More than 33,000 people are estimated to live in poverty in the Erie area.

The Greater Erie Community Action Committee, the United Way, and Mercyhurst College are teaching classes to make sure tough times don't get tougher for them.

The people who have been meeting at 903 Payne Avenue, at the Erie School District Family Center, are part of a pilot program based on the book "Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World" where they are becoming members of Family Action Teams. The book is the foundation of a more than month long program that is just now being used in our region. Instructor Nyima Porter is the Family Action Team Facilitator. She says the program has proven to be a useful resource around the country to help residents learn about poverty in their neighborhoods and learn how to get out of it. Since May 29th, her students have learned plenty.

 "It's important that we don't look at people and stereotype everybody in one category. There are different stages of poverty and wealth and class of any type," said student Vivian Williams.

Student Carolene Consla added, "That's what we're here for to try to go to a different direction. To try to follow our goals of life. "

Eleven east side families are represented in the class. The students are charged to share the financial information they learn with their neighbors during this especially tough economic time. Soon, students will be matched up community partners to provide them with emotional, spiritual and financial mentoring.

Nyima Porter is now in the process of finding participating community partners who will begin meeting as mentors with Family Action Team Members before their classes wrap up in early July.

If you are interested in providing financial, emotional or spiritual support contact Nyima Porter.

Nyima Porter, Project Facilitator
Family Action Teams
GECAC
18 West 9th St.
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 459-4581 x 651
nporter@gecac.org