NeighborWorks NEPA Launches Mobile Toolkit Program NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the launch of the Mobile Toolkit program. The Mobile Toolkit is a trailer-based collection of outdoor tools and equipment that can be transported and used for cleanups, tree-plantings, and other outdoor projects. The Mobile Toolkit will be available for use by local nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and others to complete neighborhood improvement projects. Tools available in the Mobile Toolkit include a lawnmower, walk-behind and hand-held string trimmers, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and various hand-held tools. “The Mobile ToolKit represents a great step forward in our capacities to aid our community partners in the area of neighborhood revitilization,” Jesse Ergott, NWNEPA President & CEO, said of the initiative. “The tools and equipment available for use through this program will allow neighborhood groups to accomplish projects that may not be possible otherwise.” The Mobile Toolkit has served as the team service project for the Community Leadership Instittue (CLI) team from NWNEPA. Organized and hosted by NeighborWorks America, the CLI program brings together teams of neighborhood leaders from NeighborWorks Network member organizations across the United States to strengthen the capacity of the participants to make positive change in their communities. The CLI timeline includes action planning sessions, skill-building workshops and a yearlong service project implementation period. CLI team members include Thom Welby, Henry Matute, Andy Chomko, Anne McNally, Tim Schwartz, Robert Philbin, Eric Myers, Robert Gattens, Meegan Possemato, and Holly Yorkonis.For more information, or to reserve the Mobile ToolKit for an upcoming neighborhood project, visit nwnepa.org/mobiletoolkit, or contact Gerard Hetman at 570-558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
NeighborWorks Seeking AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteers Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 7 to August 13, 2021, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. About the PositionVISTA Summer Associates will work with residents and volunteers to improve West Scranton and serve seniors through NeighborWorks’ aging in place program by: • Coordinating volunteer home repair projects• Installing home safety kits for seniors• Visiting businesses to enroll them in a business association• Coordinating neighborhood and park cleanups• Maintaining vacant lots• Picking up litter along main commercial corridors• Documenting and reporting quality of life issues (code violations, missing street signs, etc.) This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-vista. Qualifications• U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age• Ability to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activities• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office• Valid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel How to ApplyApplications will be accepted until May 7, 2021, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Announces Move to New Location NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is excited to announce their move to 815 Smith Street in West Scranton. The new location will provide the non-profit with more space and technology, a more efficient layout, and more parking. NeighborWorks will be able to have more impact on the neighbors and communities they serve. Outdoor renovations of the new location are being planned for the summer.
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Receives $10,000 Donation from FNCB Bank FNCB Bank, locally-based for over 111 years, recently donated $10,000 through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Project Tax Credit Program, to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for their Beautiful Blocks Program. The Beautiful Blocks Program provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of 5 or more Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process. Applications for the 2021 program year are now open at www.nwnepa.org. The support of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
