A Message From the Executive Director
I am pleased to welcome you to the Booker T. Washington Center (BTWC) of Erie, PA web site. This fall we will be celebrating our 80th year of continuous service and vow to re-dedicate ourselves to uplifting the community of Erie. This summer we implemented the first phase of a plan that will expand our services and invite new partnerships. We began renovations to our 1720 Holland Avenue site in which we added a new heating and cooling system, renovated our swimming pool/gymnasium, and updated our handicap accessibility. We also initiated work to restore our Educational Center located at 202 East 26th Street, Erie, PA. The staff is thrilled with the physical improvements to the facilities and looks forward to an exciting year of innovation and change. Our efforts to reach more people continue to expand. Despite a drastic cut in funding which forced some organizations to cancel or cut programs, we serviced more than 500 children this summer. We continue to try to do more with fewer resources. Despite forward progress in so many areas, it is a formidable challenge to secure new funding sources. The BTWC serves a community where the majority of our members and clients fall within the low income bracket and continue to need additional support. With our diverse programs, flexible hours, and strategic location within in the heart of the inner-city community, the BTWC plays an integral part in delivering a variety of services to the Erie community. I hope that your visit to our website will encourage you to come and see for yourself how we serve the community and why we are so special. Whether you write a check, donate supplies, and/or encourage your employees or friends to volunteer to teach/mentor our kids, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. It would be a pleasure to meet you and discuss the possibility of you and BTWC teaming up on a collaborative effort in serving our community. We are confident that with continued support from people like you and your organizations, we will without a doubt, continue to touch a life in a positive manner, deliver a quality service, and uplift the Erie community. I look forward to serving our community with you.
Sincerely,
William S. Jeffress
Executive Director | 
