NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Holds SafetyWorks Week for Seniors NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NWNEPA) will serve 30 older adult homeowners in West Scranton with much needed interior and exterior painting and small repairs throughout Lackawanna County as part of SafetyWorks Week for Seniors, July 3th – 7th, 2023. More than 200 volunteers will be coming from all over the northern portion of the United States through a partnership between NeighborWorks and Group Mission Trips, Inc. to make the weeklong event possible. As NeighborWorks has recently kicked off West Side Scranton’s ten-year plan to increase livability in the area, the focus of the volunteer work for the week will be the West Scranton community. Throughout the week volunteers will provide exterior painting to whole homes, window frames and porches and steps. Interior painting of kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms will spruce up older homes adding value and increasing the quality of life for older adults who can no longer tend to their homes safely. NeighborWorks has hosted Group Mission Trips, Inc. volunteers for seven previous workcamps, mobilizing 2,158 volunteers, equating to approximately 50,000 hours of volunteer labor (worth over $1.4 million) to make needed repairs to over 320 separate properties in Lackawanna County. This year Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, donated funds to provide the materials for the volunteers to use while serving the older adults in Scranton.
NeighborWorks NEPA Awards Home Improvement Grants NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to partner with both the City of Scranton and the City of Carbondale to announce the block groups selected for funding in the 2023 Beautiful Blocks program cycle. With a total of 103 properties in Scranton and 34 properties in Carbondale being awarded grant funding, NeighborWorks staff and local officials expect to see a significant positive impact in neighborhoods where projects are set to take place. A full list of groups receiving funding is attached to this release. Beautiful Blocks is a home improvement program which provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. 2023 represents the fifth consecutive program cycle in Scranton for Beautiful Blocks, with the program entering its third consecutive cycle in Carbondale after launching in the Pioneer City in 2021. Members of selected groups have until November 1 to complete their individual exterior home improvement projects, with groups also eligible for a $500 stipend to conduct a community celebration or service project. According to NeighborWorks President & CEO Jesse Ergott, “Beautiful Blocks is all about bringing people together to improve the neighborhoods they call home. We are thrilled that the program is resonating with so many of our neighbors in both Scranton and Carbondale and are greatly appreciative of all of the funding partners who help to make it happen. We are looking forward to continued growth of this program in both communities as we facilitate both physical improvements to homes and strengthened connections between neighbors.” “It is so exciting to see our residents working as a team making improvements to their home and their neighborhoods,” said Michele Bannon, Carbondale City Clerk and former board chair for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Year two of Beautiful Blocks has made a tremendous impact on the City. Each year the program is growing bringing more homeowners together. It’s amazing to see the impact of committed, empowered homeowners on our community.” Beautiful Blocks in Carbondale is made possible with support from Lackawanna County Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick, Esq., and Chris Chermak; with additional support from Millennium Packaging, Coterra Energy, Gentex, and other local businesses. “It’s inspiring to see the improvements made to our neighborhoods thanks to Beautiful Blocksprogram and out community-minded residents,” said Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti.“We’re thankful to the team at NeighborWorks and their volunteers who work with us to makeScranton a beautiful place to live.” Beautiful Blocks in Scranton is made possible with support from the City of Scranton, withadditional support from Community Bank, NA, The Dime Bank, M&T Bank, and The HonesdaleNational Bank. Over the first four cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, more than 340 individualprojects have been completed by Scranton residents, grouped into 45 block groups. More than$287,000 in grant funding has been distributed to as part of these projects, with participatingresidents contributing more than $735,000 in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. In the first two years of the Beautiful Blocks program operating in Carbondale, seven groups ofneighbors have participated, with more than $37,000 in grant funding awarded. This grantfunding helped to leverage more than $66,000 in funds invested from participatinghomeowners. Residents of Scranton and Carbondale who are interested in participating in future cycles ofthe Beautiful Blocks program are encouraged to access more information by visiting theprogram homepage at https:// www.nwnepa.org/programs/beautiful-blocks.html. Moreinformation is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks NortheasternPennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 orghetman@nwnepa.org.
