Terri Braun / April 13, 2023

Feature Story Community Shelter Services

When people think of those who are experiencing homelessness, they don’t often realize just how many people are impacted by and experiencing it.

“We see everything from babies born in the shelter to 84-year-old veterans,” Diane Lazette, president of Community Shelter Services (CSS) said.

CSS was established in 1973 in Erie, Pennsylvania as a 12-bed emergency shelter. It was cofounded by Mother Mary Beth Kennedy and Rev. Charles Kennedy Sr., both of whom were well known in the Erie community for their dedication to those less fortunate and their legacy of love.

Today, CSS has grown to operate not only their main location, best known as the old Columbus School, which can house up to 90 people on any given night, but also The Lodge on Sass, which can house 50 single occupants.

“We are the largest shelter in Erie, serving the poorest zip code in the United States,” Lazette said.

Together with the wonderful Erie community, CSS is able to ensure the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and most importantly, security, are being met for all of Erie’s homeless population.

CSS starts with the immediate needs, giving people a safe haven when their emotions are high. Residents are given four warm meals a day and CSS never stops, so there is always something available. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with around the clock security. In addition to providing basic shelter services to those in need, you can also often find CSS down at the local parks and tent encampments passing out food, water, blankets and tarps.

CSS even helps people find jobs and permanent housing. And for Lazette, that makes it all worthwhile.

“When I see a family with children or an individual walking out our front door with everything that they own, rather than walking in, and knowing that they’re going to their next phase of their life – this is the greatest moment of all.” When it comes to challenges, CSS has no shortage. Rising costs of expenses had been one of the biggest hurdles, with Lazette seeing a 37 percent increase in food bills and a huge increase in utility bills in just the last year alone.

“If you could ever help in any way – nothing is too small. Even if it’s paper plates or paper cups, we go through so many serving so many people four meals a day. You might not think it’s much, but you’d be surprised how appreciated something so small would be,” Lazette said.

When looking to the future, Lazette speaks of their partnership with the Kiwanis Club in order to build a village of tiny homes to get kids and their families off the street. Each home will be able to house a family of four and will be close to the bus route so kids can get to school.

They also recently added new washers and dryers that are free of charge, rather than coin operated, to ensure its residents practice good hygiene and kids have clean clothes for school.

Lazette would like to remind the community that CSS wants them to be as involved as possible and encourages people to reach out to see how they can partner together as a community. CSS is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary, where everyone is encouraged to come and celebrate with them to support their efforts to save lives and save people.

The event, called Let the Good Times Roll, will be a Vegas-style evening at the beautiful Mound Grove Golf Course in Waterford, Pennsylvania on Friday, April 28th. It will feature table games with professional dealers, a red carpet walk, prizes, a prime rib dinner and much more.

“(Our shelter) being full every single night is the proven fact that affordable housing is needed and a community coming together can provide that,” she said.

For more information on this great organization and what you can do to help, visit: www.communityshelter.org. 

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Terri Braun / March 23, 2023

Recommendation for Underdog BBQ

To whom it may concern:

I am more than happy to write this letter in recommendation of Underdog BBQ. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Underdog BBQ is a restaurant that was founded by Glenn Stearns, an American businessman and the star of the Discovery Channel show Undercover Billionaire.

Underdog BBQ has a large menu of delicious food to choose from, so there’s sure to be something everyone in your family will enjoy. This includes appetizers like brisket poutine, loaded sweet potato tots, and smoked deviled eggs and main courses like the Underdog cheeseburger, smoked sausage hoagie, and Sassy Ashley mac n’ cheese – which features your choice of meat and is topped with BBQ sauce and scallions. It also has a wide selection of local beers that will pair perfectly with your food.

From the moment you walk into Underdog BBQ until you leave, the team provides service with a smile. They are always friendly and work hard to ensure your food and drinks are delivered in a timely manner and that you leave feeling satisfied. They are also knowledgeable of their menu and are more than happy to make a recommendation when needed.

I recommend Underdog BBQ with the utmost confidence to anyone looking for mouth-watering food. At Underdog BBQ, the quality of food and service you will receive will have you going back again in no time!

Sincerely,

Adam Baker
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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Terri Braun / March 23, 2023

Recommendation for The Historic Palace Theatre

To whom it may concern:

I would like to take this opportunity to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of The Historic Palace Theatre. Opened in 1925, The Historic Palace Theatre is a historic gem and a staple in the Lockport, New York community.

The Historic Palace Theatre is owned and operated by a community-based organization. It is dedicated to maintaining the historic and architectural integrity of this Western New York landmark while providing a venue for the performing arts and a center for arts education.

Over the years, The Historic Palace Theatre has become a community hub, featuring numerous movies, lectures, Broadway-style musicals, and community events. It has an in-house production company, hosts a performing arts school for the youth in the area, and even offers its space for rent to the general public.

At The Historic Palace Theatre, nothing it offers would be possible without the help of its amazing staff and volunteers. Each one is kind, friendly and passionate about what they do and about the performing arts. They go above and beyond to help make the theatre all it can be.

I highly recommend The Historic Palace Theatre to anyone who is tired of the same old routines and wants something fun to do. When you visit The Historic Palace Theatre, you’re sure to enjoy a fantastic show in a beautiful historic landmark.

Sincerely,

Adam Baker
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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