Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit Goes Virtual Originally scheduled as an in-person event, the NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit has transitioned to an interactive virtual format via Zoom, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the same valuable content. Hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its NEPA Thrives initiative, the Summit will bring employers, human resources professionals, executives, and managers together to tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Join the Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration in The Care Economy on Thursday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The first hour, led by The Institute, will explore workforce dynamics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including in-demand occupations, labor market trends and COVID-19 impacts. A panel featuring experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Geisinger, The Institute and JobsFirstNYC will follow, discussing sector-focused strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the Care Economy. Participants will learn about local healthcare demand, industry partnerships, and strengthening talent pipelines. Register here. If you miss the first session, join the NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC. Register here. Additional Sessions: March 13 – Strengthening Organizations Presentations March 19 – Childcare Panel March 21 – Employment Resources Panel March 24 – Transportation Panel April 3 – Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships April 9 – K-12 Panel April 14 – The Welcoming Center This virtual series will include expert-led discussions and solution-driven collaborations, leading up to an in-person wrap-up collaborative on May 1, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic change and collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This Summit offers actionable strategies to strengthen organizations and drive economic growth in response to ongoing workforce challenges. For full session details and to register, visit SAFDN.org. For inquiries, contact Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager, at koren@safdn.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grantees in 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with AllOne Foundation & Charities and the Moses Taylor Foundation, gathered to award over $1.1 million to the recipients of the 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program. Funds will assist nonprofit organization grantees in behavioral and mental health care across Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. Employee Assistance Grants will help the recipient organizations sustain a sufficient level of qualified providers to meet community demand. Specifically, funds will alleviate financial-related stressors, minimize employee attrition, and serve as an additional recruitment strategy while supporting the long- term development of a sustained workforce for providers. The 2024 grantees are Allied Services for an enhanced assistance program for behavioral health team members; Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for launching an employee assistance program to retain and attract behavioral health employees; Children’s Service Center for an employee tuition and loan assistance program; Friendship House for the Friendship House ABA Program Staff Recruitment Initiative; Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania for investing in social workers; Scranton Counseling Center for the Scranton Counseling Center Employee Assistance Program expansion; and Volunteers in Medicine for the development of an employee assistance program in a nonprofit free clinic setting. For more information about The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, contact NEPAHCF@safdn.org or visit www.nepahealthcarefoundation.org.
Skills in Scranton Awarded Community Needs Grant To Expand Career Pathways Resources Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This funding will support the expansion and promotion of career pathways resources, providing invaluable tools to students, educators, and job seekers across northeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Needs Grant will enable Skills in Scranton to enhance its existing programs aimed at addressing the region’s workforce challenges. These efforts include expanding the Career Pathways Curriculum Guide and increasing the availability of the career pathways video resources that connect students and job seekers with high-priority occupations in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and business services. “This grant is a significant step forward in our mission to connect students, educators, and job seekers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By expanding our career pathways initiatives, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities necessary for success in a dynamic workforce.” Through this grant, Skills in Scranton will also increase outreach efforts, ensuring that its career pathways resources reach a broader audience. The expanded programming will focus on equipping students and educators with actionable insights into local career opportunities and supporting businesses in building connections with emerging talent. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grants aim to address critical community challenges and create impactful solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Healthcare Foundation Welcomes New Board Members The Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation (NEPA HCF) is pleased to welcome several new members to its Board of Directors. The newly elected board members are: C. Catherine Mihalick, JD, CTFA Michael Elmo Clemente Attorney Terrence R. Nealon, Jr. Patrick G. Connors, MD Jason R. Woloski, MD, FAAFP, FCPP These elections reflect the NEPA HCF’s ongoing commitment to bringing together dedicated professionals to support the Foundation’s mission of improving the health and well-being of the region’s people, particularly the most vulnerable and underserved. The Foundation thanks its departing board members for their service and contributions over the years and looks forward to the continued growth and impact of their work in the region. For more information about the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation, please visit www.nepahealthcarefoundation.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Thrives Initiative to Host Workforce Barriers Summit The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its NEPA Thrives initiative, invites Northeastern Pennsylvania employers to the Workforce Barriers Summit: Addressing Obstacles to Recruitment and Retention on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Think Tank in Wilkes-Barre. As a leading philanthropic organization in the region, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is committed to fostering systemic change and addressing the critical challenges that hinder economic growth and community well-being. This Summit exemplifies the Foundation’s dedication to creating collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit will convene human resources professionals, executives, and managers to explore and address the most pressing workforce issues impacting our region. In light of the ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, the Summit underscores the Foundation’s leadership in identifying and implementing effective strategies to meet these urgent needs. The event builds on the momentum generated in April 2024, when Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker highlighted four significant workforce barriers—transportation, affordable housing, childcare, and broadband access—during a Capital Conservation session hosted by The Scranton Chamber of Commerce. These systemic challenges directly affect employers’ ability to maintain robust recruitment pipelines and secure long-term growth for their organizations and communities. