Fidelity Bank Awards $833,000 to Non-Profits and Educational Institutions Fidelity Bank recently presented several area non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling $833,000. Here are some of the recipients of some of Fidelity Bank’s latest donations. F.M. Kirby Center Greater Hazelton Partners in Education Wyoming Valley Montessori School Misericordia University WVIA Wilkes-Barre Academy Wyoming Free Library “We are proud to support various community programs that are committed to educational excellence with an eye toward students’ futures,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Fidelity Bank is grateful for the opportunity to invest in generations to come through allocating funds through the EITC program.” The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.
UNC’s Child Care Centers Receive Award from Shapiro Administration On Wednesday April 24, United Neighborhoods Centers of Northeastern Pennysylvania’s (UNC) Child Care Department received the 2024 Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award from the Shapiro Administration. UNC staff visited the State Capitol Rotunda to receive the award from Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh, along with fellow recipients from across the state. The Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings, including child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention. UNC operates three child care centers that provide affordable before- and after-school care, and preschool services. We understand that reliable, safe, and accessible childcare is crucial to the stability of working families. Likewise, the quality of that care is key to the early development of the child. Our centers are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and operate weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All three of UNC’s child care centers have 4-STAR ratings, the highest designation from the Keystone STARS childcare quality rating program. UNC child care centers accept Lackawanna County Early Learning Resource Center subsidy and other funding, as well as paying families. For more information about UNC’s childcare centers, see below, or call UNC’s Director of Children and Teens, Kelly Langan, at 272-228-1352. Pictured: From Left (front row): Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary for the Department of Education; Mary Ellen Richards, UNC Child Care staff; Nita Barrett, UNC Child Care staff; Shante’ Brown, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary for the Department of Human Services From left (2nd row): Vuanasha Gatewood, UNC Child Care staff; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Director of Children & Teens.
Coal Creative CEO Holly K. Pilcavage Awarded Mentor of the Year Coal Creative, the full-service digital marketing agency known for its results-driven strategies and collaborative creativity, is proud to announce that CEO Holly K. Pilcavage has been awarded the distinguished Bill McNally Mentor of the Year award. The accolade will be presented during the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition for students and early-stage entrepreneurs, set to take place on May 2, 2024, at 5 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center. “I am deeply honored to receive the McNally Mentor of the Year award, which recognizes the importance of nurturing and sustaining mentorship in our business and entrepreneurial community,” says Holly. The tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition is an annual event that spotlights the innovative potential of local startups and entrepreneurs, bringing them together with subject matter experts to benefit the next generation of business leaders. While the award is a significant honor, Coal Creative and Holly wish to underscore the importance of the competition itself and the learning opportunities it presents. “My own mentors have played a crucial role in shaping my journey, highlighting the profound impact mentorship can have on both personal and professional growth,” Holly continues. “This award reflects not just my efforts, but also the dedication of all mentors who strive to empower and guide the next generation of leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Don Webster, tecBRIDGE Executive Director, weighed in, saying “When I reflect on the common characteristics of past McNally Award winners, caring, community, and commitment immediately come to mind. Holly K. Pilcavage is the ideal award recipient to continue with that tradition. For those of you who know Holly K. Pilcavage, you know that she simply makes a difference in the lives of those she connects with. Whether it is work or play, advocacy or action, caring or sharing, she has a unique gift for accomplishing with (and for) those around her.” Aside from growing Coal Creative into a leading creative agency, Holly’s put the work in as a dedicated and engaged member of the NEPA community—from her efforts championing women’s opportunities and LGBTQ+ rights to her recent initiative to co-found Evergreen, a business specializing in plants, local artist gifts, and workshops. Her leadership style is one of openness, inclusivity, and thoughtful dialogue—promoting an atmosphere that never fails to bring a diverse set of voices to the table.
