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.
Outreach Hosts Early Childhood Community Meeting On March 4th, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, members of the Scranton School District board and staff, Maternal & Family Health Services (MFHS), the United Way, Children’s Issues in a Changing World, and other key regional stakeholders came together for a valuable discussion on building school readiness, promoting parental involvement, and improving the coordination of services for children throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event was held at the Allied Services Luger Scranton Rehab Center on Morgan Highway. The more than 50 attendees explored topics such as early identification, engaging parents, transitions between birth to 3 and 3 to 5, and transitions between 3 to 5 and kindergarten. Outreach President/CEO Lori Chaffers (L), Scranton School District Assistant Superintendent Al O’Donnell, and John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal Nora Phillips (R) opened the meeting by discussing the critical needs of our community’s youngest members. Following the opening remarks, attendees were divided into four discussion groups, each tackling a different topic of interest. Staff members of the Scranton School District and Outreach facilitated the groups, helping guide the conversation. By the end of the discussions, the group determined the next steps, including discussing the possibility of creating a nonprofit index for Lackawanna County and increasing opportunities for parental engagement. This was the first in a series of discussions regarding early childhood in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Outreach and the Scranton School District have not announced a date for the next meeting.
Misericordia University Launches Center for Workforce Development Misericordia University is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, housed within the College of Business. This newly established center is dedicated to strengthening the local, regional, and globally connected workforce by equipping businesses and professionals with tailored educational programs, workforce training, and talent development solutions that address evolving industry needs.As industries face evolving challenges in talent recruitment, employee retention, and skill development, Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions will serve as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between higher education and workforce needs. Through innovative training programs, credit-bearing degree programs, professional certifications, customized corporate learning opportunities, and career development initiatives, the center will equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving job market.“The establishment of this center reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce innovation,” said Jim Pierson, Dean of the College of Business at Misericordia University. “By leveraging our academic expertise and industry partnerships, we aim to provide employers and professionals with the resources necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape.” The center will offer: Workforce and Talent Solutions: A commitment to equipping the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond with the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to meet evolving employer needs. The center will ensure that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool, ready to contribute to organizational success in an increasingly competitive and interconnected economy. Business Partnerships: Collaboration with employers, professional associations, government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders to develop talent pipelines that strengthen the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond. Comprehensive Credentials: Credentialing opportunities (certificates, micro-credentials, badges, continuing education units, and credit-bearing degree & certificate programs) in high-demand fields to enhance career advancement and long-term professional growth. Career Support: The center will provide front-end and back-end career counseling and ongoing career support throughout the entire career lifecycle, ensuring individuals have the guidance, resources, and strategies needed to navigate career transitions, advance in their fields, and achieve long-term professional success. Customized Workforce Training: Tailored programs designed to address specific industry needs, from leadership development to technical skills training. Core sectors will include business, business healthcare, business technology & analytics, and human development skills. Through these initiatives, the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions seeks to position Misericordia University as a local, regional, and broader community hub for workforce education and business collaboration.For more information about the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions and upcoming programs, please visit www.misericordia.edu/workforcedevelopment or contact Paul Nardone, Director at pnardone@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8130.
Marywood Hosts Alumni Spotlight Exhibition and Artist Talk An alumni spotlight exhibition, “Representation and Figuration in The Maslow Collection,” curated by Marywood graduate Marcelle Reinecke, will take place from March 28 – May 30, 2025, in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, Shields Center for Visual Arts, on Marywood University’s campus. Ann Abrons “Fall” 1990, oil on linen, 48×60” (L) | Marcelle Reinecke “In the Pines” 2024, acrylic and flashe on panel, 24×30” (R) The exhibit will feature works by Anne Abrons, William Bailey, David Hockney, David Hornung, Bob Knox, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Nelson, Robert Schultz, and Wayne Thiebaud.Marcelle Reinecke, exhibit curator, will present an Artist Talk on Friday, March 28, 11 a.m., in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art. Reinecke, a native of New Orleans, received an MFA from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), Philadelphia, and a BFA from Marywood University, Scranton. Reinecke also completed studies at the Studio Arts College International, Florence, Italy, and was a Resident Artist at the Royal Drawing School, Dumfries House Trust, Cumnock, Scotland, U.K. Her recent exhibitions include Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects, NY; Margot Samel, NY; The Ruffed Grouse Gallery, Narrowsburg, NY; and Monya Rowe Gallery, NY. Reinecke is represented by Monya Rowe Gallery, and lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. The Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, located within the Shields Center for Visual Art on Marywood’s campus, is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information on Marywood art galleries, visit marywood.edu/galleries.
