Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Expanding Emergency Assistance Programs Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC) announced a major expansion of its emergency assistance programs, made possible by a $320,000 state Local Share Account (LSA) grant and generous support from CANPACK and a group of benefactors who wish to remain anonymous. The LSA Statewide grant, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and submitted in partnership with Lackawanna County, will fund the purchase of a new 20-foot mobile food pantry vehicle. The award was announced Monday by State Senator Marty Flynn as part of more than $7.6 million in LSA funding for projects across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. The new vehicle will allow FOTP/CMC to bring fresh, nutritious food directly into neighborhoods where transportation is a barrier to accessing the agency’s food pantries, expanding the reach of a mobile pantry program that already serves thousands of households across the region each year. “Food insecurity does not wait for people to find a ride,” said Meghan Loftus, DPA, President and CEO of Friends of the Poor and CatherineMcAuley Center. “This grant allows us to meet our neighbors where they are, with dignity, in the neighborhoods where the need is greatest. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators, our partners at Lackawanna County, and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for investing in this work.” The LSA program is funded through gaming revenues and supports projects that improve the quality of life in communities across Pennsylvania. FOTP/CMC also thanks the members of LackawannaCounty’s delegation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who advocated for projects throughout the region, including Representatives Kyle J. Mullins (112th Legislative District), Kyle T. Donahue (113th Legislative District), Bridget M. Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), and James Haddock (118th Legislative District). In addition to the mobile pantry expansion, FOTP/CMC announced it is currently renovating their new location that will ultimately centralize food, furniture, and clothing programs under one roof for the first time. The consolidated site made possible through a generous sponsorship from CANPACK and a gift from a group of anonymous donors, will allow families to access groceries, household furnishings, and clothing in a single visit rather than traveling to multiple sites across the region. Additional details about the location and opening timeline will be announced in the comingmonths. “When a family is in crisis, the last thing they should have to do is navigate a maze of addresses and hours,” Loftus added. “Bringing our emergency assistance programs together in one place removes those unnecessary barriers and treats people the way they deserve to be treated.” “These two projects in particular have been dreams of mine since my earliest days with this agency in 2017,” Loftus said. “A mobile pantry built specifically for those in underserved and rural areas and a single, welcoming home for our food, furniture, and clothing programs are the kind of investments that change what is possible for the families we serve. I am incredibly thrilled to see them coming to fruition, and I know they will serve this community for many years to come. This expansion is the result of work by our staff, our volunteers, our board, and our partners, and it is atestament to what this community can accomplish together.”
Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
Friends Of The Poor & Catherine McAuley Center Announces Upcoming Leadership Transition It is with deep appreciation for her leadership that the Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC) Board of Directors shares that our President & CEO, Dr. Meghan Loftus, has decided to leave the agency this fall. Throughout her nine years of service to the legacy agency, Friends of the Poor, and the combined FOTP/CMC communities, Meghan has made lasting impact through her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission and the individuals and families weserve. As we begin the search for our next President & CEO, we want to assure our partners, supporters, participants, community agencies, and the broader community that all FOTP/CMC programs and services will continue without interruption. Meghan’s contributions have strengthened our organization, expanded our reach, and positively impacted countless lives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the strong foundation she has helped build alongside the exceptionally dedicated staff and leadership team of FOTP/CMC. We look forward to continuing this important work and building upon the organization’s momentum in the yearsahead.
Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Merge Two faith-based organizations dedicated to serving individuals and families in need have officially merged, combining their missions, resources, and staff under one unified entity: Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC). The merger brings together the complementary strengths of both organizations, sponsored by The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, respectively. “Our sponsoring organizations recognized that we share deep similarities in our Catholic missions, values, and service approaches,” said Sister Mary Ellen Fuhrman, RSM, Chair of the Corporate Members. “By combining our efforts, we can significantly expand our reach to the most vulnerable members of our community.” After more than a year of collaborative operations at the Catherine McAuley Center’s administrative offices at 430 Pittston Avenue in Scranton, both organizations determined that a formal merger would best serve their shared mission. “While working side by side, we discovered we were stronger together,” said Lee Termini, Board Chair. “We were already delivering a unified effort for our funders, partners, and the people we serve— formalizing that relationship was the natural next step.” Expanded Capacity, Unified Impact Under the merged organization, programs including emergency shelter, clothing assistance, food distribution, furniture provision, and other family-sustaining services now operate under one umbrella, streamlining access for those in need. “This consolidation allows us to expand our outreach and alleviate the impacts of poverty while fostering human dignity and self-sufficiency for more of our neighbors,” said Meghan Loftus, President & CEO. Immediate Impact: Enhanced Thanksgiving Community Program The organization is already demonstrating its increased capacity through expanded partnerships for this year’s 49th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program. Through new collaborations with Meals on Wheels NEPA, Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, FOTP/CMC will distribute 5,500 meals—an increase of 1,500 from previous years. The week-long 49th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program includes three signature events: Interfaith Prayer Service In collaboration with the Scranton Area Ministerium Friday, November 21 | 6:00 PM Potluck, 7:00 PM Service Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Road, Scranton Thanksgiving Community Dinner for Adults and Elderly Tuesday, November 25 | 2:30 PM–5:30 PM (or until supplies last) Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue at Vine Street Drive-through or walk-up service available *Home delivery for homebound individuals coordinated through Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, registration details forthcoming Family to Family Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution Wednesday, November 26 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (or until supplies last) Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue at Vine Street *Limit of four dinners per vehicle *Social service agencies may arrange larger pickups by contacting Linda Robeson at lindarobeson@comcast.net “For 39 years, our Food Basket Program has reached thousands of families during the holidays,” said Linda Robeson, Family to Family Food Basket Program Director. “Last Thanksgiving, we served more than 4,000 local families, and with the community’s continued generosity, we hope to meet that goal again this year. From our families to yours—thank you.”
Friends of the Poor – Back to School Fundraiser Friends of the Poor is once again doing a Back 2 School Drive to distribute free school supplies to students across Lackawanna County. This year, we are opting for an Amazon Wishlist to accept donations. Since most public schools require clear backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles, these items are of priority. Use this link to donate directly: https://a.co/0KWuPxK As always, any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Citizens Savings Bank Hosting Holiday Collection Drive Citizens Savings Bank is collecting children’s coats in all sizes (new or gently used) along with new/unwrapped toys for Friends of the Poor in Scranton at all of its Lackawanna County branch locations from now through 12/8/2023. Lackawanna County branch locations include 538 S. State St., Clarks Summit; 156 South Main Ave.; Scranton, 702 Cedar Ave., Scranton; and 137 South Main Ave., Taylor.
