NeighborWorks Meets with Legislators on Home Matters Day NeighborWorks Association of Pennsylvania (NWAP) took part in Home Matters Day at the State Capitol on June 6, joining hundreds of others to educate and inform legislators about the need for additional resources to support and sustain the creation of affordable housing throughout the state. Organized by the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Home Matters Day is an annual day of advocacy and education in Harrisburg that brings together stakeholders to increase housing resources, end homelessness, and eradicate blight in Pennsylvania. NeighborWorks Association of Pennsylvania is a membership-based statewide network of eight non-profit organizations dedicated to creating equitable housing options and improving quality of life across the Commonwealth. The collective group, as well as individual organizations, are charter members of NeighborWorks America, a network of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations across the United States that work together to create affordable housing, support residents, and strengthen communities. NeighborWorks builds skills, supplements resources, and amplifies the reach of network organizations to increase potential impact. NWAP member organizations include Arbor Housing and Development based in Corning, NY; HDC MidAtlantic in Lancaster, PA; NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in Scranton, PA; NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, PA; NHS of Greater Berks, Inc. in Reading, PA; PathStone Corporation in Chambersburg, PA; and New Kensington Community Development Corporation and HACE in Philadelphia, PA. During Home Matters Day, NWAP members met with elected officials to discuss the need for additional funding resources for affordable housing, including increasing the funding cap on the state housing trust fund (PHARE), and demonstrate the positive impact safe housing makes in people’s lives. Through the NeighborWorks network, NWAP members are able to leverage every dollar of federal funding into $102 of impact in communities, making a greater difference for those in need of safe and affordable housing. As individual nonprofits supported annually by NeighborWorks, NWAP utilizes impact data and analysis, direct work within communities, and on-the-ground support of individuals and families to help legislators understand the critical need for support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. Home Matters Day took place during NeighborWorks Week this year, an annual week of service from June 3-10 that showcases the collective ways NeighborWorks members from across the country are able to strengthen communities. The theme of this year’s NeighborWorks Week was “Empowering Communities for Success.”
The Waverly Community House to Celebrate Maria Wilson in Retirement The Waverly Community House invites us to gather as a community to congratulate Maria Wilson on her retirement and wish her well! RSVP appreciated. Please click HERE to reply.
Chambers of Commerce Host Waterpark Event for Member Businesses Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and seven regional chamber partners are hosting a day at the Montage Mountain Waterpark for member businesses sponsored by Montage Mountain. On June 23, member businesses and employees can enjoy a day at the local waterpark. The event starts at 11 a.m.; tickets are $15 per person, and children under the age of two are free admission. The ticket includes all water attractions and other dry attractions. *Zip Rider is NOT included in The Chamber Day admission package. Chamber member businesses and employees can purchase tickets online at www.ScrantonChamber.com up through June 23. Tickets must be purchased and paid for in advance, with no exceptions. Participating Chambers of Commerce are the Back Mountain Chamber, The Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Hazelton Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. If you want to become a member of The Chamber and receive more benefits like this, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com. About Montage Mountain ResortsMontage Mountain Resorts opened to the public in 1984. Located in Northeast Pennsylvania just 5 minutes off Interstate 81, it is convenient and among the best in the East. Easily accessible from major cities like New York City & Philadelphia (just 2-hours) and around one hour from Allentown & Binghamton. You can catch i476, i84, i380, and i81 within 10 minutes of the resort. Offering Daily Admission, Season Memberships, Group Trips, Private Rentals, Events and more, there’s no other park to pick for summer fun. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Chamber Employee Appointed to Board of National Leadership Organization Denton, TEXAS—The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), a national organization located in Texas and supporting the growth and development of Community Leadership Programs, recently announced that Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna in Scranton, PA was appointed as Treasurer to serve a one-year term. With over 300 members, ALP is THE connection source for community leadership programs throughout the US, and even has a small presence internationally with memberships coming from Germany and Canada. The ALP mission is to enhance the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. The association believes true, organic community leadership involves looking at situations, opportunities, or challenges through the