Geisinger Receives Donation to Help Launch Innovative Programs A local woman with a passion for programs for improving children’s behavioral health services has donated $1 million to Geisinger’s department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health to help launch innovative programs for young people. Susan McDowell of Selinsgrove made the commitment to create a pediatric behavioral health catalyst fund that will support projects and programs to promote innovation in the behavioral health care of children and adolescents, something she has been personally invested in for more than 20 years. In 2009, McDowell developed House of Hope, a faith-based, residential treatment center for at-risk children that served a five-county area of Montour, Snyder, Columbia, Union and Northumberland. McDowell then partnered with Bloomsburg University to create the McDowell Institute in 2012. The mission is to train education students to deal with at-risk children, giving future teachers tools to handle students’ behavioral health issues. McDowell also has partnered with Geisinger for more than 20 years. Five years ago, through her philanthropy and advice, Geisinger began the Pediatric Primary Care Behavioral Health program and placed 11 pediatric psychologists in pediatric offices. The program has been tremendously successful and, McDowell hopes her recent gift will help Geisinger continue this mission and help recruit talented behavioral health providers to launch similarly innovative and impactful programs. “Compared to 20 years ago, we have more professionals in the field. We have better places to take care of patients, with the development of a pediatric emergency room and in-patient pediatric psychiatric care,” McDowell said. “Those are things I feel really good about contributing to.” Psychiatric caregivers are excited to have the catalyst funds to help address the ongoing adolescent mental health crisis. “It will be exciting to see what our friends and colleagues come up with to build new programs, bring new expertise and partner with the community in new ways to make better behavioral health for our young people,” said Justin Coffey, MD, chair of Geisinger’s department of psychiatry and behavioral health. “Young people are dying from suicide now more than any other cause besides accidents. It’s a crisis. Our children deserve better, our families deserve better, and our families deserve better. It’s time to think differently. Geisinger has a strong tradition of innovation, and we’re ready to bring that expertise and energy to the work of improving behavioral health for young people” Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Chair, Frank Maffei, MD, says the gift will have a huge impact for youth in the community. “We believe behavioral health care should begin in our general pediatrician’s office in close collaboration with our partners in pediatric psychology and psychiatry,” Dr. Maffei said. “Our partnership has improved access and allowed us to be innovative — seeking new ways to provide these vital services such as telehealth and advancing pediatric behavioral health education in our community. We’re on the precipice of significant change and progress in an area that truly has been in crisis.” Addressing the crisis requires more than just one person or one gift, but the entire community working together for prevention, according to McDowell. “Anyone considering a gift to behavioral health should know that it’s money well spent. Write the check, but bring your passion with it,” she said. “I encourage others to begin the conversations with people here. You will be inspired. You will be educated and better prepared to be out there fighting the good fight.”
Lackawanna College Police Academy Receives Donation Lackawanna College staff, along with the family of the late Andrew J. Jones, accept a $7,700 donation from Valley Aviation to the Andrew J. Jones memorial fund. Andrew J. Jones, “AJ” is a 2018 alumnus of the Hazleton Police Academy’s 240th class who passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in 2019. Jones served as a full-time officer for the Swoyersville Police Department and as a part-time officer for the Exeter Police Department.
The Wright Center Supports the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education recently donated $10,000 to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties in support of its annual campaign. “The United Way and the people we serve every day are grateful for the ongoing support of The Wright Center,” said Gary W. Drapek, president and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “Our missions to lift up underserved communities in the region are more important than ever as the global pandemic continues to affect many facets of our lives. This donation will lessen the impact of COVID-19 on those who can least afford it.” The Wright Center cares for more than 30,000 patients at its eight primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. The Wright Center for Community Health works to improve the health and welfare of Northeast Pennsylvania by improving access to patient-centric health care services, while The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education builds a sustainable and competent workforce of physicians. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation ceremony at The Wright Center, from left, are Deborah Kolsovsky, chairperson, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties’ annual campaign; Gary W. Drapek, president and CEO, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO, The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, and Gerard Geoffroy, chairperson, The Wright Center for Community Health Board of Directors.
