Scranton Area Community Foundation and Lackawanna Leadership Announce Grant Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants through the 2024–2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) grant cycle. These awards support initiatives in Lackawanna County that assist individuals affected by domestic violence, promote environmental preservation and education, and address food insecurity. Funded by a $15,000 allocation from the Scranton Area Community Foundation, these grants were determined by the high school juniors of the TLT Class of 2024–2025, who selected the priority areas and reviewed applications as part of their philanthropy curriculum. The 2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Recipients are: Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center – “Environmental Stewardship Institute of Lackawanna County” – $2,500.00 WRC – “Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence” – $2,575.00 Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) – “CHOP Out Hunger – Supporting Our Programs” – $5,000.00 Saint Joseph’s Center – “Saint Joseph’s Center Maternity Residential Services” – $2,575.00 Imagine Performing Arts Center – “Countryside Conservancy & Imagine Collaboration – Exploring the Environment through the Arts” – $2,350.00 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a youth leadership program of Leadership Lackawanna that allows high school juniors to meet with community leaders and decision-makers. In addition to leadership development, the students must complete a philanthropy curriculum conducted by the Scranton Area Communication Foundation. TLT seeks to help participants realize what they can do to make a difference in their community as young philanthropists and to develop their leadership skills further. SACF accepted funding applications through its online grant portal from December 4, 2024, to January 17, 2025. Eligible organizations were invited to request up to $5,000 in support. Back Row (l-r): Frank Caputo, Grants & Scholarships Manager; Rebecca Farrell, Grants & Scholarships Associate; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships; Jennifer Strzelec, Program Coordinator, Leadership Lackawanna; Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna. Front Row (l-r): Rachel Santoro, Director of Development & Communications, CHOP Out Hunger; Samantha Christ, Chief Operating Officer, Founder, Imagine Performing Arts Center; Mac McCrory, Director of At Ease Veteran Program, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Frank L. Burke Foundation Distributes $47,000 to Charities On Saturday, December 21, 2024, representatives from the Frank L. Burke Foundation visited The Farmhouse Sanctuary in Sterling Township for a check presentation to two organizations on behalf of the Frank L. Burke IV Memorial Fund. Each year, the fund hosts the “Bogeys for Burkey” Golf Tournament, and the proceeds from 2024’s event were distributed as follows: The Farmhouse Sanctuary: $7,000 Make-A-Wish: $40,000 The Frank L. Burke Foundation is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Established by Frank’s family in May 2022, the Frank L. Burke Foundation supports the causes, activities, and organizations that honor his memory. To date, the Frank L. Burke Foundation has distributed over $135,000 in charitable support to the community. Front Row (l-r): Felix Cummings, Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Maura Cummings, Mary Alice Burke, and Latte the Goat. Back Row (l-r): Nick Kwiatkowski, Tom Cummings, Jay Yanul, Ali Lahey, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey. Front Row (l-r): Maggie O’Brien (Make-a-Wish), Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Mary Alice Burke. Back Row (l-r): Jacob Torba (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Jay Yanul, Nick Kwiatkowski, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey.
