Greater Scranton YMCA Celebrates National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on young people in our community. With 1 in 3 young people growing up without a mentor, the Y is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to caring adults who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. “At the YMCA, mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s through afterschool programs, youth sports, or leadership development opportunities, mentors help kids build confidence, achieve their goals, and feel like they belong.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to offer youth sports, enrichment, educational, and mental health and wellbeing programs that provide mentorship opportunities for children. Community members are encouraged to get involved during National Mentoring Month by: Volunteering as a mentor with the Y Enrolling youth in programs that provide positive mentorship Supporting YMCA programs that strengthen youth development For more information about volunteer mentoring opportunities at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded BK5K Youth Grant On October 9, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA received a grant award of $2,000 from the BK5K Youth Fund of the Winona Community Foundation. Funds will support the continued development of youth programs at the Y. From left: Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager, Fastenal; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Whitney McDonald, SHUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal
The Greater Scranton YMCA Seeking Marketing Firm for Caring Communities Release Date: June 18, 2025 Proposal Deadline: July 16, 2025 (5:00 PM EST) Contract Value: $10,000 per year (2 years) – Total $20,000 Project Overview The Greater Scranton YMCA, through generous grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation, is seeking proposals from qualified, smaller sized marketing firms based in Northeastern Pennsylvania to assist in the strategic promotion and communication of its Caring Communities for Mental Health program. This two-year initiative, which is part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s broader YMCA Wellbeing Initiative, expands free, community- based mental health services across multiple counties, with a strong focus on underserved and/or marginalized populations. This RFP represents a $10,000/year contract over a two-year period, designed to maximize reach, engagement, and program impact. Program Goals The Caring Communities for Mental Health program aims to: Expand access to free mental health support and case management services. Reduce barriers to care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. Integrate evidence-based mental health/wellness programs and workshops (e.g., COPE, R1 Learning System). Raise awareness through culturally relevant, inclusive messaging and outreach with our community partners and stakeholders. Scope of Work The selected firm will provide the following deliverables: Marketing Strategy Development A two-year marketing plan aligned with grant objectives. Branding and messaging tailored to health equity and stigma reduction. Content Creation & Design Flyers, brochures, event materials, and signage (print & digital). Videos, reels, infographics and additional content to be used on the Y’s social platforms, website and with the community. Social Media & Digital Engagement Monthly content calendars, platform-specific assets, and ad campaign guidance. Community Visibility Support outreach campaigns to reach priority populations across Lackawanna and surrounding counties. Contract Period and Value Term: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 Value: $10,000 annually; $20,000 total. Please note, this is a fixed-price contract funded through grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation. Eligibility Requirements Must be a registered small business based in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Demonstrated experience with nonprofit, health and/or mental health campaigns. Ability to collaborate closely with YMCA program and leadership staff, including marketing and program staff to ensure adherence to all YMCA of the USA branding guidelines and requirements. Must sign a sublicense agreement to gain access to YMCA trademarked materials. Proposal Requirements All proposals must include: 1. Cover Letter One-page max, inclusive of firm’s description of services, team bios and relevant experience. 2. Portfolio Samples At least three examples of previous work, ideally in community health or nonprofit marketing. 3. Approach & Work Plan Initial concepts or approach to support the YMCA’s grant goals. 4. Budget & Timeline Clear breakdown of services within the $10,000/year framework. 5. References Two client references with contact details. Submission Process Please submit all proposals via email (PDF format) to: Meghan Carnevale Mission Advancement & Marketing Director GREATER SCRANTON YMCA Email: mcarnevale@gsymca.org Subject Line: Marketing Proposal – Caring Communities Initiative Deadline: July 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST
The Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant for STEM Lab Creation From left to right: Tressa Capoccia, Rich Surridge, Leo McGowan, Meghan Carnevale The Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $25,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. The grant will support the creation of a STEM Lab at the Y’s facility, which is located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. Through the creation of a STEM Lab, the Y will provide students enrolled in the School-Age Program, Summer Day Camp Program, and additional programming to be developed with the opportunity to learn, collaborate with peers, and practice problem-solving skills. The lab will give the Y an opportunity to engage children in learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math while also fostering creativity. “We are so grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for their support of our YMCA and of children’s education,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are excited to begin work on the creation of the STEM Lab and look forward to providing the growing number of children in our care with access to opportunities they may otherwise not have after the school day ends and over the summer months.” For more information about child care programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
