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Greater Scranton YMCA Halloween Costume Drive Underway

The Y is collecting new and gently used Halloween costumes for local families

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2025 Halloween Costume Drive is underway, providing families in the community with the opportunity to donate and receive costumes for the upcoming holiday.

The Y is accepting new and gently used costumes of all sizes and for all ages. Donated costumes can be dropped-off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, through Monday, October 6th. Costume pick-up days will be held from October 7–9, giving families in need the chance to find fun, festive costumes free of charge.

“Here at the Y, we believe all children deserve the chance to experience a magical Halloween season,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Through donating new or gently used costumes, community members can help make this Halloween special and memorable for local families and children in need.”

The Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging the community to participate by donating costumes in good condition. Every contribution ensures that more children will have the opportunity to experience Halloween with confidence and excitement.

For more information about the Halloween Costume Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.

Dimeco, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend

The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend on September 18, 2025, of $0.42 per share to shareholders of record September 29, 2025. The dividend is payable on October 23, 2025, the anticipated date to release earnings for the third quarter of 2025. This dividend is an increase of $0.02 per share over the dividend declared in September 2024 and produces a yield of 4.36% at the market value of $38.54 on September 18, 2025.

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “We continue to prioritize delivering exceptional banking services to our customers and the communities we serve. This dividend reflects our sincere appreciation to Dimeco shareholders for their steadfast commitment to our purpose and their continued trust.”

Tobyhanna Delivers Critical Communication Support for Army Aviators

When warfighters take to the skies in helicopters, their ability to share information instantly can mean the difference between mission success and failure. At the heart of that capability is the Improved Data Modem (IDM)-401 and Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is now ensuring this critical system remains ready for the fight.

The IDM-401 connects mission computers, radios, and the tactical internet, allowing helicopters to send voice and data at the same time. It also passes along targeting information and situational awareness to commanders and other aircraft, helping warfighters in the air and on the ground stay connected, informed, and safe. Today, more than 3,200 IDM-401s are in service across every modern Army helicopter.

Tobyhanna’s involvement with the IDM-401 began with test-and-inspect work, but the mission quickly expanded. In less than a year, the depot has built up the ability to perform full overhauls on the device. Today, technicians can complete every step of the sustainment process including loading and verifying software, performing vibration and thermal testing, and conducting hardware qualification tests. Four advanced test stations and environmental stress screening chambers ensure each unit can handle tough conditions before being returned to the field.

This growth didn’t happen overnight. It has taken teamwork, innovation, and close partnership across the Army enterprise. Experts from Tobyhanna’s Mission Execution Directorate, Strategic Initiatives Directorate, and Software, Simulation, and Systems Engineering and Integration (S3I) worked side by side with the Project Management Office for Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (PM AMSA) to validate test equipment and processes. The result is a streamlined production line capable of handling the Army’s needs for years to come.

In August 2025, leaders from PM AMSA visited Tobyhanna to walk through the new repair process. They praised the depot’s setup and progress, even presenting coins to three technicians for their outstanding work.

Lt. Col. James D. Brooks of U.S. Army PEO Aviation praised Tobyhanna’s rapid integration of the workload

“Tobyhanna assumed the sustainment of the IDM-401 less than six months ago. In short order, Tobyhanna demonstrated their ability to fully support and sustain the IDM-401, ensuring a steady supply chain and maintaining capabilities in the hands of the warfighters,” said Lt. Col. Brooks.

When the IDM-401 program arrived at TYAD in March 2024, PM AMSA’s Brett Beatty lauded the depot’s support of the important program.

“Tobyhanna is providing outstanding support for the IDM-401. It is a pleasure to work with the professional team here,” said Beatty.

The IDM-401 serves as the crucial interface between aircraft mission computers, radios, and ground networks. As the predecessor to the Aviation Mission Computer Server, the IDM has laid the foundation for the Army’s next generation of aviation mission systems. With sustainment expected through at least 2040, the IDM-401 mission will remain an important part of Tobyhanna’s portfolio for years. More importantly, it represents the depot’s ongoing commitment to the warfighter. Through teamwork, innovation, and dedication, TYAD is keeping America’s warfighters connected today, tomorrow, and into the future.

Katlin Edmunds of TYAD’s Strategic Initiatives Directorate highlighted the depot’s role in supporting evolving Army Aviation needs, emphasizing the commitment to readiness depot artisans exhibit on a daily basis.

