GECAC and the Fight Against Poverty: Local Mission, National Impact

GECAC and the Fight Against Poverty: Local Mission, National Impact

From NEXT with Marcus Atkinson by WQLN

May 22, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

Marcus Atkinson interviews Ben Wilson about GECAC's role in fighting poverty and its connection to a national movement.

On this episode of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson, Marcus sits down with Ben Wilson, CEO of GECAC, to explore how one of Erie County’s most important human service agencies is connected to a much larger national movement. From senior services and workforce development to housing support, education, utility assistance, and community partnerships, GECAC’s work reaches thousands of residents every year. But this conversation goes beyond programs. It looks at the Community Action network across America, the continued fight against poverty, and why local leadership matters when families, seniors, workers, and neighborhoods are facing real economic pressure. This is a conversation about dignity, data, service, and the power of community action, right here in Erie.

People in this episode

Host: Marcus Atkinson

Guest: Ben Wilson

Topics covered

  • poverty
  • community action
  • human services
  • local leadership
  • economic pressure

Keywords

  • GECAC
  • poverty
  • community action
  • Erie County
  • human services
  • economic pressure
  • local leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: GECAC

Places: Erie County, Erie

More episodes of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the NEXT with Marcus Atkinson podcast page.