NIAGARA network
Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives.
— GETTING TO KNOW THE —
Niagara Network
T
he Niagara Network is a group of professionals from
various human services organizations and businesses
throughout Erie County. The group began meeting in
2012, with 8 to 10 members meeting regularly at Niagara
Village Retirement Community, which is where the name was
conceived. As the membership grew, the group eventually found
the need for a larger meeting space. After moving around a bit, the
Niagara Network found its current and permanent home this past
November at the UPMC Community Room at 100 State Street.
Now over 50 members, the Niagara Network meets every
third Wednesday of every month at 8 am. Meetings provide
an opportunity for members to discuss the various needs that
the people they support may have. In addition, there is a guest
speaker each month who presents relevant information about their
organization. Recent presenters include Make-a-Wish, Second
Harvest Food Bank and the Erie City Mission.
Katherine Reim, the group’s facilitator says “One of the biggest
advantages of this networking group is that so many of our members
come from various and diverse backgrounds. We pride ourselves
on being cohesive and open with each other and see ourselves as a
group that works collectively to meet the needs of the community.”
Here is what some of the members say:
H
“The Niagara Network was introduced to me through a
mutual cohort who also works within the senior community.
From the very beginning this group has had a grassroots feel
to it with local senior community influencers that are out in
the field on a daily basis keeping each other informed of the
changes and bright spots in our local senior community. I’m
proud to be considered a member of the group.”
– Matt Barr,
Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA)
H
“As an organization that receives a high volume of inquiries
about local businesses and organizations, the Niagara
Network group serves as a great resource on staying up-
to-date and knowledgeable about the offerings available to
Erie consumers and what’s happening in the region.”
— Pam Marlowe,
Better Business Bureau
H “I’ve found business partners, great friends and even an
insurance expert who helped with my personal health
insurance needs through the Niagara Network”
— Vinny Stefanelli,
Director/Music for Veterans Program
H “Niagara Network provides a forum and no-cost
opportunity to network with other professionals who are
truly dedicated to helping people get the supports they
need. Members share common issues and find solutions
that are extremely valuable and beneficial as we work to
explain the current system of bureaucracy and forms to
help those in need and understand and get the support
they need.”
— Matthew Trott,
GECAC Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
H “I have met the most dynamic and diverse professionals
in this group, and I have been able to help so many of my
clients by utilizing the expertise of many of the members.
The speakers are very knowledgeable and relevant as well.”
— Amee Weislogel,
LECOM Health, Older Adult Clinical Liaison
MILLCREEK
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