“TYAD is proud to enhance sustainment operations for Project Manager Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (PM AMSA) and PEO Aviation as Army Aviation platforms and systems continue to evolve,” said Edmunds. “We are committed to rapidly establishing the necessary capabilities for our soldiers to remain operationally ready.”

“Tobyhanna assumed the sustainment of the IDM-401 less than six months ago. In short order, Tobyhanna demonstrated their ability to fully support and sustain the IDM-401, ensuring a steady supply chain and maintaining capabilities in the hands of the warfighters,” said Lt. Col. Brooks of U.S. Army PEO Aviation.

The University of Scranton Shines in U.S. News Rankings

The University of Scranton is a top 10 college in its region with nationally ranked academic programs and distinction for innovation and support for veterans, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The publication’s 2026 Best Colleges report, published Tuesday, ranked The University of Scranton No. 8 in the Regional Universities (North) category. U.S. News has ranked Scranton in the top 10 in its category for an astounding 32 consecutive years.

Two of Scranton’s academic programs ranked among the top 40 in the nation. Scranton placed No. 38 in “Best Undergraduate Programs in Analytics” and No. 40 in “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting.” The University also tied for 135th in “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs,” tied for 162nd in “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” and tied for 254th in “Best Undergraduate Business Programs.” Scranton also tied for 410th in “Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs.” National rankings reflect the results of peer surveys used to identify programs of high academic quality.

The University achieved high marks in several regional categories, including No. 3 in “Best Colleges for Veterans,” a selection of schools recognized for making higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. Scranton ranks No. 9 in “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” which recognizes schools’ strong commitment to teaching undergraduates rather than conducting graduate-level research. Scranton tied for 13th in “Most Innovative Schools,” which identifies institutions making innovative improvements in curriculum, personnel, campus life, technology or facilities.

The University placed 55th on U.S. News’ “Best Value Regional Universities (North).” Scranton also tied for 106th in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which examines the success of schools that enroll and graduate students who were awarded Pell Grants.

U.S. News uses numerous data points to rank bachelor’s degree colleges in America, including graduation rate and graduation rate performance; retention rates; borrower debt; peer assessments; faculty salaries; student-faculty ratio; financial resources; standardized test performance; and Pell Grant student graduation rates and performance.

U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.

Earlier this year, U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings placed five University programs in the top 50 in the nation, and several programs ranked in the top 150 in the country, including business analytics, tied for 28th; finance, tied for 31st; accounting, tied for 39th; healthcare management, tied for 46th; rehabilitation counseling, tied for 49th; occupational therapy, tied for 79th; part-time MBA, tied for 80th; physical therapy tied for 105th; nursing-anesthesia, tied for 111th; doctor of nursing practice, tied for 127th.

Scranton has recently appeared in other national rankings, as well, including being designated as one of the nation’s best colleges by Forbes and the Princeton Review.

Click here to find U.S. News and World Report – 2026 Best Colleges

WVIA Wins Five Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, Including Overall Excellence

WVIA won five Emmy Awards – including the prestigious Overall Station Excellence – at the 43rd annual Mid-Atlantic Awards in Philadelphia Saturday night. The historic Station Excellence win – a first for WVIA in its more than 50 years of service – capped off a successful night of five total awards that highlight the station’s continued pursuit to honor the creative journey, its commitment to the craft, and employees’ passion to tell the stories of the region.

“Despite the many challenges we’ve faced this year, our staff has continued to deliver meaningful, impactful content that truly serves the people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “We are incredibly honored to receive five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, including the Overall Station Excellence. This recognition is a powerful testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our entire team. Being recognized for that commitment is an extraordinary moment of pride for all of us.”

The Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards celebrate excellence in television production across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. This year saw 749 entries in 80 Emmy categories – 305 of those received nominations.

The Overall Excellence category recognizes a television station for the high standard of its overall programming and community service across all its endeavors. WVIA was nominated among three outstanding stations from larger metropolitan markets, including KDKA in Pittsburgh, WGAL in Lancaster, and CBS Philadelphia.

This station-wide recognition underscores WVIA’s mission to create programming that not only informs and inspires but also reflects the rich heritage and stories of the region.

“To be recognized for Overall Excellence is both humbling and inspiring,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA’s Chief Content Officer. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and a reflection of the responsibility we carry in telling the stories of this region. Stories don’t just entertain us; they connect us. They build bridges between different perspectives and remind us of our shared humanity.”

