Outreach Hosts Parent Café for Fathers Outreach recently invited Fathers to attend our Parent Café that was held on June 10, 2022, from 10 am – 11:30 am. The topic of the Parent Café was Dad Talks and featured Pennsylvania State Representatives Kyle Mullins and Thom Welby, sharing their experiences as Fathers. Outreach hosted over 20 participants that spent a morning with their peers and some of the Family Development Specialists from Outreach to share stories, concerns, joys, and accomplishments in a supportive environment. Attendees and their children also received the book “Just Me and My Dad”. Outreach offers a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency, with respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,000 adults and children each year with evidence-based early childhood education, parenting, family, and workforce development programs that support individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges. While many Outreach families and individuals come from disparate and often-times difficult circumstances, all share one common trait: Hope for brighter tomorrows.
Job Fair at Outreach – Center for Community Resources Outreach invites job seekers to attend the CANPACK Job Fair being held at the LEAD Center at Outreach, 431 North Seventh Avenue on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 11 am to 2 pm. The LEAD Center at Outreach is hosting this on-site job fair with CANPACK. CANPACK is an international manufacturer of aluminum and steel cans and glass bottles for the food and beverage sector, located in Jessup, PA. CANPACK’s mission is to be the global partner of choice for impactful, experience-enhancing and sustainable packaging solutions – energizing customers, connecting with consumers, and inspiring employees to push boundaries. The job fair is open to the public. Meet with CANPACK, bring your resume, and explore the amazing job opportunities CANPACK has to offer. CANPACK as an employer seeks to unleash the collective energy and potential of their employees.
Outreach Center for Community Resources Welcomes New Executive Director A new year marks a new chapter in the history of Outreach Center for Community Resources in Scranton as members of the Board of Directors announce Lori Chaffers has been named Executive Director. Outreach is a non-profit organization serving thousands of people of all ages in northeastern Pennsylvania through a variety of programs supporting family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Chaffers brings a wealth of experience in social services and advocacy to her new position, including a decade of service with Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services, where she fulfilled various roles. Most recently, she was the agency’s program director in the Office of Social Service Research and Development. Prior to that, she was a supervisor for its Independent Living Unit, an independent living coordinator, and a caseworker. Her career encompasses human services, strategic planning and education at social service agencies, religious organizations and educational institutions in Scranton, Philadelphia and surrounding communities, and New Jersey. A stalwart advocate for social justice, her experience will enhance efforts to fulfill the mission of Outreach, and meet the growing needs of the populations it serves. Chaffers is affiliated with a number of professional and community organizations. Highlights of her community involvement include serving as board secretary of the Center for Health & Human Services Research & Action, and as executive committee member of Transforming Children’s Future. Past service includes volunteering as chairperson for the Youth & Education Sub-Committee of Lackawanna County Housing Continuum, and as a member of the Lackawanna Recovery Coalition. She also served as an adjunct instructor and field instructor for the Master of Social Work program at Marywood University in Scranton. In 2017, Chaffers was honored with the Murray Fox Practicum Educators Award presented by Marywood University’s Field Education Department. Chaffers has participated in numerous professional and educational conferences as a guest lecturer at Temple University, Marywood University, The University of Scranton, SWAN statewide conference, and TCOM/CANS conference, and CWRC: Older Youth Webinar Series Collaboration for Transition Planning. She holds a bachelor of social work degree from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and a master of social work degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Chaffers resides in Dickson City with her husband, Alexander (A.J.), and her two children, Angela, age 9, and Joseph, age 6. Chaffers begins her service on January 10, following the retirement of Executive Director Linda Ciampi, who joined the Outreach staff in 2014 as operations director. She was named executive director in 2015 and appointed in 2016, marking a period of growth for the organization. Under her direction, the center underwent a name change and rebranding from Employment Opportunity and Training Center (EOTC) to Outreach Center for Community Resources to better reflect the variety of services and programs the center offers. In addition, the organization was recognized by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce as the SAGE Award Non-Profit of the Year in 2018, and designated a Blue-Ribbon Parents as Teacher® National Affiliate in 2021. An active member of the community, Ciampi served on multiple non-profit boards during her tenure, including: leadership roles on the Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Advisory Board; the Lackawanna County Opioid Reduction Coalition, as a member of the Leadership Committee and co-chairperson of the Professional Education Committee; member of Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy initiative; coach for The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program; and chairperson of the Pardon Project of Lackawanna County.