Johnson College to Host Free Community Resource Fairs Johnson College will host two free Community Resource Fairs on its Scranton campus this summer. These events are open to the public and are designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services. The fairs will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness. The fairs will be held on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Both events will take place inside the Moffat Student Center Gym at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave., Scranton. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for students to learn about services available to them both on and off campus,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.” Participating organizations include: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA American Water Community Services for Children County of Lackawanna Transit System Educational Opportunity Centers of PA Goodwill Industries of NEPA Greater Scranton YMCA Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. Outreach Center for Community Resources PA Careerlink Lackawanna County Parent Pathways of NEPA RISE NEPA Scranton Area Community Foundation The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement And many more For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Outreach – Center for Community Resources Receives Grant Outreach – Center for Community Resources recently received a $10,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for the Ways to Work car loan program. Established in 2024, the Ways to Work program helps low-income individuals obtain a reliable, safe vehicle to maintain and advance their employment opportunities. Eligible participants must meet a series of requirements verified by Outreach staff. Participants can receive up to a $15,000 loan over five years. Outreach employs a Ways to Work program manager who maintains constant contact with the participant throughout the loan, providing support and connections to resources when necessary. Since starting the program, Outreach has provided vehicles to eight individuals. The program has helped individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability, which is the Outreach mission. Outreach is thankful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its support. Photo (left to right): Kenneth Okrepkie, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Member; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Jennifer Shoemaker, Outreach Workforce Development Manager, and Heather MacLennan, Ways to Work Case Manager, Outreach – Center for Community Resources.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Ribbon-Cutting at New Home The Scranton Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate its new permanent home at the historic Century Club of Scranton. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and its continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor and acknowledge the generous donors, community partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in making this move possible. Their contributions have ensured the preservation and renovation of the iconic Century Club building, which now stands as a pillar of community philanthropy and collaboration. This new location will enable the Foundation to enhance its philanthropic services, increase its on-site services for nonprofits, host community events, and convene stakeholders to address critical regional issues. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m., with remarks and ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club of Scranton, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA. Activities: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Open House Tours, Legacy Wall Unveiling, Refreshments, and Acknowledgements “This new space represents more than just a building. It is a historic landmark that will forever serve as the heart of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is part of our commitment to serving the community, fostering collaboration, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It also reinforces our role as a charitable resource for philanthropically minded individuals, families, and businesses who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration of community and the power of collaboration. Reflecting on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70-year history, we see this milestone as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities for philanthropy in Northeastern PA. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who made this vision a reality. As we enter our 71st year, we invite continued support to fully realize this legacy,” stated Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, Board Governor and Platinum Pledge Campaign Chair. Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Board of Governors added, “We are grateful for the generous gift of the Century Club. Thanks to a $2 million investment in renovations through our Platinum Pledge campaign, we have preserved its rich history while ensuring it meets the needs of our community for generations to come. This project reflects our commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.” Donations to the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Century Club campaign can be made online at 70.safdn.org. Naming opportunities are available, offering a unique way to leave a legacy and honor loved ones. Photo: The Century Club of Scranton building located at 615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, is now the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s permanent home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, and supporters to attend this special event. It is an opportunity to tour the newly renovated space, learn about the Foundation’s mission, and celebrate the individuals and organizations that made this transformative move possible. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House is a free event open to the community. RSVP online by visiting www.safdn.org. Photo: A glimpse inside the newly renovated historic Century Club of Scranton building at 615 Jefferson Avenue, now the permanent home of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 18, 2025. Photo credit: Fancy Parsley
Educator in the Workplace Program Equips Teachers with Real-World Insight to Strengthen Student Career Readiness The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, recently concluded its 2024–25 Educator in the Workplace program, providing participating educators with valuable, hands-on experiences at local businesses to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. This year’s Educator in the Workplace program was made possible through a grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Robert H. Spitz Foundation, along with generous sponsorships from Pennsylvania American Water and Cardinal LG. The program placed educators into dynamic workplace environments across key industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and business services. Through immersive site visits, panel discussions, and professional development sessions, educators explored high-priority occupations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, gained a deeper understanding of evolving workforce needs, and learned about the career readiness skills that today’s employers value. Educators gained insights into topics such as: Business and economic development resources available to students and educators Regional high-priority occupations and workforce trends in Northeastern Pennsylvania Career pathway development and how to align classroom instruction with workforce needs “Educator in the Workplace is about building meaningful connections between our schools and local industries. By immersing educators in real-world work environments, we help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. The insights gained through this program empower educators to better prepare their students for the opportunities that exist right here in northeastern Pennsylvania, said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Participants left the program energized and equipped with strategies to help students better understand career opportunities available across northeastern Pennsylvania—and the skills they’ll need to pursue them. “Participating in the Educator in the Workplace program opened doors I never imagined for my students,” shared Sherri Ransom, transition coordinator at Mountain View High School. “Because of the partnerships we built, three of our students were hired by Simplex Industries for internships, and three more were accepted into a career-building program with Geisinger. This experience has been transformative—not just for me as an educator, but for the future of our students.” The 2024–25 Educator in the Workplace cohort included the following participants: Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lisa Bath, Abington Heights School District Gena Bensinger, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 William Buza, Mid Valley School District Amy Capman, Mid Valley School District Jessica Capwell, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Brian Carey, Scranton School District Tara Carey, Scranton School District Mary Kate Culkin, Scranton School District Arianne DelSordo, Old Forge School District Terri Erdmann, Forest City Regional School District William Freeman, Lakeland School District Andrea Gross, Scranton School District Jennifer Herman, Scranton School District Maria Hurst, Scranton School District Jessica Judge, Scranton School District Jane Kabuiku, SCI Waymart Christine Kallinger-Allen, Abington Heights School District Stephanie Klinkel, Scranton School District Samantha Krenitsky, Scranton School District Christopher Lazor, Riverside School District Buford Lively, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Emily Lutz, Scranton School District Laurie Marino, Valley View School District Marie Merkel, Scranton School District John Moran, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Sandy Morahan, Forest City Regional School District Landon Morey, Montrose Area School District Janelle Cortino, Scranton School District Jessica Norris, Scranton School District Kathleen Nycz, Old Forge School District Carm Perri, Carbondale Area School District Cynthia Petrucci, Scranton School District Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District Sheri Ransom, Mountain View School District Bernadette Schumacher, Mid Valley School District Shauna Williams, Blue Ridge School District Tim Wolff, Scranton School District Maureen Walsh, Scranton School District Marc Wyandt, Lakeland School District This initiative continues to strengthen the collaboration between education and industry, ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also career-ready.
