NEPA Youth Shelter Appoints New Executive Director The NEPA Youth Shelter board of directors proudly announces the appointment of John W. Rosengrant, MPA, LCSW, CPRP, as its new executive director. This leadership transition will follow the dedicated tenure of Founder Maureen Maher-Gray, whose work has made the organization a pillar in the community. As previously announced, Maureen will retire as of June 30, 2025. With nearly 25 years of experience in the human services field, John, a licensed clinical social worker, brings a wealth of expertise, particularly in supporting transitional age youth (ages 16–21), homelessness and mental health services. For the last few years, he has served as the executive director of a small nonprofit in Scranton called Katie’s Place Clubhouse where he provided social and vocational opportunities to those living with mental illness. John’s connection to NEPA Youth Shelter’s mission runs deep – having served on the board since 2019, including roles as secretary and president, he was instrumental in the formation of the organization’s housing and mental wellness programs. John earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from Wilkes University and a master of social work and master of public administration from Marywood University. “I’m honored to continue the incredible legacy Maureen has built,” said John. “I’m eager to lead NEPA Youth Shelter into the next chapter — one focused on ensuring sustainability and deepening our impact for as many young people as possible.” In addition to maintaining the foundation already in place, John envisions growth in programs and outreach with the goal of making the organization the go-to resource for transitional age youth in the region. His leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of the community’s needs and a commitment to ensuring that every young person receives the support they deserve. “I am excited that John shares my vision for the organization,” says Maureen. ‘He will carry the heart of what we do, valuing every person who comes through our door, into his tenure.” Board President Andrew Cutillo, Esq., says, “Those of us who have served on the board with John have long been impressed by his vision, his expertise, his thoughtful leadership and his humble commitment to service. We’re excited for our amazing community of teens, volunteers, partners and supporters to get to know that same John in his new role as executive director of the NEPA Youth Shelter.”
The Scranton Area Community Foundation, NEPA Gives Raised Over $1.3 Million for Local Nonprofits More than 8,000 donors rally in support of 257 organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that NEPA Gives 2025 raised over $1.3 million in just 24 hours to support 257 nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The sixth annual event—held from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 through 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6—saw more than 8,000 donors come together to uplift the critical work of nonprofits making a difference throughout the region. NEPA Gives is the largest day of giving in Northeastern Pennsylvania, coordinated by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and dozens of generous community sponsors. “NEPA Gives is a celebration of community—and a powerful reminder of the generosity that defines our region,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are grateful to every donor, sponsor, and nonprofit that helped make this the most successful NEPA Gives to date.” Thanks to over $250,000 in bonus funds, matching gifts, and incentive prizes, donations went even further to help participating nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. Support came from every corner of the region, both online and in person. A festive NEPA Gives Launch Party was held on June 5 at the Foundation’s new headquarters in the Century Club of Scranton, and the celebration continued at the popular NEPA Gives Block Party on June 6, drawing hundreds of attendees to downtown Scranton for live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Nonprofits of all sizes and missions participated, including returning participants such as Saint Joseph’s Center, Women’s Resource Center, NEPA Youth Shelter, and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association. The event’s success was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Coterra, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Honesdale National Bank, Wegmans, and many others. Media partners such as WBRE/WYOU TV, FOX56, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Lamar Advertising, and Times-Shamrock Communications provided critical promotional support to raise awareness across the region.
American Water Charitable Foundation Announces State Strategic Impact Grants The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water, announced today that the Foundation awarded State Strategic Impact Grants to 15 organizations across the Commonwealth, totaling $215,000 in funding. “The Chester County Food Bank is incredibly grateful for Pennsylvania American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said CCFB CEO Andrea Youndt. “Through their generosity, more children in Chester County have access to the healthy food they need to thrive, especially over weekends and school breaks. Pennsylvania American Water is committed to our community, and we look forward our continued partnership with them.” The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint. “Collaboration is key to truly making a positive change in the communities we call home,” said Thom Chiomento, Pennsylvania American Water vice president of business development, government and external affairs. “We’re proud to partner with nonprofits across Pennsylvania that are dedicated to continuing such important work. It’s an honor to assist them in those efforts with this financial support from the American Water Charitable Foundation.” Below is a list of the grantees from across Pennsylvania, along with details on their respective projects and award amounts: Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, Cumberland County – Preserve and protect lands and natural resources in south central Pennsylvania region ($10,000) Chester County Food Bank, Chester County – Provide nutritious food for weekend meals and snacks for students throughout Chester County ($20,000) Commission on Economic Opportunity, Luzerne County – Support efforts of the Weinberg Regional Food Bank that coordinates a charitable food system in northeast Pennsylvania ($20,000) Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Berks County – Enhance fire protection and emergency services ($10,000) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County – Support 43rd annual KDKA Turkey Fund that provides a holiday meal for those in the region facing food insecurity ($20,000) Indiana County Community Action Program, Indiana County – Assist in fighting hunger throughout Indiana County ($10,000) Local Government Academy, Allegheny County – Facilitate a non-partisan education program on the roles of municipal staff and elected officials ($20,000) Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, Dauphin County – Address food insecurity for communities throughout Pennsylvania, providing approximately 45,000 meals to those in need (Click here to view video about donation) ($10,000) NEPA Youth Shelter, Lackawanna County – Support the conversion of an existing warehouse into a teen safe space ($20,000) North Strabane Township Fire Department, Washington County – Underwrite the purchase a portable digital flow meter and 10 back pressure increasers for training and increased service accuracy ($10,000) Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, Allegheny County – Establish a cohort of citizens and residents to advise the Saw Mill Run Task Force ($20,000) York County Food Bank, York County – Support the goal of fighting food insecurity throughout York County ($10,000) York County Veterans Outreach, York County – Provide housing and utility assistance to local veterans facing financial challenges ($25,000) Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Pennsylvania American Water to help support organizations that provide critical resources and programs throughout Pennsylvania. The State Strategic Impact Grant program underscores our commitment to strengthen communities served by American Water.” Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here, and review Pennsylvania American Water’s 2023 Community Impact Report summarizing the company’s outreach efforts.
Johnson College Donates Food and Supplies to NEPA Youth Shelter The Johnson College Diversity & Inclusion Committee sponsored a food and supply drive for the NEPA Youth Shelter in honor of National Coming Out Day. A local organization that provides emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth, the NEPA Youth Shelter is especially affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, as this population constitutes a high percentage of unhoused youth in our area. Food, drinks, and cleaning supplies were collected on the Johnson College campus from September 27 to October 8. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