2025 Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award Wins for WVIA:

Overall Excellence
- WVIA – Carla McCabe, President & CEO, WVIA
Health/Medical News
- Keystone Edition Health: She Beat Cancer – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor
Historical/Cultural- Short Film
- VIA Short Takes: The Secret Beneath Hazleton – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor
Human Interest – Long Form Content
- 2024 Little League Challenger Exhibition – Ben Payavis, Producer; Ken Sawyer, Play-By-Play Announcer; Tom Speicher, Color Commentator
News/Program Promotion/PSA – Single Spot
- NEPA @ Work Trailer – Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor

In total, WVIA received nine nominations for its outstanding work across a variety of genres. Additional nominated projects include:

Sports – One Time Special
- The Forgotten Dynasty: Scranton Eagles – Ben Payavis, Producer/Director; John Mikulak, Director of Photography; Ron Andruscavage, Audio/Drone/Camera
Entertainment-Long Form Content
- The Story of Palma: A Musical Fable – Ben Payavis, Director/Editor; Larry Vojtko, Associate Producer/Score Reader; Erika Funke, Associate Producer; George Graham, Audio Producer/Mix; Lisa Mazzarella, Narrator/Associate Producer; Ron Andruscavage, Production Manager
Magazine Program
- NEPA @ Work -Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor
- VIA Short Takes #503 – Ben Payavis, Executive Producer; Alexander Monelli, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; Tim Novotney, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; John Alaimo, Producer/Director/Editor

Among the evening’s honorees was WVIA’s Chief Technology Officer Joe Glynn, who was officially inducted into the 2025 Silver Circle Society, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry over more than 25 years.

Click here to find the full list of Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award recipients

Johnson College Receives Scholarship Award from Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. This marks the 15th year the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates may work in automotive, truck, farm and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair and machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales roles; and auto insurance companies.

During Johnson College’s Truck and Cruiser Palooza event in mid-September, the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support its annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students.

Pictured from left: Dave Thomas, Villa Capri secretary; Kathy Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Luke Casterline, Villa Capri treasurer; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri vice president; John Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Doug Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member; Dr. Kellyn Williams, associate vice president of special programs, Johnson College; and Joe Carra, Villa Capri president.

The Wright Center: Depression Screenings Proactive Form of Health Care

Preventative screenings represent health care at its most proactive. They are convenient, and they can quickly address and improve an issue well before it escalates.

Depression and other mental health disorders fall into this category. October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, and Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 5–11), which Congress established in 1990 through the advocacy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week carried the theme “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together.” According to NAMI, the focus was on “the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide.” The theme served as an inspiring reminder of how collective efforts can make a real difference.

Greater emphasis on depression screenings is urgently needed, as the disease does not discriminate and affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. With the everyday stresses of modern life, it is unsurprising that rates of anxiety and depression continue to increase each year.

According to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce, about 59 million U.S. adults – 23% of the population – experienced a mental illness in 2023, with nearly half of them not receiving treatment. Access to behavioral health services remains limited due to provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other barriers. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is currently 48 days, according to HRSA.

Screenings are recommended for anyone experiencing several of these common symptoms of depression:

Persistent sadness or anxiousness
Too little or too much sleep
Reduced or increased appetite and weight loss or gain
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

The Wright Center for Community Health provides a wide range of behavioral health services, including therapy, psychological assessments, and psychiatric care, for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, bullying, relationship stressors, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma, and grief.

Earlier this year, The Wright Center began participating in a multi-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve access to whole-person primary health services for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Wright Center is one of several primary care sites in Pennsylvania engaged in the five-year project to promote collaborative care, an evidence-based model that strengthens coordination of behavioral health services in primary care settings.

The organization is also addressing the regional shortage of mental health specialists through the hiring of new staff psychiatrists. These professionals are providing office-based remote and in-person psychiatry appointments for patients of all ages, while also collaborating with colleagues across The Wright Center to integrate behavioral health and primary care services to improve overall outcomes.

Staff members continue to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, working to reduce barriers to behavioral health care. The Wright Center remains committed to ensuring that people receive the support they need to lead happy, productive lives.

The Wright Center for Community Health Earns National Recognition

The Wright Center for Community Health has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) for its commitment to improving patients’ blood pressure control rates, earning Gold Plus-level recognition as part of Target: BP.

