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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center

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MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center

The service needs of the clients are of prime importance. On April 29, 1975, The Hispanic American Council was incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

MCRC - The Multicultural Community Resource Center provides a variety of educational and employment programs to the Immigrant and Refugee populations in Erie in a customer focused manner. The Council was first located at the Spanish Apostolate, an Erie Diocesan Mission Office at 611 West 17thStreet. The Council started with no administrative funds and operated with volunteers and two paid staff. In September of 2009, the organization’s name was changed to the Multicultural Community Resource Center to more accurately reflect the diverse and ever-increasing population served. Today the Multicultural Community Resource Center employs more than 50 individuals and is located in the old Penn Schoolhouse at 554 East 10th Street in Erie. Since the building was erected in 1880, it is gradually being refurbished to its original architectural prominence as a center of learning in Erie.

09/11/2026

For many immigrants who have come to the United States legally, becoming a lawful permanent resident (and eventually a United States citizen) represents security, stability, and a future filled with possibility.

MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center is proud to be the only DOJ-accredited Immigration Services agency in the tri-state area. Our Immigration Services team assists individuals and families who entered the United States legally and are now eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency. We help clients understand the process, complete and file the required applications with the federal government, and continue along their pathway toward citizenship.

Behind every application is a person, a family, and a dream. Nadia and our Immigration Services team are honored to walk alongside our clients through each step of this important and often life-changing journey.

“From the beginning, Nadia treated our family with kindness, patience, and respect. She helped us understand every step, answered all of our questions, and made a process that once felt overwhelming feel possible. We are incredibly grateful to Nadia and MCRC for helping our family move forward toward permanent residency and a secure future in the United States.”

If you or someone you know are in need of applying for permanent residency or citizenship, contact MCRC to learn more about our services and eligibility requirements.

📍 554 East 10th Street, Erie, PA
📞 814-455-0212
🌐 www.mcrcerie.org

09/09/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄! ❤️

We are so proud to see Oleksandra, one of MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center’s clients, highlighted by the Erie City Mission for the way she is giving back to the community she now calls home.

With her permission, we wanted to share some things about her. Oleksandra arrived in Erie from Ukraine in September 2024 through the Uniting for Ukraine program after the war came dangerously close to her home. Since arriving, she has worked incredibly hard to build an independent life here - connecting with MCRC programs and services, attending our senior program, continuing to learn English, building friendships, and becoming part of the Erie community.

But what we love most about Oleksandra’s story is that she didn’t simply want to receive support...she wanted to give it.

Helping others has always been part of who she is. In Ukraine, she was active in her church and served those around her. Here in Erie, that spirit continues. Today, she volunteers two days each week with the Erie City Mission, helping others in need and contributing to the community that welcomed her.

This is what welcoming communities look like.

People arrive with their own gifts, experiences, strength, compassion, and desire to contribute. When we create opportunities for people to belong, they don’t just become part of our community. They help make it stronger.

We are incredibly proud of Oleksandra, and grateful to our friends at the Erie City Mission for giving her another place to connect, serve, and make a difference.

This is OUR ERIE - where neighbors become community, and community takes care of community. ❤️

09/03/2026

⚠️ MCRC CLOSED TODAY – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 ⚠️

Due to the significant storm that moved through our area last night and the widespread damage across the City of Erie and surrounding communities, all MCRC offices and programs will be CLOSED today, Thursday, September 3.

Our community is facing widespread power outages, downed trees and power lines, flooding, non-functioning traffic signals, and other hazardous conditions. MCRC is also currently without power.

The safety of our staff, clients, families, and community comes first. We encourage everyone to avoid unnecessary travel, use extreme caution if you must be on the roads, and check on your neighbors and loved ones when it is safe to do so.

We will continue to monitor conditions and will provide additional updates regarding our operations as information becomes available.

Erie is a strong community, and days like today remind us just how important it is to look out for one another. ❤️

Please stay safe, Erie.

— MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center

09/02/2026

✨ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭! ✨

Please join us in congratulating Sayed “Sameer” Sayedzada, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center’s September 2026 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒆! 👏💙

Sameer, our PIR/GAPS Program Manager, was nominated by six of his colleagues - and the words they shared about him tell you everything you need to know about the heart he brings to MCRC.

They described Sameer as genuine, compassionate, hardworking, dependable, and someone who consistently goes above and beyond to make sure our clients feel seen, informed, supported, and welcomed.

But perhaps one of the greatest examples of Sameer’s impact happens when most of Erie is sleeping.

Many newly arriving refugee families land at the airport late at night, often after midnight. They arrive exhausted after long journeys, stepping into an unfamiliar city and beginning an entirely new chapter of their lives.

And so many times, Sameer is there waiting.

A welcoming smile. A helping hand. Someone who can look at a family during one of the most uncertain moments of their journey and show them through his actions: You are welcome here. You are not alone. We will help you find your way.

That is what Hands of Impact is all about. ❤️

As one colleague shared:
“Sameer gives his whole heart to his work. His kindness, dedication, and commitment help every client feel informed, supported, and like they truly belong.”

Another shared:
“Sameer makes a lasting impact by helping every client feel seen, valued, empowered, and connected to their new community.”

Through our Inside Impact initiative, we have the privilege of celebrating employees who embody MCRC’s mission not simply through the jobs they perform, but through the way they serve people.

Sameer is a wonderful example of that mission in action.

