Please consider supporting Attorneys & Kids Together (AKT) through a charitable donation - 100% of your donations go to work in our community supporting the needs of students experiencing homelessness.
AKT has been the Erie County Law Foundation's signature community project since its inception in 2000. Its purpose is to support the educational needs of students living in homeless situations. The program, generously supported by Erie County Bar Association members, has numerous facets:
Kid Konnection
A short-term mentoring-type program with the objective of educating, building trust, offering role models, providing positive life experiences and building self-esteem. An attorney (and his or her family, if interested) is paired with a student from one of several local shelters. They, along with other paired attorneys and students, participate in approximately six organized and well-structured events that take place over a four-month period. The program concludes with a trip via coach to a nearby city (Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and others) for a fun and educational finale.
Book Project
Grants have been obtained from Books for Kids locally and First Books nationally. Each month shelter representatives visit the ECBA office to select two age-appropriate books for each child currently staying at the shelter. Children keep the books.
Backpacks
With the support of JanSport, new backpacks are available to any student in a homeless situation who either does not have one or needs a new one. Backpacks were purchased at a discount with monetary donations from the ECBA membership.
Junior/Senior Project
No high school junior or senior should miss the many exciting events of his or her junior and senior year. AKT assists eligible juniors and seniors with the following if they cannot afford them: cap & gown, yearbook, prom tickets & attire, announcements, banquet tickets, class ring, etc. AKT will also assist juniors with their SAT fees.
School Uniforms
Students who find themselves suddenly in a homeless situation need appropriate clothing for school. Since Erie's public schools have dress code requirements, the AKT program is a source of new, school-appropriate clothing for students.
Winter Coats
New winter coats are available to students (and younger children) who need them.