Target: BP is a national initiative created by the AHA and AMA in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The highest award, Gold Plus, recognizes health care enterprises that have demonstrated evidence-based practices for blood pressure measurement and treatment, and in which high blood pressure is controlled in 70% or more of the affected adult patients.

The Wright Center also received two other Gold Awards from the AHA: one for improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors through the Target: Type 2 Diabetes program; and the other for improving the quality of care through awareness, detection, and management of high cholesterol with evidence-based strategies and tools through the program, Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol.

Target: Type 2 Diabetes addresses heart disease and stroke risk factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes and puts the unparalleled expertise of the AHA to work for health care organizations nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol supports physicians and care teams by offering access to the latest research, tools, and resources to reach and sustain cholesterol control rates among the adult patient population they serve.

“Receiving these three Gold Awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association underscores our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of patients living with these chronic conditions,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Through timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed, empowering patients to achieve healthier, longer lives.”

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. – about 122.4 million – are living with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, according to the AHA. About 29.3 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another estimated 9.7 million are living with undiagnosed diabetes, the AHA said. Approximately 104 million adults in the United States (about 40%) have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All three chronic illnesses increase a person’s risk for serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the U.S., respectively. Stroke is a leading cause of disability, according to a 2025 report from the AHA.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people living with Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Howard Haft, a member of the American Heart Association’s National Quality Oversight Committee. “Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve patient outcomes. We are pleased to recognize The Wright Center for its commitment to quality care.”

In fiscal year 2024-25, The Wright Center served about 38,300 unique patients at its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, it serves vulnerable and medically underserved populations, regardless of age, ethnic background, ZIP code, insurance status, or ability to pay. It accepts all insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program based on federal poverty guidelines that considers family size and income. No patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019.

Geisinger, Softball Prospect Excels After Knee Surgeries

A blur of motion. The arm whipping in a full circle, hips snapping forward, legs punching off the mound and a firm wrist snap at the release. The result is a ball hurling at more than 60 miles per hour toward the plate less than 40 feet away.

Throwing a fast-pitch softball takes a sequence of mechanics, fast, explosive movements — and a lot of practice, according to Taylor Cawley of Archbald, Pa. Cawley has been pitching since she was seven years old. She had an illustrious career playing for Valley View High School, which culminated with her on the mound for the state championship game in June at Penn State University.

“It was crazy. We had so many fans at the state championship game and they cheered for every pitch,” she said. “It felt really good to play in that game.”

She didn’t just play, she shined. Cawley recorded 13 strikeouts and was named the state championship player of the game. The effort combined with her amazing senior season helped her secure a scholarship to continue her softball career at Binghamton University in New York. What makes these achievements even more amazing is Cawley’s hard work and determination to reach this point in her career, overcoming two significant knee injuries that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation during her high school career.

My freshman year, in one of my first games, I threw a pitch and felt something pop in my left leg,” Cawley said.

One of the team’s athletic trainers, employed by Geisinger, helped Taylor on the field and referred her to a Geisinger orthopaedic urgent care facility for an evaluation. An MRI during an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon the next day determined the worst: She had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and had medial and lateral meniscus tears.

“Given Taylor’s young age and high-level sports participation, I recommended ACL reconstruction as well as meniscal repair. I believed this would give her the best chance of returning to softball,” said Mark Pallis, D.O., a Geisinger orthopaedic surgeon. “After a thorough discussion with her and her father, she elected to proceed with surgery.”

Cawley was put in a knee brace, provided crutches and started physical therapy to regain range of motion and decrease swelling prior to her surgery in May 2022. Dr. Pallis reconstructed Cawley’s ACL using a quadriceps tendon autograft, which involves taking a thin strip of the middle of the quadriceps tendon just above the knee. The tendon was then used to reconstruct the knee ligament. Dr. Pallis also repaired her meniscus tears during the surgery.

“Taylor worked very hard, and she was cleared to return to softball without limitation in January 2023, eight months after surgery,” Dr. Pallis said.

Cawley returned for her sophomore season and had success. However, in January 2024, during her junior year, she began to have some pain and issues with her knee.

“Taylor came to see me with complaints of increasing lateral knee pain and clicking over the previous few days while pitching,” said Dr. Pallis. “An MRI confirmed that she had a new lateral meniscal tear. After a discussion, she decided to proceed with knee surgery, in an effort to maximize her potential for recovery and minimize time away from the sport.”