The Wright Center Achieves Gold Status for Advocacy Center The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recently recognized The Wright Centers for Community Health as a Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) for the second time. The Wright Center was first awarded Gold ACE status in January 2022 – the first community health center in Pennsylvania to achieve the recognition. Being awarded a second Gold ACE status, effective Dec. 19, 2023, shows The Wright Center’s continued dedication to advocating for and supporting community health centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations in rural and urban areas. “The Wright Center is honored to be recognized by NACHC for the second time with designation as a Community Health Center Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are very grateful and proud to be expanding our mission-driven advocacy efforts to ensure our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels understand and commit to investing in the comprehensive, affordable, equitable, and innovative primary health services that The Wright Center and our community health center colleagues across our country provide to people of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses.” ACE levels recognize consistent engagement, success, and ongoing commitment to prioritizing advocacy. Community health centers that receive the designation are actively engaged with NACHC and forums addressing federal policy issues, as well as their state primary care association and platforms to address key state and local policy issues that impact the entities and their patients. NACHC awards three levels of ACES: bronze, silver, and gold. The status is valid for two years. In order to earn ACE status, a community health center must complete a checklist of activities and accomplishments as outlined by NACHC. The Wright Center’s employees, for example, developed and wrote guest editorials that addressed important public health issues that affect community health centers and patients and hosted round table discussions with elected officials. Additionally, an in-house advocacy committee offers training, and the organization also hosts elected officials at its primary care practices. “Earning Gold ACE status requires serious dedication and prioritization of advocacy,” Ky Rhee, M.D., MPP, president and CEO of NACHC, wrote in his letter congratulating officials at The Wright Center about the achievement. “Your organization is now part of an elite group that serves as an example to other community health centers striving to achieve advocacy excellence.” Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health, in Northeast Pennsylvania. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. The Wright Center accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To make an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Greater Scranton YMCA Education Director Named 30 Under 30 The Greater Scranton YMCA would like to congratulate Tressa Parker, Education Director, for recently being named as a 30 Under 30 YMCA award winner. The 30 Under 30 award was debuted in 2018 and recognizes staff who embody the YMCA mission, and formally acknowledges 30 full-time YMCA leaders under the age of 30 for their accomplishments and potential to lead YMCA Associations in the coming years. “We are very happy to see Tressa recognized for her hard work and dedication to our children,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO of Greater Scranton YMCA. “Her leadership and passion in her role have helped distinguish our early childhood education programs as some of the best in our region.” Tressa began her YMCA career in November 2021. She oversees a staff team of more than 30 full-time employees. Under her leadership, enrollment in early childhood education programs has grown significantly, going from approximately 50 children to more than 210 in under 18 months. The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful for Tressa’s leadership and commitment. “I am humbled and tremendously grateful to be selected as one of the 2023 Emerging Leaders Resource Networks’ 30 Under 30 Award recipients,” said Tressa. “I look forward to continuing to impact the lives of young children in our community and grow within the Greater Scranton YMCA organization.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognized at SAGE Awards Sustained excellence in community involvement earned Tobyhanna Army Depot recognition from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce at their Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE) ceremony on November 3. The annual SAGE Awards honor the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity, and innovation of businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Eligible applications are judged by a diverse group of community leaders in ten categories, ranging from “Business of the Year” to “Customer Service Excellence” and beyond. The “People’s Choice Award” is determined through online voting by the general public during a set window. For the second year in a row, Tobyhanna’s initiatives in connecting with the community were recognized, this time with the “Community Involvement Excellence” award, which celebrates a business that has made outstanding contributions to their community through philanthropy or the investment of financial or other resources such as time, talent, materials/facility/equipment, or involvement of staff or others in the organization. In 2022, the organization was honored with the “Best Practices in Community Involvement” award. The depot was recognized for its expansive community engagement program, which supports events on the installation, such as school career exploration visits, and off-post, such as Touch-A-Trucks and military observance events – and more. Tobyhanna’s enduring Warfighter of the Quarter Award program also contributed to the honor, with more than 40 local heroes recognized through the lifetime of the program. In addition, the award celebrates Tobyhanna’s collaborative efforts with the Scranton Armed Forces Reserve Center to bring back Armed Forces Week activities, including the Armed Forces Day luncheon and parade – planned for May 2024. A SAGE Milestone award was also bestowed upon Tobyhanna Army Depot, marking 70 years of providing military readiness and field support to the nation’s warfighters. Community Relations Specialist Katie Nolan says the back-to-back accolades affirm the hard work Team Tobyhanna does to connect with the community. “Our entire team takes great pride in our community engagements, and we love getting to meet the good folks of Northeastern Pennsylvania that support our mission. These awards validate that the hard work we do is seen and makes a difference. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together next year,” she said. Connecting with the community is a line of effort under Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan focuses on posturing the depot to support future force requirements and has additional lines of effort dedicated to ensuring C5ISR readiness across the joint services and shaping the future.
Allied Services Receives Patient Satisfaction Award for Second Consecutive Year Allied Services has been recognized as a Superior Performer for achieving an overall family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20% of all eligible SHP clients. The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge home health agencies that consistently provide high-quality service to their patients and hospice providers that consistently provide high-quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. The 2022 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall HHCAHPS survey satisfaction score for more than 2,500 home health providers and the overall CAHPS Hospice survey satisfaction score for more than 1,000 hospice providers. Assistant Vice President of Hospice and Palliative Care at Allied Services, Laura Marion, said, “These awards are so meaningful to our team because they are the result of feedback from our patients, caregivers, and families. To know that they see and value the quality and compassion of the care we deliver is the greatest reward.” Allied Services Hospice has served the community since 2015, providing care to more than 4,200 individuals and families in that time. Today, Allied Services’ hospice professionals provide compassionate end-of-life care in homes around Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, and at their Hospice Centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The Allied Services Hospice staff is very proud to achieve this honor for the second time. They were previously recognized as a ‘Premier Performer’ in 2021. With the largest HHCAHPS benchmark and CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize home health organizations that have made patient satisfaction a priority and hospice organizations that have made family and caregiver satisfaction a priority. Read more about the SHPBest awards program, including methodology and recipient lists at www.shpdata.com/hospice/shpbest-caps-hospice.