The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks NEPA Lackawanna County, PA / April 7, 2023 / Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation will support the 2023 Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program. The program provides matching grants of up to $1,000.00 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process. “We want to sincerely thank The Dime Bank for their generous contribution towards this year’s Beautiful Blocks Program in Scranton,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “We are grateful for their commitment to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.” “As a community bank, The Dime Bank is proud to partner with NeighborWorks and contribute to their efforts of revitalizing neighborhoods and building community connections. We are excited to be part of their Beautiful Blocks Program that encourages teamwork among neighbors and invests in property improvement,” stated William Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer. About The Dime Bank The Dime Bank is committed to being involved in and contributing to our community’s development. If you are passionate about your future, choose The Dime Bank as your financial partner. Serving its primary market of Northeast Pennsylvania since 1905, the bank offers a full array of financial services and solutions. Community banking yields community benefits. Dimeco, Inc., parent company of The Dime Bank, trades on the OTCQX Marketplace under symbol DIMC. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com. About NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that has worked for more than 40 years to increase the financial stability of families and individuals by providing programs and services that create and preserve responsible homeownership and affordable housing throughout the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. With programs including homeownership coaching and education, aging in place, home renovation services, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, NeighborWorks is deeply ingrained in the community. More information about NeighborWorks can be found at www.nwnepa.org. Pictured: Brian C. Urbas, The Dime Bank Vice President Commercial Lending Officer; William R. Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer; Jessica L. Capwell, The Dime Bank Assistant Vice President Steamtown Branch Manager; Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO; Maurice E. Dennis, The Dime Bank Vice President Commercial Lending Officer.
NeighborWorks Receives Contribution NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) recently accepted a contribution from The Dime Bank (Dime), in the amount of $10,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).The contribution will support the Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program for 2023. Beautiful Blocks, which is jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks and the City of Scranton, provides matching grants of up to $1,000 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process.“As a community bank, The Dime Bank is proud to partner with NeighborWorks and contribute to their efforts of revitalizing neighborhoods and building community connections. We are excited to be part of their Beautiful Blocks program that encourages team work among neighbors and invests in property improvement,” stated William Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer.“We want to sincerely thank The Dime Bank for their generous contribution towards this year’s Beautiful Blocks program in Scranton,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “We are grateful for their commitment to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.”
The Dime Bank Supports NeighborWorks NEPA Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation supports the 2022 Carbondale Beautiful Blocks Program. The program provides matching grants of up to $1,000.00 per property to groups of five residents or more to help them make exterior home improvements. “We are excited to partner with NeighborWorks to not only improve the appearance of neighborhoods but to build community connections between neighbors as they work together through this program” stated The Dime Bank Vice President of Marketing Deborah Unflat. “Being a community bank, The Dime Bank is honored to give back and help make our region a better place to live and work.” “We are extremely grateful for The Dime Bank’s generous support of the Carbondale Beautiful Blocks Program” said Shane Powers, Chief Operations Officer at NeighborWorks. “Their investment highlights the bank’s strong commitment to investing in our community in a tangible way that empowers our neighbors and brightens up our neighborhoods.”
