Latest news with #GlobalYouthServiceDay
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
An inside look at Erie police's Crisis Intervention Unit
From time to time, we've all felt overwhelmed in life. But for some, the stress can become too much and can lead to a mental health or domestic crisis. We got an inside look at the Erie Police Department's crisis unit and how it helps uplift people who feel like they're in their darkest moments. Erie City Council looking for new way to fund EPD crisis car The Erie Police Department's Crisis Intervention Unit was re-established in 2023 and since that time, it's answered thousands of calls for help throughout the City of Erie. When you or a loved one feels backed into a corner with no one to turn to, the Erie Police Department's Crisis Intervention unit hopes to be the one to bring you back on your feet. 'You're dealing with people who are in crisis, and sometimes they need a little more time to de-escalate from whatever they're going through, and our officers do a great job of being able to talk to people, get them to calm down, and open up to us about what's going on,' said Sergeant Marc Bellotti, supervisor of the Crisis Intervention Unit. The crisis car unit consists of nine officers specially trained in mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, children and youth services, and suicidal-related 911 calls. Erie students pay it forward ahead of Global Youth Service Day Those types of calls have continued to grow city-wide. 'We're answering hundreds of calls per month,' Bellotti said. Those calls could be a simple as checking on somebody to make sure they're ok, but could be as extreme as helping crisis services serve involuntary mental health commitments. One of the many organizations that partners with the crisis unit told us police act as a crucial first line of support to connect those in dire need to resources. 'We depend on the police a lot because the police department is one of the places that sees victims of domestic violence before they're killed. I hate to be so blunt about it, but that's one of two places either with police or in a medical facility. We depend on them to assess for lethality and put them on the phone with SafeNet,' said Robyn Young, executive director of SafeNet. Sergeant Bellotti said they don't claim to be mental health professionals by any means but they're committed to helping people out of what may feel like the lowest moment of their life. 'These people who are experiencing mental health crisis are not criminals. They're people who need help. Us as first responders, our job isn't just primarily to arrest people. We are a resource for people who are in need and we want to let people know that if they need to reach out to us, we are available for them,' he went on to say. Remembering one Erie's most influential baseball teams during Black History Month The last time the city had this unit was in the early 2000s, but thanks to ARP funding, it was able to be restored. Recently, the police department has a new way of funding the unit through a state grant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie students pay it forward ahead of Global Youth Service Day
The Youth Leadership Institute of Erie is kicking off Global Youth Service Day 2025 by paying it forward and doing acts of kindness for the community. Several students came to the Walmart on Elm Street to surprise customers by buying their groceries for them at check out. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy to close after final class graduates The children along with Mayor Joe Schember approached Walmart customers thought to be in need and put a smile on their face by purchasing their items. 'This is the Walmart me and my family come and shop at. It feels nice to see people and be able to help them out. Especially because we found a father with his kid, so it's really nice to help people like that who really deserve it,' said Troy Nelson, a student. Crawford County launching 911 special needs registry 'This is a great opportunity to show young people how to give back and how also to involve our young people in the process,' said Edison Nicholson, CEO of the Youth Leadership Institute of Erie. The official Global Youth Service Day event here in Erie will be held at East Middle School in the auditorium on April 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Grocery Outlet officially opens in Meadville
Meadville residents now have a new place to shop and a chance to win free groceries for life. Grocery Outlet held a ribbon cutting Thursday to celebrate the opening of its newest store at 18993 Park Avenue in the Park Avenue Plaza. Erie students pay it forward ahead of Global Youth Service Day During the event, a $1,000 donation was made to the Chamber of Commerce's Crawford County K-12 Career Education Alliance program. The first 100 customers received gift cards and reusable shopping bags. The store is independently owned by Grady Brox III and Stacy Walker who were pleased by customer turnout on day one. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy to close after final class graduates 'It tells us that the stuff that we were dreaming when we were behind closed doors and talking to people about what this possibly could be I think it shows that like I always say you take care of your people, and you take care of the community that your store is located in, the rest of it takes care of itself,' said Brox III said. Between now and the end of March, customers can use the Grocery Outlet app for a chance to win free groceries for life! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