Lackawanna College Named a “2023 Great College to Work For” This honor places Lackawanna College as an elite company. Lackawanna College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 194 colleges and universities. In all, 72 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Lackawanna College included among the small universities with 500 to 2,999 students. Lackawanna College won honors in the following categories this year: Professional Development Mission & Pride Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness Faculty & Staff Well-being Faculty Experience Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Lackawanna College was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories. “This is a very proud moment for Lackawanna College. Our employees are changing lives every day and having a positive social and economic impact in our communities. In return, we strive to provide a supportive and collaborative work culture, that values their contributions and prioritizes their well-being. Our growth and successes have been a direct result of employee input, hard work and commitment. Thank you to everyone at Lackawanna College who help to make this a great place to work,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. “This year we had our highest employee survey participation rate and knowing that makes this recognition even more rewarding,” said Renee Mundy, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP. “Our employees live our mission every day and are committed to improving the lives of our students and our surrounding communities. It takes a special group of individuals to do that, and we are thankful for their dedication and grateful they have chosen to be part of our team. They are the reason we are a Great College to Work For.” The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previous recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
Geisinger’s Young Doctors Receive Awards Three Geisinger providers have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) for achievement early in their careers. Interventional cardiologist Nicholas Ierovante, D.O., and family medicine physicians Joanna Kraynak-Appel, D.O., and Hans Zuckerman, D.O., are among PAMED’s Top Physicians Under 40 for 2023. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of PAMED members who yearly honor the best of the best early-career physicians in the state. “We had a lot of great nominations, but these candidates stood out among the rest,” said Kristen Sandel, M.D., PAMED president-elect and chair of the awards committee. “With their ambition and innovative ideas, they will shape and shine bright in the future of medicine.” Dr. Ierovante practices at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and also serves as assistant professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He specializes in interventional and structural heart procedures, and he is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear medicine and echocardiography. His nominator said his “passion for patient care is unparalleled,” and that he “has dedicated his career to serving the citizens of Pennsylvania and exemplifies the future of medicine.” Dr. Kraynak-Appel is the associate director of Community Medicine in Columbia County and assists in managing Geisinger Primary Care clinics in Benton, Berwick, Buckhorn and Elysburg. She is a board-certified physician who specializes in family medicine, and she has clinical interests in women’s health and chronic disease management. Her nominator called her an “incredible person” who “embodies and exceeds all the tenets anyone would want from their physician.” Dr. Zuckerman practices at Geisinger Pottsville and serves as division chief of the Department of Community Medicine for Schuylkill County and Geisinger Kulpmont in Northumberland County. He is a board-certified physician who specializes in family medicine, and he has clinical interests in preventive care, infectious diseases, obesity and women’s health. His nominator said, “as a leader, his patient-centric views and encouraging reminders on why we do what we do are contagious throughout his clinics” and that “he inspires everyone from the support staff to the providers to provide the best possible care to patients.”
Women’s Resource Center to Hold Golf Tournament The Women’s Resource Center is pleased to announce its Annual Golf Outing this September. Industry partners Erie Materials and Simplex Homes are teaming up to plan the WRC golf tournament at Pine Hills Country Club on September 15, 2023. WRC provides comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. The tournament is sponsored by Seven D Wholesale & Windows. The returning honorary chair this year will be Kurt Aaron of WNEP-TV 16 and his dog Ranger! FORMAT Captain & Crew Registration 9:00 – 10:00 AM Shotgun Start 10:00 AM Furthermore, WRC has received the National Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding Youth Initiative from DomesticShelters.org, Alliance for HOPE. The Safe Dates & Healthy Relationships program supported primarily through EITC funding and grants was recognized as the top program across the USA. Using an evidence-based dating abuse prevention curriculum, specially trained teen/youth educators teach students about healthy relationships, communication, calming techniques, identifying feelings, red flags, boundaries, and how to help friends. The Women’s Resource Center started in 2018 with one educator in the Scranton Area School District, and today have grown to serve thousands of students across all grade levels. They are now in 7 Lackawanna School Districts, 4 Susquehanna County School Districts, and 6 private schools! They also now have a program manager and three educators, with a need for another one.