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania SafetyWorks Week for Seniors NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NWNEPA) served 47 older adult homeowners with much needed home repairs and improvements throughout Lackawanna County as part of SafetyWorks Week for Seniors, formerly NeighborWorks Week, July 4th – 8th, 2022. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 300 volunteers will be coming from all over the northern portion of the United States through a partnership between NeighborWorks and Group Mission Trips, Inc. to make the weeklong event possible. Throughout the week, repairs and improvements will include installation of exterior solar lights, exterior painting, weatherization, landscaping, porch repair, as well as installing wheelchair ramps. Each of the homes being provided services are headed by older adults, many of whom rely on volunteers and organizations like NeighborWorks to assist with repairs and modifications to increase their health and safety, allowing them to be able to continue residing in their homes and communities. NeighborWorks has hosted Group Mission Trips, Inc. volunteers for seven previous workcamps, mobilizing 1,858 volunteers, equating to approximately 50,000 hours of volunteer labor (worth over $1.4 million) to make needed repairs to over 280 separate properties in Lackawanna County
Run for the Roses to Benefit NeighborWorks This year, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is partnering with The Country Club of Scranton to be the benefiting organization of their Kentucky Derby Party – Run for the Roses. A portion of the event ticket and 50/50 raffle proceeds benefits NeighborWorks. It will be held on May 7, 2022 from 5-8pm at the Country Club of Scranton. For over 14 years, Run for the Roses has emulated the festivities present at the Kentucky Derby. Complete with multiple areas to view the live broadcast of the horse race, passed hors d’oeuvres and an outdoor venue, it celebrates the 185-year-old race held at Churchill Downs racetrack. Event goers are encouraged to dress up in “Derby attire” complete with large hats, bow ties and colorful sun dresses and suits. The event will feature food, an open bar, cigar lounge & bourbon bar, derby drink features and a 50/50 raffle. Pre-registration is $85 per person, and non-members can pre-register with a credit card by May 2, 2022. To make a reservation, call 570-586-2311 by May 2, 2022. For more information on the event, please go to the country club’s website here.
Summer AmeriCorps VISTA Positions at NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteer Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 6 to August 14, 2022, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. About the Position Coordinating volunteer home repair projectsInstalling home safety kits for seniorsAttending community eventsCoordinating neighborhood and park cleanupsMaintaining vacant lotsPicking up litter along main commercial corridorsDocumenting quality of life issues (property code violations, missing street signs, etc.)Gathering stories from residents in written, audio, and video formats This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40 and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit americorps.gov. Qualifications U.S. citizen at least 18 years of ageAbility to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activitiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsBasic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft OfficeValid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel How to Apply Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2022, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.
Beautiful Blocks Program Open for Applications Applications are now being accepted for the second year of BeautifulBlocks in the City of Carbondale.Beautiful Blocks is a home improvement program which provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. After a successful inaugural cycle in Carbondale, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to once again partner with the City of Carbondale to offer Beautiful Blocks to residents of the Pioneer City. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from painting and mailboxes to larger projects like sidewalks and lamp posts. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on project impact, coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future. Pre-applications are being accepted until March 21. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer. Residents must match their grant awards dollar-for-dollar, unless they meet certain income guidelines. Residents whose household income is less than 80% of the area median income are only required to provide a 20% match. For example, if a resident meets these income guidelines and receive the maximum $1,000 grant award, they must personally contribute at least $200 towards their project. Otherwise, participants must match the $1,000 grant with $1,000 of their own funds. According to NeighborWorks President & CEO Jesse Ergott, “After a successful first year in Carbondale, we look forward to building on the positive impact of Beautiful Blocks to the City of Carbondale. We appreciate the support of our community partners in supporting this program, and encourage Carbondale residents to join with their neighbors in improving their neighborhood through Beautiful Blocks.” “Mayor Justin Taylor is very excited about getting into our neighborhoods with Beautiful Blocks to create meaningful relationships with our residents, the City of Carbondale, and NeighborWorks NEPA,” Michele Bannon, Carbondale City Clerk and member of the NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors, said of the program’s expansion into Carbondale. “We see that building strong relationships between neighbors allows for a thriving, unified, and safe community dedicated to making Carbondale a great place to live, work, and raise a family.” In the first year of the Beautiful Blocks program operating in Carbondale, three groups of neighbors participated, with more than $15,000 in grant funding awarded. This grant funding helped to leverage more than $30,000 in funds invested from participating homeowners.Carbondale residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/beautiful-blocks.html. More information about NeighborWorks can be found at www.nwnepa.org.
