MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center

Please join us in congratulating ✨ 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐠𝐚 “𝐊𝐁” 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠 ✨, MCRC’s 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆 2026 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 and Employee of the Month Honoree through our Inside Impact employee engagement initiative.

Inside Impact was created to celebrate and showcase the incredible individuals who help power MCRC’s mission every day. The Hands of Impact Award recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond in service to our clients, coworkers, organization, and community.

KB’s selection was driven by an extraordinary show of support from his colleagues. Ten coworkers took the time to nominate him, sharing story after story of his dedication, professionalism, compassion, reliability, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Throughout the nominations, several themes emerged:

⭐ KB consistently goes beyond his job responsibilities to support the needs of clients, coworkers, and the organization.

⭐ He serves others with humility, kindness, and compassion, both inside and outside of MCRC.

⭐ He is someone colleagues can always count on for guidance, assistance, and support when challenges arise.

⭐ His positive attitude helps create a welcoming workplace while strengthening MCRC’s reputation throughout the community.

One nomination shared the story of a deaf couple who came to MCRC after experiencing financial exploitation by a family member. Without power, water, or heat in their home, and unable to effectively communicate with another agency due to the lack of an interpreter, they were in crisis. KB immediately stepped in, communicating with them through sign language, taking them to his family’s restaurant for a meal, helping restore their utilities, and ensuring they were connected to services where they could communicate effectively and receive the support they needed.

Another nomination highlighted KB’s commitment to service outside of normal business hours. While celebrating his son’s birthday at home, he received a call asking for assistance at MCRC during a weekend Red Cross shelter operation. Without hesitation, KB came in to help ensure everything ran smoothly.

These stories represent what so many of us already know: KB leads through action. He serves with heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

We are incredibly grateful for KB’s dedication and proud to recognize him as our June 2026 Hands of Impact Award recipient.

As part of this recognition, KB will receive a framed certificate, a gift card, and the opportunity to select a parking spot of his choice for the remainder of the month.

Please join us in congratulating KB and thanking him for the tremendous impact he continues to make at MCRC and throughout our community.

👏 Congratulations, KB, and thank you for being a true Hand of Impact!

Women across Pennsylvania are sharing their stories, speaking up about their experiences, and helping shape the future through the 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲.

At MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center, we believe every voice matters — especially the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences. Real change happens when communities come together and individual stories are heard.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE AND SHARE!

The survey closes May 30. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this important statewide conversation:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewoman

Every response helps create a clearer picture of the realities, challenges, strengths, and opportunities women face across Pennsylvania — ensuring this report reflects real lives, not just statistics.

There is still time to make your voice count and contribute to one of the most comprehensive looks at the status of women in Pennsylvania in more than 20 years.

If any MCRC clients need assistance completing the survey, please reach out to your Case Manager or call our office at 814-455-0212. The survey does not take long to complete, and we are here to help ensure your voice is heard.

🌟 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝑪𝑹𝑪’𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 🌟

At MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center, we know that the true strength of our mission comes from the people who live it out every single day.

That is why we created 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 — MCRC’s employee engagement initiative designed to celebrate, showcase, and highlight the incredible individuals who help power our mission forward each and every day.

Today, we are incredibly proud to recognize the very first recipient of our 🏆 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 🏆 and inaugural Employee of the Month Honoree:

✨ 𝐑𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐢 ✨
Job Developer | May 2026 Honoree

Riasad exemplifies what it means to serve with compassion, dedication, and purpose. As our Job Developer, he works tirelessly to help clients secure meaningful employment opportunities, supports our team whenever needed, and brings an exceptional level of care and professionalism to everything he does.

He is known for:
✔ Helping clients build brighter futures through employment
✔ Strong data analysis and program insight
✔ Always being willing to lend a hand
✔ Remaining deeply client-focused in every interaction

Recently, during an after-hours weekend situation, a newly arrived client experienced a medical emergency while the assigned case manager was out of town. Without hesitation, Riasad stepped in, transported the client to the emergency room, and remained committed to ensuring they received the care and support they needed. His compassion, responsiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond reflect the very heart of MCRC’s mission.

The Hands of Impact Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our clients, our organization, and our community.

Congratulations, Riasad, and thank you for helping power the mission every day. 💙

📣 COMMUNITY NEED – WHEELCHAIR REQUEST

We are currently preparing to welcome an incoming client, and we are in urgent need of a wheelchair to support their mobility upon arrival.

At MCRC, we believe that how we welcome someone matters. It sets the tone for dignity, comfort, and belonging from the very first moment. Having a wheelchair ready would make an immediate and meaningful difference in this individual’s transition.

