Coffee Inclusive to open new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center in Scranton United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) has announced that Coffee Inclusive will open a new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center, located at 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, in early September. Coffee Inclusive, a program of PA Inclusive, employs individuals with diverse abilities and autism who work side by side with experienced baristas and servers in a supportive, inclusive environment. The new CEDAR Center location will offer a full line of high-quality hot and cold coffees, lattes and espresso drinks, along with baked goods including pastries, muffins, scones, sandwiches and more. “We are thrilled to welcome Coffee Inclusive to the CEDAR Center and to support the expansion of their important work,” said Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of UNC. “This partnership reflects the kind of community-centered collaboration that strengthens our neighborhood, creates opportunities, and brings people together.” PA Inclusive is a Pittston-based nonprofit organization that provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through Coffee Inclusive, the organization creates meaningful employment opportunities while offering the community a warm and welcoming coffee shop experience. UNC’s CEDAR Center is a newly rehabilitated former bank building located at 526 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. It serves as a community anchor for programs and neighborhood activity, including adult education, English language learning, career readiness, multicultural wellness programming and the year-round South Side Farmers Market on Saturdays. The addition of Coffee Inclusive will further activate the building as a welcoming place where neighbors, program participants and visitors can connect. “Expanding Coffee Inclusive to the UNC CEDAR Center in Scranton is an exciting step forward in creating more meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities while bringing our message of inclusion, ability, and community to more people throughout Lackawanna County. Every cup served will help demonstrate that people of all abilities can contribute, succeed, and thrive in the workplace,” said Frank Bartoli, President and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive.
UNC Receives Generous Donation Presented by Fastenal Company United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is one of the recipients of the annual BK5K 5-kilometer road race and walk presented by Fastenal Company. A check for $3,000 was recently presented to UNC and will directly support renovations at our Progressive Child Care Center to purchase new classroom equipment. The 2024 BK5K was held on July 19, 2025, at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. The BK5K was created to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth initiatives. The event, which includes multiple races around the world, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to benefit local youth programs. UNC operates three licensed child care centers in Lackawanna County, offering affordable, high-quality early education and after-school programs that foster growth, learning, and social development. Chrissy Manuel, UNC Director of Development and Communications; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children & Teens; Donna Veater, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Director; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Operating Officer; Whitney McDonald, Fastenal SHUB Help Desk Manager; Marcelo Desousa, Fastenal Regional Operations Manager; and Geyshelle Brown, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Assistant Group Supervisor.
UNC Launches Free Strengthening Families Program United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), in partnership with the Carbondale Area School District and PROSPER Partnerships, will offer the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) for Parents and Youth ages 10–14 this fall. The seven-week series helps families build stronger relationships and supports children as they transition into the teen years. The program runs Thursdays, October 2 through November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Carbondale Area Elementary School. Each session begins with a free family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and includes on-site childcare for younger siblings. Families who participate are eligible for weekly prizes such as board games, gift cards, and movie passes. Parents and caregivers learn practical strategies for setting loving limits, creating household routines, encouraging positive behavior, managing stress, and preventing substance misuse. Youth in fifth and sixth grade build skills to prepare for the teen years, communicate effectively with parents, handle stress and peer pressure, and make healthy choices. Registration: Space is limited. To register, contact Nathan Masco, UNC PROSPER Coordinator, at nmasco@uncnepa.org or 570-961-1592 ext. 103.
Extended Hours at UNC’s Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to announce extended hours at our Angel’s Attic Food & Clothing Pantry, now open every Tuesday until 7 PM. The new evening hours, which began on April 22, 2025, are designed to better support working individuals and families who may struggle to visit the pantry during traditional daytime hours. “We understand that many of the people we serve are balancing jobs, school, and family responsibilities,” said Jessica Wallo, Director of Community Services. “By staying open later on Tuesdays, we hope to make it easier for more of our neighbors to access our services for the first time and learn about all that we offer. We’re seeing more people explore the option of receiving help, and we’re happy to make that process easier, without requiring them to sacrifice work hours or other commitments.” UNC’s Angel’s Attic Food & Clothing Pantry offers a variety of fresh food, gently used clothing, household items, and personal care essentials — all free of charge to those in need. The extended hours are part of UNC’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers and expand access to critical community resources. Three dedicated staff members are on hand during pantry hours to assist with intake, food distribution, and to help meet each client’s individual needs. Location:UNC Community Services Department Angel’s Attic Food & Clothing Pantry410 Olive Street, Scranton, PA 18509 New Tuesday Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMRegular Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM For more information, visit www.uncnepa.org or call 570-343-8835.