Outreach Center for Community Resources Receives Grant from Recovery Rises Foundation Pictured left to right: Helen Lavelle, Brendan McGovern, Attorney Conrad Falvello, Recovery Rises Foundation, Linda Ciampi, Outreach Executive Director, and Attorney Thomas Cummings, Recovery Rises. Outreach – Center for Community Resources is honored to receive a $100,000 grant from the Recovery Rises Foundation (formerly Clear Brook Foundation). Outreach partners with Recovery Rises to support individuals impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. This grant will allow Outreach to provide support and programs that help individuals to achieve family stability, long-term recovery, and economic self-sufficiency. Community programs provided at the Outreach Center in Scranton include workforce development, parenting, anger management, family reunification, financial literacy, career portfolios including submitting job applications, interview preparation, group and peer-to-peer recovery services, and much more. Outreach partners with Recovery Rises to provide wraparound recovery and additional human services for participants. Outreach case managers work individually with participants to connect them to needed services including referrals for housing, food, advanced vocational skills, connection to recovery and mental health assistance, and links to services available at our regional partner organizations. The Recovery Rises Foundation provides grants to organizations to meet the needs of the underserved in the recovery community. The Foundation provides grants to regional non-profits that seek to create projects that elevate local recovery efforts. Support is provided to advance the following priorities: Foster collaboration among different community agencies, and local government; Reflect a comprehensive approach to recovery community development; Promote recovery community participation and engagement; and Provide evidence-based results.
Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant Supports Outreach Center for Community Resources In photo (left to right): Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants & Scholarship Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Eve Schell and Alicia Olivetti, Outreach Early Head Start Family Development Specialists, Jack Nogi, Trustee, Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the programs and services that Outreach provides to the regional community. Outreach serves a broad population of those affected by poverty and other challenges: single parents, unemployed workers, educationally at-risk children, veterans, individuals with health, behavioral and cognitive issues, individuals in recovery, and others in transition. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,000 adults and children each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges. The support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports Outreach programs and services that are being provided at the Center on Seventh Avenue, virtually, and through home visiting child-serving programs. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant will provide the operational support necessary for Outreach to respond to the increased need being experienced in the community for workforce and family services and programs. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. Before retirement, Mr. Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and was also the owner of several local Arby’s restaurants. Since 2015, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $3.7 million in funding to the community. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.
Outreach Center for Community Resources 2021 Mighty Oak Awards – Gerrity’s Supermarkets and the Scranton Primary Health Care Center Outreach invites the community to attend the 2021 Mighty Oak Awards on October 6, 2021, as we honor service-minded pillars that have provided essential services to the region since the beginning of the pandemic. The Mighty Oak Awards will be honoring Gerrity’s Supermarkets and Scranton Primary Health Care Center. These organizations support the community and provide vital services. Scranton Primary Health Care Center opened its doors in 1978 as a Federally Qualified Health Center to provide care to the uninsured and under-insured. Scranton Primary provides care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Scranton Primary continues to serve that mission by offering pediatrics, family & internal medicine, women’s health & gynecology, perinatal care, infectious disease care, behavioral health and general dentistry, as well as helping people navigate the insurance marketplace. Scranton Primary has been offering COVID-19 rapid testing and vaccinations as soon as they became available. Last year, Scranton Primary treated almost 12,000 patients, resulting in nearly 42,000 visits to their three offices. Over a century ago, in 1895, William Gerrity founded a small meat shop named Gerrity’s Market at 345 Railroad Avenue in Scranton. Though the business has been in the Fasula family for over 40 years, the 126-year-old Gerrity name has remained. From the flagship store in West Scranton, which opened in 1980, to the eight additional locations, Gerrity’s Supermarket stands today as one of the oldest and most well-known local businesses. Today, Gerrity’s is run by Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son Joe Fasula. The Fasula family attributes their success to the vision of their father, Neal Fasula, and Joseph Gerrity (son of William) and his family. Most of all, however, they credit the hard work and dedication of their 1,100 team members. They are very grateful for the loyalty and support of their customers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Gerrity’s continues to serve their customers and protect the health of all those who enter their stores, maintaining operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach invites the community to attend the Mighty Oak Awards and honor these community pillars in a beautiful outdoor venue at the Glenmaura National Golf Club starting at 5:30 pm. The Mighty Oak Award is the signature event for Outreach and highlights the agency’s acclaimed work with residents of Lackawanna County and the surrounding counties in our region. Outreach is grateful to M&T Bank, Gerrity’s Supermarkets, and TOPP Business Solutions for their sponsorship of the Mighty Oak Awards. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please contact Outreach at 570-558-7565.