If you or someone you know has a gently used wheelchair that you would be willing to donate, please reach out to us.

Your generosity is what makes this community so special. Thank you for always showing up with compassion and care. 💛

Late tonight, our MCRC Welcoming Team gathered to offer a true Erie welcome to the Fourie family.

Moments like this are why we do what we do.

This is more than an arrival. It is the beginning of safety, opportunity, and belonging. It is the courage to start again, and the privilege to walk alongside families as they build a new life.

We are honored to welcome the Fourie family to Erie. 💙

Because at MCRC, welcoming is not just what we do - it is who we are.

Tonight was a truly meaningful evening for MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center.

We are incredibly honored to share that the Multicultural Community Resource Center has been named the 2026 recipient of the 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅, presented this evening at the beautiful Erie Art Museum.

This recognition holds deep significance for our organization. The Erie County Medical Society annually honors a community partner whose work aligns with advancing the health and well-being of our region. To be recognized among past recipients who have made such a powerful impact in Erie is both humbling and affirming.

At a time when building strong, connected, and inclusive communities matters more than ever, this award reinforces the importance of the work we do every day.

As shared during this evening’s acceptance remarks by our Executive Director, Katie Kretz:

“This recognition is especially meaningful right now. At a time when conversations around identity, belonging, and community can feel complex (and at times even divisive) this award sends a clear and important message. It affirms that the strength of Erie lies in its people, in its diversity, and in its willingness to come together across cultures, languages, and lived experiences. It reminds us that a multicultural community is not something to navigate - it is something to value, to invest in, and to celebrate.”

We are also grateful to have received a $500 award in support of our continued efforts to serve our community.

Representing MCRC this evening were members of our leadership team, our Executive Director, and members of our volunteer Board of Directors. Their presence reflects the collective commitment, passion, and leadership that drives our mission forward each day.

This recognition belongs to our entire team, our partners, and the incredible individuals and families we have the privilege to serve. Thank you to the Erie County Medical Society for this honor and for your continued dedication to the health of our community.

Together, we continue to build stronger communities.

🌟 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞! 🌟

MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center is honored to announce that our Child Care Program has been re-designated as a STAR 4 program through Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS - the highest quality rating available.

This achievement is not new for us… it’s something we’ve worked hard to maintain. And that says everything about who we are.

STAR 4 represents a deep, ongoing commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and most importantly, the children and families we serve every day.

💜 A heartfelt thank you to our Program Director, Tammi Firestone, for her dedication and unwavering focus on maintaining excellence in our child care program.
💜 And to our incredible staff - thank you for showing up every day and loving our children with everything you have. You are shaping futures in ways that truly matter.

This is what excellence looks like. This is MCRC.

Same commitment. Same passion. Same STAR 4 excellence.

We’re proud to share that our Executive Director, Katie Kretz, was recently featured on The Jake Rouch Show 🎙️

In this episode, Katie shares the story and evolution of MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center - from its founding in 1975 as a small, volunteer-led organization to the comprehensive, community-based agency it is today. She also offers meaningful insight into what immigration truly is, why it matters, and the vital role it plays in strengthening our Erie community.

This conversation highlights not only the impact of refugee resettlement in our region, but also the importance of organizations like MCRC in supporting families, creating opportunity, and building a more connected, welcoming community for all.

We invite you to take a listen, learn something new, and be part of the conversation.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jake-rouch-show/id1884130777?i=1000757065734

Katie Kretz - Episode #2 Podcast Episode · The Jake Rouch Show · March 24 · 1h 15m

🌍 Do you speak more than one language? Use your skills to make a difference.

MCRC is growing, and we’re looking for interpreters to support individuals and families across our community. 💬

✨ Flexible scheduling
✨ Contract (1099) opportunities
✨ Make an impact every day
✨ Now offering $20/hour

We are especially looking for individuals who speak:
✔️ Spanish (multiple openings!)
✔️ Arabic
✔️ Nepali
✔️ Dari or Pashto

Your language is powerful and it can help someone navigate life in a new country.

📞 Interested or want to learn more? Contact Maria Tolley at (814) 455-0212

👉 Join our team and be part of something meaningful.

Yesterday, our Executive Director had the opportunity to speak with the “Issues of Faith” class at Wayside Presbyterian Church.

We shared who we are at MCRC - Multicultural Community Resource Center and our mission of building belonging, dignity, and opportunity for refugee and immigrant families in Erie, along with insights into the current state of refugee resettlement and the critical role our community plays in welcoming newcomers.

Opportunities like this matter. They create space for understanding, connection, and honest dialogue, helping to build a more informed and compassionate community.

We are grateful to Wayside for the invitation and for being part of this important work.