UNC Announces Third Annual Designer Purse Bingo Don’t miss out on the best bingo event of the year! United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is thrilled to announce its 3rd Annual Designer Purse Bingo, presented by Grimm Construction, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore. The doors open at 5:30 PM, and bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. This unforgettable night of fun, prizes, and community support will feature 20 bingo games, including 3 special bingo games, offering guests a chance to win amazing designer purses from Kate Spade, Coach, Tory Burch, and more. Additional purchases can be made for raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a gift card pull, and delicious refreshments throughout the evening. This 21+ BYO-B event invites guests to bring their favorite food and drink to enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends, family, and fellow bingo enthusiasts. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit UNC’s vital programs and services. Visit uncnepa.org/bingo to register. Be part of this exciting evening and support UNC’s mission to enhance the lives of those in need across Northeastern Pennsylvania!
The Dime Bank Donates to United Neighborhood Centers’ CEDAR Center Project The Dime Bank announced a $25,000.00 donation to the United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of their CEDAR Center project. This donation is made via the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program. The contribution underscores The Dime Bank’s dedication to community development and its belief in UNC’s mission to empower individuals and families. The CEDAR Center, a transformative initiative by UNC, will revitalize a historic building into a vibrant community hub. The center will provide expanded access to vital services, including education, job readiness training, workforce development programs, community health resources, and support for immigrant integration. “At The Dime Bank, we believe that strong communities are built through strong partnerships. We’re proud to support UNC’s vision for the CEDAR Center and to work alongside them to create a brighter future for our neighbors.” said Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Roche. “The CEDAR Center is poised to become a cornerstone of community life, offering resources and opportunities for residents to thrive. The Dime Bank’s donation reflects its commitment to investing in the future of the community and empowering individuals to reach
UNC Receives Donation from Topp Business Solutions United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to be the designated Lackawanna County agency for the WNEP Feed A Friend campaign’s 40th Annual drive. This year, UNC is committed to helping make the holidays brighter for more than 1,500 families in Lackawanna County through non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions. We are deeply grateful to Topp Business Solutions for their generous donation of $250 to support the Feed A Friend program. This contribution will directly assist in providing holiday meals to local families in need. Topp Business Solutions has been a valued community partner for over 60 years and continues to demonstrate unwavering support for our mission. Pictured (L-R): Chrissy Manuel, UNC; Karen Prokarym, Topp Business Solutions; Sue Lasota, Topp Donate to Feed A Friend and help families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season, go to uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/ If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store to choose items consistent with your traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton; for a list of participating agencies, visit us on Facebook.
UNC’s 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites the community to our 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm at 526 Cedar Avenue, at the corner of Alder Street, in Scranton. This fun-filled celebration is in conjunction with our South Side Farmers Market. Welcoming Scranton, a part of Welcoming Week, is a national celebration that warmly embraces long-term residents and newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging in our shared community. It promotes cross-cultural understanding and raises awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. Family, friends, and neighbors can look forward to a wide range of diverse activities at Welcoming Scranton. Enjoy the upbeat Latin sounds of Grupo Zona, free ice cream from Scoopz Ice Cream Truck, free face painting with local artist Monica Noelle, and free balloon animals with Becky Corby. Many other community resource organizations will also be joining us. Shop our 15+ Farmers Markets vendors and their one-day special $5 deal, purchase authentic Mexican food from El Buen Amigo, and challenge your mind with cultural trivia, activities, and games from UNC’s Community Revitalization and Education Departments for fun prizes. For more information, please contact Chrissy Manuel, UNC’s Director of Development and Communication, at 570.878.5643 or cmanuel@uncnepa.org.
United Neighborhood Centers to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) year-round; every Thursday, Carbondale Farmers Market invites you to our National Farmers Market Week Celebration event. Join us this Thursday, August 8, 2024, during our market hours, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the grounds of UNC’s Fallbrook Senior Community Center at 185 Fallbrook Street in Carbondale. The market will feature woodfire pizza from Lupo Russo Pizza Truck, ice cream from Handel’s Ice Cream Truck, Authentic Puerto Rican food from Amor de Mami, raffle baskets to giveaway, and more! Stop by all the vendors, sit, and relax to the music provided by UNC. What about fresh local produce and meats? Stop by Kim and Andrew’s Farm Market for all your homegrown produce, farm-fresh salad dressing, sauces, and maple syrup. Winola Farms brings all the protein you need with its assortment of pasture-raised beef, pork, and chicken. And there are more vendors to come! UNC Farmers Markets accepts SNAP/EBT, and all benefit holders can receive an extra $2.00 for every $4.00 spent while shopping. For more information about SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a vendor or cooking demonstrator, contact Taylor Burdick, UNC Carbondale Farmers Market Manager, at tburdick@uncnepa.org. UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market is generously funded by the Moses Taylor Foundation. Like us on Facebook to learn about upcoming demonstrations and programs.