lens of the whole community, and pursuing a course that builds the well-being of all. ALP membership is open to leadership organizations/programs, whether based in a chamber of commerce, university, government or similar entity, or as an independent (non-profit) organization. In this role, Morristell will be responsible for providing financial oversight of the organization, making periodic financial reports to the board of directors and presenting a full financial report at the annual meeting. “Leadership Lackawanna has been actively involved with ALP for 10 years and I fully believe in their mission and work. As an already active board member and ambassador for the state of Pennsylvania, I was happy to expand my involvement with this worthwhile national organization. Leadership Lackawanna has benefitting so much from ALP membership – essentially I give them full credit for helping us create our 2 ½ day orientation program, Welcome Scranton! Personally, ALP allows me to interact with fellow community leadership professionals who are doing the same exact work as me – but in their own respective communities! It’s such an amazing network of leaders who are fully dedicated to growing and improving their communities through the work of leadership programs. Serving as ALP treasurer is a real win-win experience for Leadership Lackawanna since this role helps to elevate our status – yes, we are a nonprofit from Scranton, PA – but now we are on the same level playing field as our counterparts from around the Unites States like Orlando, FL, Austin, Texas, San Francisco, CA and Bend, OR.,” commented Nicole Morristell. Nicole Morristell is the executive director of Leadership Lackawanna, the non-profit Chamber affiliate dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership Lackawanna consists of a 10-month core program, a five-week executive program, a seven-month youth program, a 2 day community exploration program called Welcome Scranton!, a collegiate program, and an 8-week online fundamentals 2.0 program. Before joining the Leadership staff in 2008, Morristell worked for the local Girl Scout organization, where she served in a number of positions over the years, including marketing and community outreach specialist, public relations director, and special events manager. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and is actively involved with Supporters of Camp Archbald, where she serves as President, Abington Christian Academy’s Parent Advisory Board, LCBC Church Kids Ministry, Countryside Conservancy, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Pictured: Lura Hammond, Executive Director of ALP, and Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,600 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com. About the Association of Leadership ProgramsThe Association of Leadership Programs serves over 275 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the wellbeing of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the wellbeing of all. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Tickets Available for Scranton Shakespeare Festival Shows Box office now open at https://www.scrantonshakes.com/2023! June 22-25July 22-23 Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang on a musical adventure that will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone! June 30 – July 2July 21 Step into the captivating world of Shakespeare’s Othello, where love,jealousy, and betrayal collide in a tragic tale of passion and revenge. July 13-16July 22-23 Rock out with one of the most iconic musicals of all time! Rent is agroundbreaking production that redefined the Broadway scene and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. July 7-9July 20 Experience the ultimate romantic comedy with Shakespeare’s TwelfthNight, a timeless tale of mistaken identity, love, and hilarioushijinks. July 27-29 Get ready for an electrifying adventure with The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, a thrilling production that brings the beloved book series to life on stage!
FNCB Bank Announces Scholarship Winners FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce the winners of the FNCB Bank Foundation merit scholarship awards for the 2022-2023 academic year. Overall, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to five area high school seniors based on their academic excellence, community and school involvement, and citizenship. This year’s winners are Grace Bath of Abington Heights High School, Faith Bennett of Abington Heights High School, Isabella Giardina of Pittston Area Senior High School, Donnell Greene of Wyoming Valley West High School, and Caroline Klinkiewicz of Honesdale High School. Ms. Bath will be attending Messiah University, Ms. Bennett will be attending American University, Ms. Giardina will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Greene will be attending New York University, and Ms. Klinkiewicz will be attending the University of Delaware. “We want to congratulate these five young students on being selected as winners of this year’s FNCB Bank Scholarship award, which serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education.” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager and Foundation Chairman. “May this scholarship recognize each students’ potential and fuel both their academic and personal journeys as future leaders. We wish them success in their upcoming pursuits.” For more information on the FNCB Bank Foundation Scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship.