She was on crutches for 6 weeks and her recovery lasted six months, but she was able to return to the field for her senior season. And what an amazing senior season it was. She garnered numerous accolades on her way to the state championship game, including Scranton Times Athlete of the Week and Softball Performer of the Year, National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All Region Second Team Pitcher, PA Softball Coaches Association First Team All-State Pitcher and Lackawanna League D1 Player of the Year.

“I am so thankful for everyone at Geisinger that helped me through these injuries. Dr. Pallis was amazing. He explained everything to me and my parents,” she said. “My Geisinger physical therapist Lynn Winter helped me through a lot as well. PT is not fun, but she made it the best it could be. She challenged me to get me where I am.”

Dr. Pallis couldn’t be prouder of the work Cawley did to overcome her injuries.

“It is extremely gratifying for me to see athletes overcome injuries and excel. This is exactly why I became an orthopaedic surgeon,” he said. “I am so proud of Taylor and what she has accomplished. She remained resilient through it all and fought hard to get back after her injuries. She deserves every bit of the recognition she has received, and I look forward to seeing what she does at Binghamton.”

NEPA Learning Conference 2025 Empowers Nonprofits

Through the Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the success of the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference, a signature program of its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence. The biennial gathering welcomed nearly 200 nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers to Fiorelli’s in Peckville from September 17th to 19th for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and professional development.

Carrying the theme Community • Connections • Purpose, the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference offered transformative keynote presentations and interactive sessions designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Keynote speakers challenged, inspired, and equipped attendees to strengthen their leadership and organizational impact. Katie P. Desiderio and Michael G. Frino, New York Times bestselling authors of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, energized the audience with insights from their books, highlighting how intentional collaboration can unleash team brilliance and drive transformative growth. Dr. Tiffany Manuel, founder and CEO of TheCaseMade, followed with Breaking New Ground, a compelling call to collaborative change built on urgency and shared aspirations. Closing the event, Michael Swenson, a FranklinCovey consultant, engaged participants in hands-on exercises to practice the 13 Behaviors of High Trust to strengthen credibility, build transparency, and lead with integrity.

Conference sessions also explored trust-building, communication, collaborative leadership, and cultivating a healthy organizational culture. Attendees were challenged to lead with integrity, act with urgency, and apply actionable and practical strategies to strengthen teams and expand their community impact.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards, which recognized outstanding leadership, innovation, collaboration, and impact:

Nonprofit of the Year – The Cooperage Project

The Cooperage Project was honored for its leadership, management, and innovation excellence. From its PopUp Club after-school STEAM program for at-risk middle schoolers to the creative “NEAR cash” initiative that helps families facing food insecurity access local farmers markets, The Cooperage Project continues to expand programming while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Collaborative Project of the Year – Student-Led Food Hub

The Student-Led Food Hub, a partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, Wilkes- Barre Area Career & Technical Center, Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board, and local family farmers, was recognized for reimagining food access in NEPA. This curriculum-based, student-run hub connects fresh, locally grown produce to nonprofits while providing workforce training to high school students. Since its launch, it has generated more than $900,000 in economic activity, strengthened small farms, and increased access to fresh food for families.

Rising Star Award – Amanda Gordineer

Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, was recognized as an emerging leader transforming food systems. She pioneered the “Take What You Need; Pay What You Can” model and led the development of innovative distribution strategies that deliver produce within 48 hours of harvest, strengthening farms, reducing waste, and ensuring community access to fresh food.

NEPA Gives Superstar Award – Outreach Center for Community Resources

The Outreach Center for Community Resources was celebrated as the 2025 NEPA Gives Superstar for its outstanding fundraising success and community engagement during this year’s 24-hour giving day, demonstrating the power of collective philanthropy in action.

“The NEPA Learning Conference is part of our commitment to equip nonprofit leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through our Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, we are proud to invest in the strength of the organizations that serve our region—because when our nonprofits are strong, our communities are strong.”

First launched in 2017, the NEPA Learning Conference has grown into one of the premier nonprofit events in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Alongside keynote sessions and workshops, the conference continues to catalyze collaboration, recognition, and collective impact.

“We are energized by seeing leaders come together to share ideas and leave with practical strategies they can immediately put into practice,” Ducceschi added. The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life.

The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life.

Click here to find more information about the NEPA Learning Conference