History of ECR

Ely Community Resource (ECR) was established in 1978 when a group of concerned citizens, ISD 696, and Ely Police grew concerned about Ely youth and their wellbeing, as growing economic difficulties associated with mine closures impacted their families. Our main partners are ISD 696 and the City of Ely. 

ECR programs take place on campus every day during and after school. Additional out-of-school-time activities take place at the Ely Rec Center, Ely Public Library, and all Ely parks in partnership with the City. We are supported by many other community groups and individuals. No fees are charged for participation. 

ECR has evolved from its early days as a response or reaction to a problem and has become a more proactive or protective approach. We initiated summer enrichment programs in 2010 that have naturally provided a forum and framework for responding to youth voices regarding interests and motivation.

Ely parents look to ECR to help students succeed academically through remedial and enrichment opportunities, to learn friendship skills and social expectations that help to make school and community life fun and rewarding, and for basic needs security. 

Youth look to ECR programs for opportunities to participate with friends in educational enrichment opportunities, out-of-school time recreationand leadership activities, and general support and advocacy at school. 

Programs include after school homework help, mentoring relationships, remedial reading support, outdoor and indoor recreation opportunities, as well as assistance with basic needs. In-school programs include social, emotional, and character development activities, mental health awareness, college and career preparation, and homework help/credit recovery.

ECR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is funded by grants and support from Ely Community Education and ISD 696 • City of Ely • Minnesota Dept of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs—Youth Intervention Program • St. Louis County Family Services Collaborative • St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services • St. Louis County Family Resource Centers • Northland Foundation • United Way of Northeastern Minnesota • Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District • Town of Morse • Fall Lake Township • City of Winton • Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust • Ely Kiwanis Club • Ely Rotary Club • Annual ECR Auction Fundraiser – A Celebration of Artful Living in Ely • Annual Winter Festival Spaghetti Dinner • Burntside Lake Association/North St. Louis County Soil & Water Conservation District • Zup’s Food Market Ongoing + Burgers & Brats • E. Chapman Properties • Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters • Friends of the Boundary Waters No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters Program • Northeast Minnesotans for Wilderness • Piragis Northwoods Company Bookstore & Outfitting • Ely Outfitting Company • Cast Outdoor Adventures • Area Churches • The Ely Echo • The Ely Historic State Theater • Generous donations by Individuals and Local Organizations in our community • Generous donations from Summer Residents of our Ely community 

OUR PARTNERS IN DELIVERY & AFFILIATIONS—THANK YOU, Ely Schools, Ely Community Ed • City of Ely – Parks & Recreation + Ely Public Library • Burntside Lake Association and Ely Area Invasives Team • Ely Kiwanis • Ely Rotary + Interact Club • Ely Field Naturalists • Ely Garden Club • Ely Area Community Care Team • Ely Area Behavioral Health Network/Wellbeing Development • Ely AAUW and EMPOWER • Lake and St. Louis County Soil & Water Conservation Districts • Minnesota Department of Education/Ignite After School/Youthprise • Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs • Northland Foundation • Northern Tier High Adventure Base – Boy Scouts of America • True North AmeriCorps – Duluth Y • The International Wolf Center • The Ely Folk School • The Ely Historic State Theater • United Way of Northeastern MN • Voyageur Outward Bound School • YMCA Camp Northern Lights • YMCA Camp Widjiwagan • Youth Intervention Program Association, YIPA Legislative Committee