Erie Women’s Fund Hosts Engaging Volunteerism Session
November 06, 2024
Erie, P.A., November 6, 2024 – Throughout the year, The Erie Women’s Fund (EWF) offers a variety of events designed to engage its members, inspire the community, and uplift Erie's women and families. Typically, EWF holds anywhere from three to four educational sessions annually, providing members and the public an opportunity to delve into important topics.
In May, EWF collaborated with the United Way of Erie to host a poverty simulation at the Mercy Center for Women. Participants gained insight into the lives of the 35,854 individuals and families in Erie County facing poverty. Volunteers represented business owners and government workers, allowing attendees to experience the frustrations, setbacks, and difficult decisions these families encounter daily.
Today, the Fund held a session focused on volunteerism—an area of particular interest to its members. Titled “Volunteering with Purpose: Women Leading the Way,” the session featured a panel of inspiring leaders: Kerrie Grande and Sara Morrow.
Meet the Panelists:
- Kerrie Grande is the Associate Site Lead at Grace Harborcreek and the Program Director for ServErie. A lifelong Erie resident, Kerrie holds degrees from Gannon University and Edinboro University. With experience as a teacher and administrator, she has also served as a United Way Community School Director. In her free time, Kerrie enjoys being by the water, catching iconic Erie sunsets, and reading a good book—often all at once!
- Sara Morrow (she/her) is a Senior Community Outreach Specialist with Erie Insurance, where she leads the ERIE Service Corps program and develops a pilot skills-based service program. With seven years at ERIE, Sara has worked in Commercial Products and Claims before joining the Community Outreach team. Outside of work, she co-chairs the ERIE Pride Alliance Affinity Network and enjoys traveling and practicing agility with her dog, Poppy.
Lauren Bauer, Chair of the Erie Women’s Fund, expressed the importance of volunteerism in not only the Fund, but in our community, “This event highlighted not just the inspiring journeys of our panelists but also the potential within each of us to lead and drive positive change. For those who wish to make a lasting change where they live, there are countless ways to do so— whether by sharing your time, your talents, or making a financial contribution. The nonprofits in our region rely on our support to further their missions. Each of us has the power to strengthen our community and support its growth."
The Erie Women's Fund is dedicated to Empowering Women and Families. EWF provides financial grants, hosts enriching educational forums, and engages members through informational meetings and social gatherings. For more information about upcoming events, please visit Erie Women's Fund | Erie Community Foundation or contact Olivia Burgess at OBurgess@ErieCommunityFoundation.org.
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