Jewish Family Service of NEPA Receives Grant Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania (JFS) is honored to be a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation as part of its 2024 grant cycle. This generous funding, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will provide vital support to JFS, allowing the organization to continue delivering essential programs and services to the community. For over 100 years, JFS has been committed to supporting individuals and families in need, regardless of race, religion, or background. The grant will directly enhance the agency’s ability to provide mental health counseling, older adult services, food assistance, and emergency support for vulnerable populations throughout our community. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that make a meaningful impact, has been a longstanding advocate for community-driven initiatives. By providing resources to organizations like JFS, the foundation plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and positive change in the region. Pictured in photo from left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships for the Scranton Area Community Foundation; Sheila Nudelman Abdo, ACSW, LCSW, JFS Executive Director; Arthur E. Levandoski, JFS Coordinator of Marketing and Development; Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO for the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grant to Scranton Counseling Center Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $10,000 Fall 2024 Community Needs Grant to Scranton Counseling Center to help with their Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit Scranton Counseling Center has been awarded a $10,000 Community Needs grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in support of the Center’s Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSU). The CRSU is a 24-hour walk-in facility for people experiencing crises but who don’t need the level of support an inpatient psychiatric hospital provides. Trained crisis counselors connect them with services & resources to help them succeed in the community. The facility has 8 beds & offers a less restrictive option for managing individuals who are going through a crisis and provides assessment of crisis needs and supervision 24-hours a day up to 3 days. Scranton Counseling Center is extremely grateful for the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s continued belief in our programs. Pictured L to R: Cathy Fitzpatrick, SACF Director of Grants and Scholarships; Melanie Galli, SCC CRSU Coordinator; Doug Hein, SCC Directors of Development; and Laura Ducceschi, SACF President and CEO.
Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit Goes Virtual Originally scheduled as an in-person event, the NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit has transitioned to an interactive virtual format via Zoom, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the same valuable content. Hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its NEPA Thrives initiative, the Summit will bring employers, human resources professionals, executives, and managers together to tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Join the Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration in The Care Economy on Thursday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The first hour, led by The Institute, will explore workforce dynamics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including in-demand occupations, labor market trends and COVID-19 impacts. A panel featuring experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Geisinger, The Institute and JobsFirstNYC will follow, discussing sector-focused strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the Care Economy. Participants will learn about local healthcare demand, industry partnerships, and strengthening talent pipelines. Register here. If you miss the first session, join the NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC. Register here. Additional Sessions: March 13 – Strengthening Organizations Presentations March 19 – Childcare Panel March 21 – Employment Resources Panel March 24 – Transportation Panel April 3 – Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships April 9 – K-12 Panel April 14 – The Welcoming Center This virtual series will include expert-led discussions and solution-driven collaborations, leading up to an in-person wrap-up collaborative on May 1, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic change and collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This Summit offers actionable strategies to strengthen organizations and drive economic growth in response to ongoing workforce challenges. For full session details and to register, visit SAFDN.org. For inquiries, contact Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager, at koren@safdn.org.
