Lackawanna College Receives Grant

Lackawanna College was awarded a $5,142 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support adult literacy. Funds will be used to offer two free English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for Spanish speakers at its Hazleton Center in the summer and fall of 2022. This local grant is part of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s recent award of a $10.5 million donation to support summer, family, and adult literacy programs, representing the organization’s largest one-day grant donation in its 29-year history.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Dollar General,” said Casey Weisbeck, manager of the Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) at the Hazleton Center. “The grant removes a significant financial barrier, giving Spanish speakers with little to no English proficiency access to educational resources. This opportunity opens the door for furthering their education, providing a pathway for future success in our Hazleton community.” 

Coordinated by the (LLA), the ESL classes will be offered in the summer and fall of 2022 and assist Spanish-speaking students with limited or no English proficiency. ESL classes will benefit 48 Hazleton residents. The 10-week evening courses will be in-person with take-home lessons. After completing the program, students will be eligible for Lackawanna College’s English Proficiency certificate program, an 18-credit program that continues English language learning and prepares students for college-level work.

“For nearly 30 years, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been proud to invest in literacy and education programs in our hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The recent and significant shifts in the educational landscape have made the Foundation’s mission more critically important. As we work to create access to high-quality instruction for all individuals, we share our gratitude for the educators who are working to uplift and empower others. We hope these funds will have a meaningful impact on students and teachers across the country and look forward to seeing the positive impact they have on learners.”

Johnson College News

Johnson College Receives Grant

Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Girls on Fire, a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to learn about career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields.

The event, part of Johnson College’s new Women in Industry Initiative, will be conducted in conjunction with International Women’s Day in March 2023. The event will include tours of the Johnson College campus, presentations on various STEM-related programs, a keynote speaker who is a successful woman in her field, lunch, and fun hands-on activities in 3D printing, carpentry, and more. Students will learn about mechatronics, computer science, HVAC-R, healthcare, and carpentry – all areas where women have a variety of opportunities for successful careers.

Studies show that when the women’s labor force participation rises, so do the economy and the GDP. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes in “Women in the Labor Force: A Databook” that women may represent more than half of all workers within several industries. Despite this, women are substantially underrepresented in industries such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, and other industrial types of employment such as agriculture and mining. They are also underrepresented in services such as repair and maintenance, automotive repair, and commercial and industrial machinery repair. Women’s participation in the U.S. labor force has been a complicated narrative, especially in skilled trades.

There are many opportunities, pathways, and resources available to women looking to enter skilled trades. Girls on Fire will help students understand the many pathways for women’s economic equity and increase participation in well-paid, skilled jobs traditionally held by men.

Women in Philanthropy is an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation dedicated to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.supportnepawomen.org.

Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training

In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting June 20, 2022, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. 

CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists.

This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 

Pennsylvania American Water Announces Grants for Local Environmental Projects

Pennsylvania American Water announced today that 13 watershed-related projects across the Commonwealth will receive financial support through the company’s annual Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling nearly $75,000 for their community-based projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds.

A panel of judges selected the grant recipients from 50 applications, which were evaluated on environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability.

“On this Earth Day, we are inspired by all of these organizations and their commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Mike Doran, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “We hope that these projects equally inspire our communities to get involved and help protect our natural resources.”

The 2022 grant recipients are:

· Berks Nature, Berks County – Papermill Dam Removal on the Cacoosing Creek ($6,476). Funding will be used to restore the riparian zone along Cacoosing Creek by planting native trees and plants. Additionally, a youth fishing program will be offered following the removal of the dam.

· Dormont Stormwater Authority, Allegheny County – West Liberty Avenue Parking Lot Rain Garden ($10,000). The Authority plans to install a rain garden at the West Liberty Avenue parking lot to provide a natural, pervious area for stormwater runoff. The garden will also help prevent flooding and debris from entering the collection system as a best management practice.

· Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Luzerne County (EPCAMR) – Millcreek Watershed Cleanups ($3,435). The project involves stream cleanups of unnamed tributaries along Mill and Gardner Creeks, along with the installation of dataloggers to monitor flow and pollution from nearby abandoned mines.

· East Pikeland Township, Chester County – Hidden River Park & Preserve Riparian Corridor Revitalization ($10,000). Funding will go toward a riparian revitalization project with native shrubs, trees, and 95 acres of meadow grasses to reduce erosion and restore the native habitat.

· Ellwood City, Lawrence County – Phase III Five Points Community Garden ($6,300). With the grant, the borough will install additional garden beds, complete walking paths, and install signage at the Five Points Community Garden.

· Fairview Township, York County – Lawn to Meadow Conversion ($3,863). The project involves using native plants and grasses, including pollinators, to improve water quality by creating a meadow within the township to reduce runoff into local waterways.

· Indiana County Conservation District – First Waves Indiana ($6,390). First Waves Indiana plans to engage underserved youth in meaningful outdoor experiences, including tree planting, stream biology, paddleboarding, and fly fishing, with a resulting video of the program.

· Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Lackawanna County – Restoration Plantings ($5,200) With this funding, volunteers will re-establish a native and biodiverse ecosystem as part of a riparian buffer zone restoration planting program along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

· Lackawanna River Corridor Association, Lackawanna County – Managing Stormwater/Rain Barrel Workshop ($2,500). Funding will go toward three rain barrel workshops for residents to educate them on stormwater management and demonstrate rain barrel construction.

· Three Rivers Waterkeeper, Allegheny County – 3 Rivers Watch Expanding Water Quality Monitoring ($9,850). Funding will go toward expanding the organization’s volunteer program, including training for volunteers to assess water quality, as well as increased monitoring, patrolling, and water quality sampling.

· Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County – Water Sampling and Analysis Project ($950). The project involves investigating the origin of pollution sources impairing tributaries to Conodoguinet Creek through water and soil testing. The goal is to reduce pollutants in the streams.

· Warren County Conservation District – Where Would Our Streams Be Without Trees ($690). The Conservation District plans to study the impact riparian buffer restoration has on water quality on Barton Run.

· Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County – Restoration and Outreach Projects for Master Watershed Stewards ($9,240). The Coalition and its partners will install four native shrub nurseries for future sources for live stakes that can be used for stream bank stabilization to reduce pollution and erosion.

Pennsylvania American Water initiated its Environmental Grant Program in 2005 to support projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Since then, American Water has expanded the annual program to many of its state subsidiaries across the nation. To date, Pennsylvania American Water has donated more than $650,000 to fund more than 135 projects.

Lackawanna College Receives Grants

Lackawanna College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Hawk Family Foundation to support the purchase of an Anatomage Table, a state-of-the-art anatomy education and virtual dissection-teaching tool. Students enrolled in the College’s Health Sciences programs will use the table to improve their anatomy knowledge with interactive hands-on experiences.

According to the manufacturer Anatomage, the table is the world’s first virtual dissection table featuring a fully segmented real human 3D anatomy system. Leading medical schools and institutions use the table worldwide.

“It’s exciting for Lackawanna College to have access to this cutting-edge technology,” said Meegan Murray, division lead for the College’s Health Sciences Division. “Students in this field tend to be visual and kinesthetic learners. This technology will lead to deeper learning and understanding of the human body that is essential when taking care of patients.”

Students are currently learning about anatomy through a mobile application called Visible Body, along with the use of textbooks and anatomy models. Murray believes that the new table will be a game-changer.

“Having this technology at Lackawanna College will catapult student learning into the future, producing healthcare professionals with a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology,” said Murray.

The College expects to have the table available for the Fall 2022 semester.

Boback Announces First Responder Grants

Twenty-five fire and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations in the 117th Legislative District were awarded more than $331,000 in funding support through the 2021-22 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) announced today.

“They answer the call day and night. We truly appreciate the life-saving services these hard-working and dedicated volunteers provide for our communities,” said Boback. “I am so pleased these fire and EMS companies continue to apply for this state support every year, which helps to offset their operating costs.”

Following is a list of organizations in the 117th Legislative District that received grants and the amount of the awards:

Lackawanna County

  • Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company of Benton Township – $15,000.

Luzerne County

  • Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS Inc. (EMS) – $16,655.
  • Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS Inc. (fire) – $30,000.
  • Fairmount Township Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Fairmount Township Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company (fire) – $15,000.
  • Harveys Lake Fire & Ambulance Company (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Harveys Lake Fire & Ambulance Company (fire) – $15,000.
  • Hunlock Creek Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc. – $8,325.
  • Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Jonathan R. Davis Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Kunkle Fire Company Inc. (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Kunkle Fire Company Inc. (fire) – $15,000.
  • Lake Silkworth Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Sweet Valley Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.

Wyoming County

  • Factoryville Fire Company (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Factoryville Fire Company (fire) – $15,000.
  • Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (fire) – $15,000.
  • Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (EMS) – $8,325.
  • Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (fire) – $15,000.
  • Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Noxen Community Ambulance Association – $8,325.
  • Noxen Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.
  • Tunkhannock Community Ambulance Association – $8,325.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training and education, recruitment and retention, or debt reduction. Funds may also be used to supplement operational expenses incurred by the lack of fundraising opportunities resulting from the pandemic.

The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, and not General Fund tax revenue. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley Partnership Grant Funding

Lackawanna Heritage Valley has announced the start of a new spring cycle of partnership grant funding, open for application through March 11 at 12 p.m.

The program is open to members of non-profit and civic organizations, municipal and governmental agencies, and educational institutions with proposals for projects designed to enhance the quality of life within the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. Successful grant applicants will receive up to $5,000 each to conserve, preserve, and educate the public about Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic, cultural, economic and natural resources.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley, designated as both a national and state heritage area, has provided more than three million dollars in funding assistance to community organizations through its Partnership Grants Program since its inception. Given the dire funding constraints and lack of community programming brought on by the ongoing health crisis, the organization feels this round of grants is perhaps one of its most crucial.