👏 Congratulations, Sameer, on being named our September 2026 Hands of Impact Award recipient! Thank you for the countless hours, the late nights, the compassion, and the heart you give to the people we serve.

Together, We Power the Mission. 💙

09/01/2026

🎉 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 5 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 & 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐂𝐑𝐂! 🎉

Today, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center was proud to celebrate Executive Director Katie Kretz’s five year anniversary with our organization during a special reception with staff and board members.

Over the past five years, Katie’s leadership has helped move MCRC forward in powerful ways by expanding services, increasing the organization’s visibility, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that the voices of refugees, immigrants, New Americans, and the families we serve are heard and represented throughout our community.

Her vision and advocacy have helped position MCRC as a trusted leader and the premier refugee and immigrant serving organization in Northwestern Pennsylvania, while continuing to create new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.

What made today especially meaningful was hearing from staff about the kind of leader Katie has been to them personally. They described her as caring, supportive, motivating, fair, patient, and someone who leads with clear vision and genuine respect for the people around her.

Five years represents more than a milestone. It represents growth, resilience, advocacy, relationships, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

We are incredibly grateful for Katie’s leadership, dedication, and continued belief in MCRC’s mission and the communities we are honored to serve.

Congratulations on 5 years, Katie! Here’s to the impact already made and all that is still ahead. ❤️🌎

Here are a few pictures from today’s celebration as we recognized this special milestone together.

08/31/2026

As a community partner committed to helping individuals and families find safe, stable, and affordable housing, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center encourages everyone to complete Erie County Government’s housing survey.

Your experiences and perspectives matter. Completing this survey is an important opportunity to have your voice heard, help identify our community’s most pressing housing needs, and inform future solutions throughout Erie County.

Please take a few minutes to participate and share the survey with others. Every voice deserves a place at the table.

Direct survey link: https://arcg.is/10W4480

08/28/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 💙

For a child entering an unfamiliar classroom, a parent navigating a new school system, or a family rebuilding their lives in Erie, being met with understanding can make all the difference.

That is why MCRC’s commitment to our refugee, immigrant, Latino and New American neighbors extends beyond the services we provide within our walls. Through Cultural Competency training for local schools, businesses, and community partners, we help build a community better prepared to welcome, understand, and support one another.

On August 20, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center's Imad Diab provided training to staff at the Charter School of Excellence, sharing insight into the communities we serve and the resources available through MCRC. These opportunities strengthen the partnerships that help individuals and families feel seen, respected, and connected.

Christopher Fortin, Director of Pupil Services at the Charter School of Excellence, shared:

“MCRC is a strong community support and services provider in our Erie community. They support all walks of life in our community and do it in a manner that is dignified and tolerant to all.”

We are grateful for these words and for a partnership rooted in caring for our community. Thank you to Imad and the Charter School of Excellence staff for making time for this meaningful work.

When we deepen our understanding of one another, we help create an Erie where every person has a place to belong—and an opportunity to thrive.

Interested in Cultural Competency training or learning how MCRC can support your school, workplace, or organization? Let us know in the comments below or message us here! We would welcome the opportunity to connect.

08/25/2026

𝑨 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝑨 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚.

For 27 years, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center's Refugee Social Services Program has helped refugees and other eligible populations build stable, successful lives in the Erie community.

RSS supports employability while addressing the many barriers families can face when beginning again in a new country. Our wraparound services include employment assistance, housing support, English language instruction, interpretation and translation, school engagement, social adjustment services, and citizenship and naturalization assistance.

Clients work with an ethnic case manager who speaks their language, understands their culture, and helps the entire family navigate unfamiliar systems. This trusted, culturally responsive support helps families feel understood, connected, and confident as they establish their new lives.

The happiness and success of our clients demonstrate why RSS is so critical. This program does more than help someone find a job. It helps families secure housing, connect their children with school, regain independence, and build futures filled with stability, opportunity, and belonging.

As R. Ngarukiye shared:

“𝘔𝘊𝘙𝘊 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.”

Every happy client and successful family reminds us what is possible when people are welcomed, understood, and given the support they need to thrive.

08/21/2026

🌟 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞! 🌟

At MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center, our Pre-K Counts Program is helping children build the skills, confidence, and friendships they need to be ready for kindergarten and beyond. 💛

Through a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment, children have opportunities to:

📚 Build early learning and school-readiness skills
🗣️ Develop language and communication skills
🤝 Make friends and learn to work together
🎨 Explore, create, and learn through play
💪 Build confidence and independence
🌱 Grow socially and emotionally

But Pre-K Counts is about more than preparing children for school. It’s about helping every child discover that they can learn, grow, and succeed.

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙:

“𝑴𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚.”

We are proud to provide children and families with a strong start and a place where every child can feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn. ❤️

08/12/2026

💜 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄! 💛

Once again, our Erie community showed just how powerful we are when we come together.

Thanks to 93 incredible donors, MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center preliminarily raised $24,420 during Erie Gives Day 2026! Every gift, every share, and every word of encouragement helps us continue creating opportunities, strengthening families, and empowering New Americans throughout our community.

To our donors, friends, partners, and MCRC supporters: thank you for believing in our mission and the people we serve.

We are grateful. We are inspired. And we are proud to be part of a community that continues to show up for one another.

Together, we build a stronger Erie. 💚

Address

554 East 10th Street
Erie, PA
16503

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18144550212

Website

http://www.mcrcerie.org/

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