This is what community looks like.
It looks like a teenager earning their first paycheck—and believing in their future.
It looks like a family turning the key to a home of their own.
It looks like neighbors coming together to grow food, share resources, and build something stronger—together.
For 26 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network has been planting seeds of hope, dignity, and opportunity across Erie. And because of supporters like you, those seeds continue to grow into real, lasting change.
Your gift isn’t just a moment of generosity—it’s a commitment to stronger neighborhoods, empowered residents, and a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
This is what community looks like. And you’re part of it.
Who We Are
The SSJ Neighborhood Network, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, provides leadership, advocates for local residents, and partners with the broader community to develop opportunities for both personal growth and neighborhood revitalization.
SSJNN began in 2000 with a mission to revitalize a neighborhood and empower its people. It began grassroots service to Erie’s Little Italy neighborhood to address issues surrounding that blighted and impoverished neighborhood. It has since grown and now has a service area is from East Ave. to Cranberry Street, and 12th to 26th Street in Erie.
Programs and services of SSJNN include a weekly soup kitchen meal, afterschool programs for children, earn-a-bike program and bicycle repair for youth and adults, the Genesis Housing Program for guiding renters into becoming home owners, eight thriving community gardens and the Little Italy Farmers Market, a work experience program for teens, budgeting, emergency assistance and referrals for walk-in neighbors, neighborhood beautification via streetscape improvements, murals and public art, neighborhood watches, security cameras and façade improvements.