Justin Topa, community engagement and programs manager, hopes that Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s spring grant program will continue the organization’s work toward stimulating the region’s economy, enhancing tourism initiatives, strengthening community organizations and increasing the quality of life for area residents.  

“We are proud to support our creative local partners who help us to tell the region’s story and to preserve and conserve our natural resources,” Topa said. “With each successful grant cycle, we invest in our history, our resources and the families in our communities. In a year that presents unique challenges, we hope that this year’s applicants will find creative ways to showcase our region’s story of perseverance and the strength in working together.”

For general information about the heritage area, or for grant program guidelines and applications, those interested are asked to visit www.LHVA.org or call Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s office, via (570) 963-6730.

NeighborWorks NEPA Receives Grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) is pleased to announce it has received a $100,000 grant from the AllOne Foundation & Charities to be used towards expansion of Aging in Place services. The goal of this program will be to provide resources to help older adults overcome social isolation and health issues.

These funds will be used to increase and expand Aging in Place services with a focus on social isolation prevention. NeighborWorks will additionally be increasing the volunteer opportunities available to older adults through an expansion and reorganization of the volunteer program.

The Aging in Place program has worked with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) through a two-year funding partnership with the Moses Taylor Foundation to recruit, train and support volunteers for the Friendly Visitor/CARE calls program to combat social isolation. This program connects volunteers aged 55 and over with older adults to engage, provide resource connection, virtual activities and someone to connect with.

This program will be modified in the coming year to use recommendations from the larger senior social isolation prevention plan being undertaken by the United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties and funded by the Moses Taylor Foundation. As restrictions continue to lift from the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals become more comfortable interacting with others, NeighborWorks will reorganize and expand volunteer opportunities for civic organizations, community clubs, students, churches, schools, businesses, individuals and families. This is all with a focus on direct service to improve the lives of older adults in the community.

“We are most thankful to the AllOne Foundation for their support as a key partner of our Aging in Place program,” Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO, said of the award. “Over 400 older adults have received Aging in Place services since the start of the program, and this funding will allow us to make more improvements for older adults in areas that include critical safety modifications, financial coaching, and senior isolation prevention.”

Funds from AllOne Foundation & Charities will be used to serve approximately 225 older adults aged 60 and over who are at or under 80% of their home counties’ area median income. The redesigned NeighborWorks Volunteer Program will increase volunteer opportunities for various projects for older adults including the Friendly Visitor Program, expanded small home repair services and smart home device installation. Over 4,700 volunteers have been deployed by NeighborWorks over the past decade.

“AllOne Foundation & Charities looks to our partners to measurably improve access to health care in our community. The Aging in Place programs offered by NeighborWorks NEPA are an outstanding example of the power of front-line, community-based services directly reaching our senior family members, neighbors and friends. The impact of their innovative, agile and compassionate service is significant,” said John Cosgrove, Executive Director of AllOne Foundation & Charities.”

Additionally, to increase mobility and ability to provide volunteer services to older adults, a cargo van will be purchased through funds acquired by the AllOne Foundation & Charities and co-branded with the foundation.

Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Enhance Electricity Education

Lackawanna College has been awarded $20,000 from the TC Energy Foundation to enhance electricity training for students in the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas located in Tunkhannock, Pa.

The grant allows the College to purchase state-of-the-art simulation equipment that will train students on components and situations found in modern electrical circuits.

“We are grateful to the TC Energy Foundation for its support of our programs,” said Susan Gumble, director of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “Electricity education and hands-on training play an integral role in preparing our students for successful careers in the natural gas industry.”

The funding will also be used for printed materials, including lab books and workbooks that students will use while taking electricity-related courses.

“Building strong communities through giving back is an integral part of our values,” said Trevence Mitchell, Assistant Director of the TC Energy Foundation. “We are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople and thank Lackawanna College for providing students the necessary training to ensure they are ready to enter the workforce.”

For more information on the Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center, home of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visit https://www.lackawanna.edu/tunkhannock.

NeighborWorks NEPA Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) is pleased to announce it has received a $17,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

These funds support our Community Services Navigator position, which aids clients from our main direct service programs: Aging in Place, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Homeownership & Financial Services. This position provides assistance to older adults in connecting to other social service opportunities, completing applications for assistance and navigating referrals provided.
“We truly appreciate the generous support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation” said Jesse Ergott, President & CEO. “This grant will allow us to provide more personalized assistance to our neighbors facing challenges with financial and homeownership stability.”

The grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation is one of several funding sources that is being used to increase organizational capacity to establish and maintain the Navigator position. This position ensures the Aging in Place program can continue to provide services to older adults in our community.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. NeighborWorks is one of 45 nonprofit grant recipients in Northeastern Pennsylvania to receive funding in the 2021 cycle of grant awards. Priority areas for funding include supporting programs that aim to break the cycle of poverty, remove economic barriers, and encourage independence in adults and children through access to safe, affordable housing, transportation, education, and other important issues.