Keystone College Provides Update on its Future On Friday, May 17, 2024, Keystone College announced that it is in the final stages of executing a letter of intent and funding agreement with a strategic partner to create a new partnership that will provide Keystone with a roadmap for a long-term path forward. While details of the agreement are not yet public, the day-to-day operations of the College and its academic mission will remain essentially unchanged. Both parties felt that discussions had crossed a critical point which would allow the College to announce that an agreement is imminent. Any agreement will be subject to the final approval of the College’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which will be notified of the parties’ intentions as soon as the signed agreement is finalized. Approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education and the United States Department of Education will also be necessary. During the review period, which may take up to a year, Keystone intends to continue uninterrupted operation of classes, as well as all other college activities and intercollegiate sports, and continues to accept and enroll freshman and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester. Keystone will conclude its current academic year with its 153rd commencement on Saturday, May 18, on campus. “Keystone College is absolutely thrilled to reach this point in our discussions with our strategic partner,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For the past several months, we continued to say we were hopeful that an agreement with an innovative partner could be reached while fulfilling every obligation to our accreditor to prepare for closure, should that be necessary. We are so thankful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who continued to believe in us as well as to the educational partners that are included in our teach-out plan. Since its founding in 1868, Keystone’s motto has been “Progress Through Effort” and we continue to work long and hard to secure a positive outcome so we can look to the future with promise and optimism. The agreement is just the beginning as there will be much work to do on our path forward in the days ahead. But we do have a path forward and we intend to work very closely with Middle States to ensure successful continuation of operations.” On May 15, the College submitted all of the necessary components of an “implementable teach-out plan” and institutional status report as requested by MSCHE. That plan is under review by MSCHE. “This partnership agreement demonstrates the need for innovation and forward-thinking in today’s highly competitive educational market,” said Tim Pryle, Vice President of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement and Marketing. “With a continued decline in college-age population, and other challenges, many colleges and universities across the nation, including Keystone, will continue to find themselves in financially difficult situations. The need to find and develop strong partnerships with organizations willing to share responsibilities, goals, and missions is becoming increasingly more important, even critical. We believe we have found just such an innovative and dedicated partner and are grateful to join with them on our journey.”
Keystone Mission Celebrates Community Heroes with Volunteer Appreciation Week To celebrate and commemorate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Keystone Mission staff surprised their regular volunteers with shirts that reveal the truth about their volunteers – they’re the best! “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of what we do. Whether it is at our Transformation or Innovation Centers, the depth of commitment they make in the lives of our guests is immeasurable,” says Kathy Regan, Operations & Program Director of Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center. Volunteers are crucial to aiding our guests and residents toward life transformation from daily tasks to teaching a life skills class or bible study. “Any day I come here is an awesome day!” says Holly Spece, a Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center volunteer. Spece is a regular volunteer at the Innovation Center who sits and talks with guests, assisted in the Emergency Shelter – Code Blue when in season, and supports any special events like the Easter brunch. “Volunteerism is a crucial part of what we do here at Keystone Mission,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. “The individuals who give of their time, talents, and resources to our guests and residents have not gone unnoticed and take on a crucial part of our team. During this special week, Keystone Mission is showing appreciation to the men and women who freely do so much for our organization.” To learn more about how you can volunteer at Keystone Mission, call 570-871-4795 ext. 404 or visit our website at KeystoneMission.org/volunteer.
Keystone Mission Keeps Growing with New Community Garden The Seeds of Hope Community Garden will soon extend across Keystone Mission facilities as a new in-house program for guests experiencing homelessness. The Seeds of Hope program is designed to facilitate the dual development of life and vocational skills. The initiative engages Center guests, staff, and the local community to actively participate in planning, growing, and harvesting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Guests are integral to the planning process and are responsible for the ongoing garden maintenance throughout the season. As part of this hands-on experience, guests utilize the harvested fruits and vegetables to prepare meals, concurrently gaining insights into their nutritional value. “Learning to cultivate crops addresses both food insecurity, which greatly affects unsheltered individuals but also equips individuals with transferable skills that may enhance their employability,” says Lasha Wyman-Klein, Scranton Program Director. Beginning in May, planning committees are set to be in place and the gardens will be active in their Scranton & Wilkes-Barre locations. “One of the goals we hope to accomplish by establishing this community garden is how best we can foster positive relationships between the community and the unhoused/unsheltered/homeless population,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. Keystone Mission is seeking community individuals & businesses to become part of their planning committee and work alongside staff and guests. For more information or to volunteer, please visit www.KeystoneMission.org/seeds-of-hope.
Cooper’s Restaurant Creates Positive Impact with Keystone Mission Cooper’s Seafood House presented Keystone Mission with a check for $1,735 after a successful fundraiser with the restaurant.Through individual and business support, Keystone Mission was overwhelmed by the turnout of the fundraiser held at Cooper’s Restaurant in Scranton. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner locally with those who care about what we care about – providing help and hope to those who need it in our area,” says Jillian Mirro, Communications & Marketing Manager. “Keystone Mission thanks Cooper’s Restaurant for their kindness and generosity. These funds will aid us in making a greater impact on the lives of individuals we serve in the various communities, beginning in Scranton. We look forward to working with Cooper’s again,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. The money raised will support the organization’s ongoing programs, beginning with our Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty.