NeighborWorks NEPA Awards Home Improvement Grants NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to partner with both the City of Scranton and the City of Carbondale to announce the block groups selected for funding in the 2023 Beautiful Blocks program cycle. With a total of 103 properties in Scranton and 34 properties in Carbondale being awarded grant funding, NeighborWorks staff and local officials expect to see a significant positive impact in neighborhoods where projects are set to take place. A full list of groups receiving funding is attached to this release. Beautiful Blocks is a home improvement program which provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. 2023 represents the fifth consecutive program cycle in Scranton for Beautiful Blocks, with the program entering its third consecutive cycle in Carbondale after launching in the Pioneer City in 2021. Members of selected groups have until November 1 to complete their individual exterior home improvement projects, with groups also eligible for a $500 stipend to conduct a community celebration or service project. According to NeighborWorks President & CEO Jesse Ergott, “Beautiful Blocks is all about bringing people together to improve the neighborhoods they call home. We are thrilled that the program is resonating with so many of our neighbors in both Scranton and Carbondale and are greatly appreciative of all of the funding partners who help to make it happen. We are looking forward to continued growth of this program in both communities as we facilitate both physical improvements to homes and strengthened connections between neighbors.” “It is so exciting to see our residents working as a team making improvements to their home and their neighborhoods,” said Michele Bannon, Carbondale City Clerk and former board chair for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Year two of Beautiful Blocks has made a tremendous impact on the City. Each year the program is growing bringing more homeowners together. It’s amazing to see the impact of committed, empowered homeowners on our community.” Beautiful Blocks in Carbondale is made possible with support from Lackawanna County Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick, Esq., and Chris Chermak; with additional support from Millennium Packaging, Coterra Energy, Gentex, and other local businesses. “It’s inspiring to see the improvements made to our neighborhoods thanks to Beautiful Blocksprogram and out community-minded residents,” said Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti.“We’re thankful to the team at NeighborWorks and their volunteers who work with us to makeScranton a beautiful place to live.” Beautiful Blocks in Scranton is made possible with support from the City of Scranton, withadditional support from Community Bank, NA, The Dime Bank, M&T Bank, and The HonesdaleNational Bank. Over the first four cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, more than 340 individualprojects have been completed by Scranton residents, grouped into 45 block groups. More than$287,000 in grant funding has been distributed to as part of these projects, with participatingresidents contributing more than $735,000 in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. In the first two years of the Beautiful Blocks program operating in Carbondale, seven groups ofneighbors have participated, with more than $37,000 in grant funding awarded. This grantfunding helped to leverage more than $66,000 in funds invested from participatinghomeowners. Residents of Scranton and Carbondale who are interested in participating in future cycles ofthe Beautiful Blocks program are encouraged to access more information by visiting theprogram homepage at https:// www.nwnepa.org/programs/beautiful-blocks.html. Moreinformation is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks NortheasternPennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 orghetman@nwnepa.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded the Greater Scranton YMCA a $ 3,000 grant to support its summer literacy program, Summer Scholars. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s largest, one day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs. The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Scholars Program is a free research based and researchproven six week summer learning program with a goal to get elementary students on track toread at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In summer 2023, the programwill serve rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore School District. Participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichmentin the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips, as well as trips to the Greater ScrantonYMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers and YMCA staff.
NET Credit Union Sponsors Little Free Libraries in Lackawanna County NET Credit Union is the sponsor for new Little Free Libraries throughout Lackawanna County that will be an accessible resource for reading in the community with book exchange boxes. The Little Free Libraries are part of the Scranton City Pride Project. NET Credit Union partnered with Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks of NEPA, and United Neighborhoods Centers of NEPA to make this community project a reality. The Albright Memorial Library ensured there was a wide variety of books included in each of the Little Free Libraries and will also maintain the reading material. Carpentry students from The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County built the little libraries while art students from West Scranton High School painted some. The current Scranton locations of the Little Free Libraries are 135 Jefferson Avenue, 815 Smith Street, and 1158 Luzerne Street. More will be added soon in other Scranton neighborhoods. Visit https://www.scrantontomorrow.org/ for location updates.