Center for Community Resources Children’s Career Fair Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host its second Children’s Career Fair at Outreach, 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton on Saturday, September 11, 2021, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The Outreach Children’s Career Fair provides an opportunity for children to interact with professionals from numerous businesses and career fields and then dream about what they want to be when they grow up! Partners and businesses participating include: Representative Bridget M. Kosierwoski and Delta Medix will host an on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti – Pop Up Town Hall Agency for Community Empowerment – Early Head StartArtist Travis PrinceBold Gold Media/The River 105/103.5 Assistive technology specialist from United Cerebral Palsy Army Reserves/Tobyhanna Army Depot Dunmore Roofing & Supply Dr. Kevin Musto Empire Beauty School Fashion Apparel Designer Michele McGlaughry Golden Fidelity Bank Graphic artist from Talk Shirty To Me Health and Humanities professionals from The Wright Center Keystone Container Service Lackawanna County Children’s Library Marywood University Nursing and Speech Pathology programs New York Life Insurance Penn State Extension with STEM activities Pennsylvania State Police Pivot Physical Therapy Scranton Fire Department Steamtown National Historic Site Veterinary Services – Danielle Chesick The Outreach Children’s Career Fair is free and open to all families with children interested in interacting with businesses and exploring future career possibilities! Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers family educational and workforce development services and programs to the regional community to promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach provides evidence-based early childhood programs that help families and children gain the skills needed to be healthy and productive members of the community. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,000 individuals each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support them as they navigate life’s challenges.
Outreach Center for Community Resources Community Celebration Outreach invites the public to attend a Community Celebration in the Center’s Backyard Green Space at 431 North Seventh Avenue on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, starting at 4:30 PM. Outreach will be honoring the following individuals that have had a profound impact on the organization and mission of Moving Today’s Families Forward: Beth Beh, founder of EOTC/Outreach through Women’s Employment Program; Maureen Pesavento (posthumously), board member, 10 years of service and establishment of an ongoing building maintenance fund; Elaine and Jim Donly, 25-year employee and husband recognizing years of service and donation of a Mighty Oak tree to the backyard green space; Kristy Ryczak (posthumously), EOTC Program Manager, 10 years of service; and Pamela Pangonis (posthumously), Outreach Case Manager, 5 years of service. Outreach will also be celebrating: Completion of the new mural on the exterior wall of The Center made possible by the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture and the Lackawanna County Commissioners; and Community Partners who contributed to beautifying the backyard greenspace for staff and families to enjoy: Penn State Master Gardeners, creators and contributors to the backyard green space aesthetics/plants; and Home Depot (veteran volunteers), donation and construction of the backyard green space gazebo. This community celebration will also include a Pig Roast fundraiser. Dinners will be available for take-out for a suggested minimum donation of $10/dinner.
Outreach – Center for Community Resources Welcomes Community and School Liaison Margy Durkin, Outreach – Center for Community Resources Community and School Liaison Outreach – Center for Community Resources welcomes Margy Durkin as its new Community and School Liaison. Ms. Durkin will partner with regional school districts and human service organizations to engage families in need of early childhood and other critical services that Outreach delivers to help families and children thrive. Ms. Durkin has made significant progress in connecting with school district staff as well as with numerous other agencies that can refer families in need of Outreach child and family services and programs. Ms. Durkin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Wilkes University and comes to Outreach with over 30 years of experience in social work. Outreach received grant funding from the Robert Y. Moffat Charitable Trust and the PPL Foundation to support the Community and School Liaison project. If your organization would like a presentation on the Parent/Child services offered by Outreach, please contact Ms. Durkin at 570.348.6484. Outreach serves a broad population of those affected by poverty and other challenges: single parents, unemployed workers, educationally at-risk children, veterans, individuals with health, behavioral and cognitive issues, individuals in recovery, and others in transition. Outreach improves the lives of over 5,000 individuals each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support individuals as they move forward in life.