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Anchors for Equity Initiative, in partnership with The Institute, has been addressing workforce challenges since September 2023 by focusing on populations with specific needs, such as ESL workers, individuals with prior convictions, and those requiring soft skills training or industry certifications. These efforts align closely with the Summit’s goal of identifying actionable solutions to workforce barriers. By exploring how anchor institutions—such as universities, hospitals, and large employers—can contribute to workforce sustainability, this initiative highlights the importance of collective action, a key theme of the Summit. Insights from these ongoing discussions will serve as a valuable foundation for identifying strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, and economic development across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit aims to: Enhance collaboration between employers and community organizations. Identify existing gaps in workforce development resources. Foster collective action to address barriers and drive impactful change. Attendees will benefit from engaging discussions and actionable insights on transportation, childcare solutions, employer partnerships, state and local resources, and K-12 career development. These sessions will not only offer practical tools but also inspire innovative approaches to enhance economic development and community resilience in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we believe that addressing workforce barriers is essential to building a thriving Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This Summit reflects our commitment to uniting stakeholders and creating opportunities that support sustainable economic growth and improve quality of life for all across the region.” Join the Scranton Area Community Foundation in this critical effort to strengthen our community and empower our workforce. For more information or to register for the Workforce Barriers Summit, please email Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at koren@safdn.org.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $15,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Advance Career Awareness Programs Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Skills in Scranton’s efforts to enhance career awareness programs and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the business community. These initiatives aim to empower students and job seekers with a deeper understanding of diverse career pathways and equip them to navigate the evolving workforce landscape. “Business leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania recognize that workforce development is critical to the economic future of our region and the long-term success of our youth,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission to foster career awareness and build a robust talent pipeline. It allows us to connect with students and job seekers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions.” Skills in Scranton has developed a sector-based, industry-driven approach to address skills shortages, cultivate talent pipelines, and create meaningful career pathways. By engaging leading industry sectors, the organization continues to build opportunities that support the region’s workforce and economic growth. “Supporting initiatives that connect education to workforce development is important to the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are proud to support Skills in Scranton to empower students and job seekers with tools to build meaningful careers, while strengthening the economic future of our region.” For more information about Skills in Scranton and its initiatives, please visit skillsinscranton.com.
Allied Services Awarded Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation Allied Services Foundation, on behalf of the John P. Moses Esq Pediatric Rehabilitation Centers, is a recipient of a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for the 2024 Grant Cycle. The grant awarded in the amount of $12,500 will assist with breaking the cycle of poverty through increased access to therapy services for underprivileged children with disabilities across northeastern Pennsylvania. Administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the Robert H, Spitz Foundation funds initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To date, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.25 million to the community. Learn more at www.safdn.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation‘s Platinum Jubilee Celebrated 70 Years of Impact The Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating 70 years of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania at its Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, December 5, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Over 200 attendees gathered for a memorable evening of inspiring stories and a look ahead at the Foundation’s bright future. The event celebrated the SACF’s incredible journey, made possible by the generosity of donors and community partners. The Foundation shared key milestones and achievements from throughout its past 70 years, showcasing how its efforts have evolved to meet the region’s changing needs. “Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” A highlight of the evening showcased the progress of SACF’s upcoming move to its permanent new home at the Century Club of Scranton in Lackawanna County. This new space will allow the Foundation to better serve the community with on-site services for philanthropists, nonprofits, and community members to collaborate, connect, and forge innovative solutions in the years to come. Though the event was free, donations were welcome, and SACF gratefully accepted contributions supporting its 70th Anniversary Campaign upon registration. Funds support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for people, projects, and causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives Donation from Minooka Subaru Minooka Subaru recently presented the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a check in the amount of $47,647 which comes from their latest Share the Love® event where the Scranton Area Community Foundation was selected as the hometown charity for Minooka Subaru’s customers to support during the event. This is the sixth year that Minooka Subaru has partnered with the Scranton Area Community Foundation as the hometown charity to support. To date, Minooka Subaru has donated over $200,000 to support the Minooka Subaru Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation which provides charitable support to the community. (from left to right): Pat Corbett (Minooka Subaru), Laura Ducceschi (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Joe Corbett (Minooka Subaru), Mike Shields (Minooka Subaru).
NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Expands Efforts to Support Animals The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, formed in 2019 by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is making significant strides in advancing animal welfare throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bringing together over 40 local animal shelters, rescues, advocates and sanctuaries, the Collaborative focuses on improving the lives of animals through innovative programs, partnerships, and expanded resources. Affordable Veterinary Care In March 2023, the Collaborative, in partnership with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, launched the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic in Dalton. This state-of-the-art facility provides accessible and affordable veterinary care, addressing a critical gap in animal healthcare services in the region. Spay/Neuter Initiatives Additionally in March 2023, the Collaborative received a transformative grant from Bob Jones’ Dog Trust to promote canine spay/neuter initiatives. The funding enabled the distribution of over 150 spay/neuter vouchers, directly supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing the region’s stray dog population. Addressing Feral Cat Challenges In response to a rising feral cat population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Collaborative launched a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiative in partnership with the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic. In August 2024, three dedicated clinic events provided free spaying, neutering, vaccinations and veterinary care for over 100 feral cats in Lackawanna County. The program has successfully mitigated concerns around disease transmission, wildlife interactions and neighborhood disruptions caused by feral cats. New Website to Enhance Regional Animal Welfare Efforts This month, the Collaborative will unveil a comprehensive regional animal welfare resource guide on its new website. The guide will feature essential contacts for shelters, rescues, veterinary care, trainers, and TNR programs, providing a one-stop resource for the public while easing the strain on local facilities. These initiatives are just the latest examples of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative’s commitment to improving animal welfare across the region. To learn more or get involved, visit nepaawc.org and follow the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative on Facebook.
