United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Distributed Grants at Campaign Kickoff The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the distribution of $63,000 in grants to several deserving Wayne County nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to empower and strengthen our community by providing essential support for a range of initiatives that benefit our residents and improve the quality of life in Wayne County. With the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike’s 2023-2024 Campaign in full swing, these grants were the result of generous contributions during last year’s fundraising efforts. The recipients of these grants were selected through an application and review process, in which a group of Wayne County volunteers evaluated applications based on their potential impact, alignment with our community’s needs, and ability to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. The following nonprofit organizations, along with their program, have been chosen to receive funding: The ARC of Northeastern PA: Advocacy Services Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP): CHOP in School Pantry and Backpack Programs The Cooperage: Bright Kids Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries: RSVP of Berks, Pike and Wayne Counties Program Girls on the Run – Lehigh Valley and Pocono: GOTR Wayne County Program Expansion Habitat for Humanity: Multi-Family Home Honesdale Communities That Care: Communities That Care – Scholarship Program Hose Co. No. 1- Honesdale Fire Department: Can you lend us a Hand (Tools) Lacawac Sanctuary: Youth Environmental Stewardship Institute Maternal & Family Health: Nurse-Family Partnership Program Salvation Army: Back-to-School Clothing Program Second Harvest: Expanded Food Access Victims Intervention Program: Victims Intervention Program Wayne County Public Library: Wellness in Winter at the Wayne County Public Library Wayne County Community Foundation: Wayne County Drug and Treatment Court Fund Workforce Wayne: WP Shine United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among local nonprofits, and these grants are just one way we work towards achieving that mission. We believe that by supporting these organizations, we can create a stronger, more resilient community for everyone. A Campaign Kickoff event was held the night of Tuesday, September 19th at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company where the grants were distributed amongst Wayne County’s best. The United Way formally began their campaign in Wayne and Pike County as they also welcomed Pike County under their wing of the 100+ year tradition of the United Way serving Northeastern Pennsylvania.
HNB Foundation Supports The Diane Bottjer Foundation Jeff Zerechak Director Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission, John Kerkowski, Sargent At Arms, A.G. Howell, District Attorney & Co-Executor, Diane Bottjer Co-Executor, Charlie Curtin, VP, Trust Officer at HNB, John Bottjer, Treasurer. $1,000 to support those who are mentally challenged and suffer from drug addiction in Wayne County. The Honesdale National Bank made a $1,000 donation to The Diane Bottjer Foundation. The funds, donated by HNB, will support the mentally challenged and drug addicted in need throughout Wayne County. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan, stated, “We are excited to make contributions to this foundation, as helping others in our area stands at the core of our commitment to our customers.” He said, “I am pleased with the goal of their mission, and the undertaking to achieve a healthier local community.” The Diane Bottjer Foundation is a charitable organization in Hawley, Pennsylvania that supports those who are mentally challenged or struggling with drug addiction by providing access to funds that support basic service needs such as gas cards for individuals to get to appointments, phone cards, clothes for interviews, stamps and more. The organization aims to help this underserved population work with their advocates and social workers to improve their opportunities for the future. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity established by The Honesdale National Bank to engage in community giving initiatives that foster the area’s growth and resources as it has remained committed to since its founding in 1836. The Foundation’s aims to fulfill that mission through initiatives that support the sustainability and strengthening of resources and programming that make local communities thrive and remain desirable places to live, work, and play. The mission will be upheld through the provision of funding for public charities, institutions, schools and other not-for-profit organizations throughout our local area.
HNB Supports Wayne County Public Library with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $20,000 of their approved allotment to the missions of the Wayne County Public Library. The funds, donated by HNB, will support students with e-resources and virtual programming within the seven-library system including the following local libraries: Bethany, Hamlin, Hawley, Newfoundland, Northern Wayne, Pleasant Mount, and the WCPL (Honesdale). Along with the e-resources, equipment will be purchased to provide virtual programming for those who cannot get to the library. Some resources include free online tutoring, online SAT/ACT classes, free access to the Get a Five program for those in Advanced Placement classes, hundreds of tutorials and videos, Learning Express Library, Teen Health & Wellness, Prenda Coding, and STEM Online Resources. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “We are privileged to have the opportunity to provide local support to organizations like the Wayne County Public Library with funds through the EITC program.” He continued, “We are glad to see this contribution go towards program upgrades along with advancement of technology and resources.” Tracy Schwarz, Wayne County Public Library Director, mentioned, “The Libraries are working hard to provide programming, equipment, and education to support student learning in creative new ways.” She said, “In Addition, we continue to purchase STEM materials, computers, equipment, and other collection materials to further the excitement and education of Wayne County’s students.”
