United Way Venango/ Titusville Region
Traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, making our neighborhoods safer and more connected places to live and work.
National Night Out events feature food, games, family activities, information from local organizations, emergency vehicle displays, and opportunities for residents to meet local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Together, these events strengthen relationships and create safer, more caring communities.
This year, the United Way of Venango and Titusville Region is once again investing in local communities by awarding National Night Out Mini-Grants to organizations throughout Venango County and the Titusville Region to support neighborhood celebrations.
According to Will Price, President and CEO of United Way of Venango and Titusville Region, “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. United Way is proud to provide opportunities that bring first responders and residents together in a positive environment. For many children in our communities, their only interaction with first responders may be during a crisis. National Night Out gives families the chance to meet these everyday heroes, ask questions, and build trust before an emergency ever occurs.”
Last year, United Way-funded National Night Out events brought together more than 1,500 local residents across eight community locations. Each event was planned and organized by a local committee, allowing every neighborhood to create an experience that reflected its unique community. Officers from the Oil City Police Department, Franklin and Titusville Police Departments, Venango County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police participated alongside local fire departments and ambulance services, giving families the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles, learn about public safety, and interact with first responders.
The need for strong, connected communities has never been greater. According to the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data, 41% of households in Venango County and 43% of households in Crawford County—including the Titusville region—are either living below the Federal Poverty Level or are ALICE households. These are hardworking families who earn above the poverty line but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare. Community events like National Night Out help connect these families with local resources while fostering relationships that strengthen neighborhoods and improve community well-being.
“National Night Out events are a great way to establish relationships and build rapport with people in the community, which can be especially valuable during times of emergency,” said Trooper Michelle McGee, Community Service Officer, Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E – Franklin. “We’re grateful to have positive relationships with our neighbors because we live and work here too, and we want to maintain open communication with the public.”
Through initiatives like National Night Out, the United Way of Venango and Titusville Region continues its mission of bringing people and resources together to improve lives by strengthening neighborhoods, supporting local partnerships, and creating opportunities for every family to thrive.
Join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th at the following locations:
St. Elizabeth Center – 311 Emerald St., Oil City from 5-7PM
Christ Church Franklin – 1041 Liberty St., Franklin (Parking Lot behind the Church) from 5-7PM
South Side Neighborhood HUB – 106 Walnut St., Oil City from 5-7PM
Rouseville Community Center – 300 3rd St., Rouseville from 5-8PM
Fertigs Community Center – 4887 Camp Coffman Rd., Venus from 6-7:30PM
Titusville Fire Department – 315 N. Franklin St., Titusville from 5-7PM
For more information about National Night Out or the United Way of Venango and Titusville Region, please contact the United Way office at 814-676-6545 or visit https://unitedwayvtr.org/