FNCB Supports Students at Allied Services FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced an $85,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia. The non-profit school in Scranton serves children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, providing specialized instruction to assist students in identifying their learning style and maximizing their abilities. Students from 19 local school districts attend the full-time school serving grades 1 through 8. FNCB’s donation directly funded student scholarships for families in need. “The work the teachers, staff and administration at the dePaul School do is amazing,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “As a community partner, we are proud to support their efforts and help a large number of students reach their full potential.” The support of Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative.
NeighborWorks NEPA Receives Contribution from Honesdale National Bank NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) recently accepted a contribution from Honesdale National Bank (HNB), in the amount of $10,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). The contribution will support the Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program for 2022. Beautiful Blocks, which is jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks and the City of Scranton, provides matching grants of up to $1,000 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan, stated, “At HNB, we are thrilled to support a program that provides greater opportunity for families to grow in our local neighborhoods.” He said, “The future of our communities is vested in partnerships just like these and we appreciate all NeighborWorks is doing to accelerate local opportunities.” “Honesdale National Bank has been a steadfast partner for our community work over the years,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “Their contribution to this year’s Beautiful Blocks Program is just another example of how they prioritize direct and measurable investment in our neighborhoods.”
Lackawanna College Environmental Center Receives $5,000 Donation from FNCB Bank FNCB Bank presents a $5,000 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Mariellen Walsh, Lackawanna College Associate Vice President for College; Laurel Radzieski, Lackawanna College Manager of Grant Strategies; and Deb Kennedy, FNCB Bank Vice President, Retail Market Manager. FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $5,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of Lackawanna College is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
FNCB Bank Donates $7,500 to United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $7,500 donation to United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. The United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. FNCB Bank’s donation will touch the lives of many individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The support of United Way is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
FNCB Bank Supports Dallas Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. FNCB Bank presents an $8,000 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the Dallas Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. in support of the academic experience of students in the Dallas School District. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Kelley Zionce, FNCB Bank Community Office Manager (Back Mountain) and Greg Riley, Dallas High School Principal. FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced an $8,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the Dallas Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. The donation will help support the academic experience for students of the Dallas School District. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of the Dallas Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
NET Credit Union Donates $30K to 2021 Charity Recipient NET Credit Union recently donated $30,000 to their 2021 charity recipient, Peggy’s Pathway For Women’s Cancer Care. All funds raised from The NET-A-PALOOZA Family Carnival & Cornhole Tournament hosted with NEPA Cornhole at The Hilton in Downtown Scranton and The NEToberfest Golf Tournament at Pine Hills Country Club benefited Peggy’s Pathway. Family and friends of the late Peggy Pettinato, who passed away for endometrial cancer, started Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer Care in Peggy’s honor. Their mission is to raise funds for research into innovative treatments and early detection for endometrial cancer. This donation will help with their efforts. Front Row Pictured L to R: Marco and Isbella Paoli. Second Row Pictured L to R: Janelle Kaczmarek, NET CFO; Diane Scandale, Peggy’s Pathway; Clarence Baltrusaitis, NET CEO; April Beky, Peggy’s Pathway; Natalie O’Hara, Peggy’s Pathway; Lisa Davis, Peggy’s Pathway; Kristin Paoli, Peggy’s Pathway and Robert Pettinato Sr., Peggy’s Pathway. Third Row Pictured L to R: Mary Lynn Gaetano, NET Credit Union, Frank Paoli, Peggy’s Pathway; Betty Chiorazzi, Peggy’s Pathway and Karen Clifford, NET Board of Director.
Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA Receives Pet Food Donation Meals on Wheels of NEPA received a donation of Pet Food from Minooka Subaru. Minooka Subaru filled a Subaru Crosstrek with donated food supplies. The pet food donation supports the Treasured Friends Pet Food program which delivers pet food and supplies to participating clients. This helps keep a cherished pet with their companion and reduces food sharing by clients with their pets. Meals on Wheels of NEPA is participating in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America – one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the campaign. From November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities. By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in NEPA. The core programming of Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA is the Home Delivered Meals program, which serves elderly adults and adults with disabilities in our community. Individuals whose life circumstances make it difficult or impossible for them to prepare needed nourishment receive a hot meal delivered to them by volunteers and caring staff. In addition to keeping the senior well-nourished, Meals on Wheels often provides the only human contact many homebound individuals experience each day. Meals on Wheels of NEPA has been in existence since 1969, and to date, has served over 5 million meals.