Dave & Buster’s Presents Bunny’s Breakfast Bash Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025Time: 9:00 AM Start your Easter Sunday with a hop of excitement at Dave & Buster’s Bunny’s Breakfast Bash! Enjoy an exclusive family morning featuring a delicious breakfast, an egg hunt, spring activities, and special time with the Easter Bunny, including a photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera! Skip the mall crowds and join us for an unforgettable morning packed with food, fun, and games! Banquet-style breakfast with soda, coffee, tea, and assorted juices Exciting egg hunt and spring-themed activities Games with the Bunny and unlimited video game play (with Eggstra Fun Ticket) Photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny Ticket Packages: Eggstra Fun TicketIncludes breakfast, soda, coffee, tea, assorted juices, a $10 Power Card® with unlimited video game play during the event, Bunny photo op, egg hunt, spring activities, taxes, and a suggested 18% gratuity. Brekky Basket TicketIncludes breakfast, soda, coffee, tea, assorted juices, taxes, and a suggested 18% gratuity. Important Information: All children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults must have a ticket for entry. Children under 2 years enter free. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The Chamber Hosts Congressman Rob Bresnahan for Capitol Conversations The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Congressman Rob Bresnahan for the first 2025 session of Capitol Conversations—a series designed to foster open dialogue between business leaders and government officials. The event provided a platform to discuss key issues impacting northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy, workforce, and business landscape. Congressman Bresnahan, moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, addressed several pressing topics, including workforce development, housing, childcare, and the challenges facing small businesses. On tariffs, Bresnahan noted that while business owners are adaptable, sudden tariff hikes place undue strain on Americans. He advocated for incremental increases instead of abrupt policy changes. When discussing the housing market, he pointed out how tariffs on supplies influence interest rates and the overall cost of building materials. He called for a stronger push for domestic production and noted that tariffs remain an executive order, not a congressional action. Bresnahan also addressed the ongoing workforce challenges at Tobyhanna Army Depot. He stressed Tobyhanna’s importance as an economic driver, with local companies playing a critical role in its operations. The conversation also covered the Small Business Administration (SBA). Congressman Bresnahan urged the SBA to improve its outreach efforts and more effectively distribute funding to small businesses, recognizing their significant contribution to the region’s economy. Childcare was another focal point, and the congressman emphasized its connection to workforce development. He discussed the difficulty of finding qualified staff and the need for increased support to help families afford services. Tourism, a vital industry for the region, was also discussed. Bresnahan acknowledged the sector’s ongoing workforce challenges and stressed the need for improved self-promotion to combat negative self-perception. “The Capitol Conversations series offers a unique opportunity for our members to connect one-on-one with our elected officials,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “We thank Congressman Bresnahan for his openness to listening to and discussing these issues critical to our business community.” The Chamber’s Capitol Conversations series will continue to bring policymakers and business leaders together, fostering meaningful dialogue and driving advocacy efforts that support economic growth in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Skills in Scranton Empowers Future Workforce at Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, successfully hosted the 2025 Workforce Summit on Thursday, March 20, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. The event brought together over 200 students from eight regional school districts, more than 50 regional employers, and over 150 job-seeking walk-ins. Designed to bridge the gap between career opportunities and students who may not be college-bound, the summit showcased viable career paths available in northeastern Pennsylvania. The event featured dynamic keynote presentations by Ryan Leckey of Ryan Leckey Media and Marc Gonzalez of Site2. Both speakers offered valuable insights on career development, workforce trends, and strategies for growth in today’s evolving job market. Between the keynote sessions, attendees participated in panel discussions covering topics such as manufacturing, the trades, and professional development. Students and job seekers also had the chance to network with local employers, explore job openings, and engage in interactive career sessions focused on workforce readiness. “The Workforce Summit is an incredible opportunity for students and job seekers to connect directly with employers who are eager to hire local talent,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By providing hands-on career exploration and professional development resources, we’re ensuring that our future workforce is prepared to succeed in the dynamic job market of northeastern Pennsylvania.” By fostering direct connections between employers and future employees, the Workforce Summit continues to strengthen the regional economy. Skills in Scranton remains committed to delivering impactful programs that address the area’s workforce needs, ensuring students and job seekers have the resources and opportunities to build meaningful careers in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Strzelec Named Top 25 Women in Business Honoree by NEPA Business Journal The leadership of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jennifer Strzelec, program coordinator for its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, has been selected as an honoree for the prestigious Top 25 Women in Business by the NEPA Business Journal. The NEPA Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement, and professional success throughout the region. As program coordinator, Strzelec plays a vital role in advancing Leadership Lackawanna’s mission to cultivate community leadership and foster professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania. She primarily supports the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program, a seven-month initiative designed for high school juniors. In this capacity, Strzelec oversees recruitment, marketing, evaluations, and administrative operations. Her leadership ensures that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the essential skills and knowledge they need. In addition to managing TLT, Strzelec runs Leadership Lackawanna’s collegiate initiatives and alumni engagement, fostering a lifelong network of leadership and community involvement. Strzelec brings a diverse background to her role. She previously gained valuable experience as a preschool aide in Mt. Cobb and at the YMCA in King George, Virginia. Her commitment to service extends beyond education, as she is a veteran of the United States Army, where she served in the avionics division at both Fort Hood, Texas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “This honor is a true reflection of her talent and hard work, and I’m very proud to see her recognized. Indeed, it is a testament to her dedication, not only to Leadership Lackawanna but to our community,” shared Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna.