Keystone Mission Worship Night Brings in All Walks of Life Over the weekend, Keystone Mission opened its Scranton facility for a night of song and fellowship among guests and the local community.Keystone Mission opened their doors for food, fellowship, music and the Gospel message from special guests, Livingsong. Livingsong is a nationwide traveling worship band, whose mission is to bring the Gospel to the least, the last, and the lost. Their ministry includes volunteering in recovery support programs, emergency shelters, and correctional facilities by leading worship, and giving a gospel presentation. This event was a time for guests facing homelessness to gather in a familiar place and be a part of something different that is not always available to them. “Bringing together guests, staff and community members, eliminating the line of giver and receiver in the name of Jesus Christ and worship. This platform serves to remind us that community finds its strength in the harmony of compassion and shared humanity,” says Lasha Wyman-Klein, Scranton Program Director. “Beyond the myriad of daily services we offer in Scranton and during designated nights for Code Blue, this event served as an opportunity for individuals of our community to come together,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. “The message in song and the spoken word was uplifting, and those who attended left feeling refreshed and renewed about the hope that still exists in our world through Jesus Christ.” Keystone Mission would also like to thank Minooka Pastry Shop, Cuppa Cake Café, and Gerrity’s for their food donations for the night.
The Keystone Mission Receives Donation from FNCB Bank The Keystone Mission, the Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty, received a $5,000 grant from the FNCB Bank, through the FNCB Bank Charitable Foundation. This donation is part of their larger Community Caring initiative. Through community partnerships, Keystone is filling the immediate and long-term needs of those facing homelessness in the Wilkes-Barre area. The facility provides meals, showers, emergency provisions, and daily programming and doubles as the Emergency Shelter – Code Blue during winter. “Since the opening, we have seen a steady increase in the number of guests who come through our doors daily,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.
Keystone Mission Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Robert H. Spitz Foundation provided a $6,000 grant to Keystone Mission’s Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty for housing needs. The grant directly supports the housing program at the Mission, which aids adults experiencing homelessness to access affordable and permanent housing. Our Housing Life Coach bridges the gap between guests experiencing homelessness and outside agencies that have housing/shelter programs available. The Life Coach trains each guest on how to fill out public housing applications, conduct an apartment/house search, and/or set up the proper appointments and transportation.
Penn State Scranton Donates to Keystone Mission Penn State Scranton: With cold weather already impacting Northeast Pennsylvania, concern for those who may not have the necessary warm clothing, particularly winter coats, was a primary concern for students in Penn State Scranton’s BA 321 class. So much so, that they made conducting a community-wide coat and clothing drive their semester class project. Under the guidance of Assistant Teaching Professor Frank Sorokach, the students completed their project on Friday morning at Penn State Scranton’s Business Building with a formal presentation of close to 600 winter items to Scranton’s Keystone Mission. A $600 donation from Adidas was secured by the students working on the project earlier in the fall, but they did not share that with Keystone Mission, so that they could surprise them with something above and beyond what they were expecting. Multiple community partners also played a vital role in the success of this project including Home Depot, the Mountain View School District, Jessup Borough, Colarusso’s Restaurant, and several others committed to fostering a spirit of giving and warmth within the region and supporting Penn State Scranton students in their endeavor. In October, students launched their project, strategically placing collection boxes across campus and community locations. Within just one week, their efforts exceeded the initial goal of collecting 100 coats. The upcoming public presentation to Keystone Mission reflects the students’ dedication to community service and their desire to make a meaningful impact. “Community service means being selfless,” said third-year business major Michael DeWolfe. “It’s important to give back because we have the privilege to have warm clothes. Helping others is important to our group.” DeWolfe credits Penn State Scranton for providing him with the opportunity to help those in need. “PSU shaped me as a student and as an individual [to be able to give] back to the community by giving me opportunities like BA 321. With great professors and a community to back me up, I have seen how fortunate I am to be able to attend this institution and have the resources I have,” DeWolfe said. “It is important to use these skills and opportunities to give back.” Josephine Sesay, a fourth-year business major, said, “As a team, we want this drive to be successful to help the community and put smiles on people’s faces. “Giving back to those in need is important because it helps create a more compassionate and equitable society. Additionally, helping others is a fundamental aspect of our shared humanity. It addresses systematic issues of inequality and provides crucial support to individuals and communities facing hardships. Additionally, helping others is a fundamental aspect of our shared humanity.” The Winter Wear Drive is a project undertaken as part of Penn State’s BA 321: Contemporary Skills for Business Professionals course. This course, offering three credits, emphasizes the development of individual, group, critical thinking, and presentation skills through modern methods and business technology. Penn State Scranton is committed to community engagement and creating positive social impact through student-led initiatives. The Winter Wear Drive exemplifies the University’s dedication to fostering compassionate leaders and contributing to the well-being of the community.
Keystone Mission Receives $25,000 Grant The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund presented Keystone Mission with a $25,000 grant check to help fill the growing need of individuals seeking nutritious meals throughout the organization.Among our regular church partnerships and food providers for weekend meal outreach, part of Keystone Mission’s outreach is serving nutritious meals – breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday – to welcome individuals further into the wrap-around services.“We provide healthy, nutritious meals daily, and this grant will go a long way, touch many lives, and leave an indelible impact on our guests and residents,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.
Keystone Mission Holds First Poetry & Worship Night Keystone Mission held their first Poetry & Worship Night on Saturday October 14th at their Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty, where local community and Keystone Mission guests bonded over worship and poetry readings. With the help of Garry Melville of Party Poets, guests, staff, and visitors were encouraged to step up to the mic and share their heart with the crowd. This event was created to make the arts more accessible for the homeless community in Northeast PA. Individuals facing homelessness are often embarrassed by their appearance and hygiene and are not comfortable going into seated establishments.
