Becomes Key Focus

ET begins work with local stakeholders to create a comprehensive domestic violence reduction strategy for Erie County. The “Domestic Violence Action Alliance” forms and meets twice a month to tackle the issue.

2020 and Beyond

ET continues to advance and grow efforts of Career Street, the Erie County Career Pathways Alliance, the Domestic Violence Action Alliance and other community priorities through its engaged participants. Please see our Projects and Blog pages to learn more!