The Chamber Launches 2023 Educator in the Workplace Program

Scranton, PA—Skills in Scranton, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development affiliate organization, welcomed 26 participants to the 2023 Educator in the Workplace Program.

Educator in the Workplace seeks to enhance classroom instruction, student learning, and career readiness for the workplace of today and tomorrow by connecting educators and school board directors with local business and industry leaders.

The 26 educators will participate in at least five one-day virtual and in-person learning sessions.

What are program participants doing?

  • Participating in and exploring career pathways in local businesses and industries
  • Interacting directly with business community leaders, gaining insight into the skills students need to succeed in their future careers
  • Establishing connections to business and industry leaders in Lackawanna County’s leading and emerging industry sectors
  • Learning about local businesses and employment opportunities

“Educator in the Workplace seeks to align and connect business and industry leaders with local school districts, the career and technical center, and the local intermediate unit,” said Amy Luyster, Vice President. “Program participants are provided experiences interacting directly with industry and business leaders to learn about industry trends, needs, and opportunities to enhance their classroom instruction, student learning, and career readiness.

This program is partly funded by the City of Scranton American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Non-Profit Covid Relief Grant and sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Charitable Fund

The Scranton Area Community Foundation announces a new charitable fund established to support others diagnosed with colon cancer.

Melissa Chermak Liput, remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2020. Today, Melissa’s family wants to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship through a new charitable fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund was created by Melissa’s family in November 2022. The fund aims to help others cope with the financial stresses of a colon cancer diagnosis. It was established by Melissa’s parents Beverly and Danny Chermak, her son Tyler Liput, her husband Ron Liput, and her sister and brother-in-law Lauren and Nick Olivetti.

“In partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we are driven to help those who have been diagnosed with colon cancer,” stated the Chermak-Liput Family. “It is our wish to honor Melissa’s legacy in a way that exemplifies her greatest qualities: kindness and compassion.”

 “The Foundation is grateful to the family of the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund for entrusting the Scranton Area Community Foundation to administer the Fund,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “Through the charitable fund, Melissa’s family will be able to respond to the needs of others who may be facing the stresses of a colon cancer diagnosis and provide support, honoring Melissa’s legacy,” Ducceschi added.

To be considered for a grant from the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund, one must have received a colon cancer diagnosis and be able to demonstrate need due to economic issues related to the diagnosis. Awardees are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis that includes a determination of need and the program must serve a charitable purpose. Preference is given for individuals who are residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. To apply for support, visit safdn.org and access the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online grant management portal. On the online grant management portal, please refer to the “Colon Cancer Patient Support Application” when applying.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is grateful to the family of the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund for entrusting the Scranton Area Community Foundation to administer the Fund.

To donate to the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund, please visit safdn.org or mail a check to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510. Please be sure to write “Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

For more information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 300+ charitable funds or to learn how you can establish a charitable fund or make an impact through a planned gift, please visit safdn.org.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations.

Photo: Melissa Chermak Liput

Photo caption: Melissa Chermak Liput, remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2020. Today, Melissa’s family wants to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship through the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Matt McGloin Foundation Provides Blankets to The Scranton Police Department

The Matt McGloin Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, recently presented 96 blankets to the Scranton Police Department for their annual coat and toy drive.

PHOTO (l-r): Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarship Manager; Matt McGloin, The Matt McGloin Foundation; Melissa McCafferty, Scranton Police Department; Vivian Williams, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Initiatives Manager.

 
The Matt McGloin Foundation, established in 2017 by Matt McGloin, supports charitable causes in the Lackawanna County region. This support has included funding to help a child being treated for cancer, providing oral health kits for hundreds of local children and youth, and providing funding to support veterans’ causes. Additionally, the fund awards a scholarship annually to a graduating senior of West Scranton High School. To date, over $100,000 has been distributed from the Matt McGloin Foundation to support charitable causes across the region. The Matt McGloin Foundation is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

SACF To Host Press Conference

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is hosting a press conference on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the Hilton Scranton Hotel & Conference Center to announce that it was selected to serve as a host site for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy, a fellowship program designed by the Aspen Institute designed to support leaders in workforce development committed to the advancement of the regional workforce ecosystem. The Scranton Area Community Foundation was one of only eight organizations chosen from across the country selected through a competitive process to deliver an Academy in partnership with the Aspen Institute.  Other cities selected include Tucson, Detroit, Cleveland, Memphis, San Antonio, Baltimore, and Buffalo.

The Workforce Leadership Academy will bring leaders – recognized as Fellows of the Academy – from across the local workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.  An advisory board comprised of regional experts will help to shape the Academy.

WHAT: Members of the media are invited to a press conference including Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, The Institute’s Executive Director Teri Ooms, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Durkin, NEPA Black Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Rashida Lovely, and Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi.

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Hilton Scranton Hotel & Conference Center (2nd floor outside the Casey Ballroom)

SACF To Host ‘Elevating Voices for Community Solutions’

The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Scranton, is hosting “Elevating Voices for Community Solutions” — listening sessions on Tuesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM to address solutions for critical topics from the City of Scranton’s Strategic Economic Development Plan.

This is a free event open to all in the community who are interested in learning more about the various needs and challenges in Scranton.

During these listening sessions, community leaders from nonprofit organizations will share relevant community needs throughout Lackawanna County. Topics for discussion, taken from the City of Scranton’s Strategic Economic Development Plan, include industry growth; welcoming diverse talent; affordable and quality housing; emergency services; and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

“The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to bring together local nonprofit organizations to gain a comprehensive and clear picture of the region we serve,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We value our opportunity to work in partnership with the City of Scranton to develop strategies to maximize the use of funding in the region and we look forward to hearing from leaders of nonprofit organizations to get their perspectives on the current issues and challenges they are facing as well as what lies ahead,” Ducceschi added.

“Elevating Voices for Community Solutions” Listening Sessions will take place at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center on Tuesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. To register to attend, please email the Scranton Area Community Foundation at info@safdn.org.

Outreach – Center for Community Resources GED Graduate

Outreach – Center for Community Resources received a $5,000 Innovative Impact grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support the delivery of GED services for individuals in the community to further their education.

This grant provided essential resources for Outreach to serve additional adults in our community in need of these services. Outreach is providing GED educational instruction to economically disadvantaged adults at no cost. This is only possible with grants to support the GED program. Adults with a GED earn on average $9,000 more annually than adults without a GED. Less than 10% of the job positions in the United States will consider hiring someone that does not hold a high school diploma or GED. Attainment of a GED is critical for adults seeking employment and economic self-sufficiency.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania region for over 65 years as a steward, a grantmaker, a charitable resource, and a catalyst for change and growth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change within our community. Today the Scranton Area Community Foundation holds and manages a variety of funds from individuals, organizations, and corporations. Through these gifts, the Foundation responds to community needs and has provided grants to support regional nonprofits.

Cal Bieryla is one of the first to participate in the community GED program at Outreach. Cal was extremely motivated to learn while managing multiple responsibilities, such as being a single Dad and having a full-time job. By utilizing the in-person and online instruction offered by Outreach, Cal was able to attend Math class in the morning after working all night. Then, he worked on English on his own time via Google Classroom. Cal’s goal was not simply to pass the GED exam, but to obtain scores that would allow him to be accepted into college. On July 18, he officially became a graduate with college-ready scores. 

Outreach supported his desire to pursue post-secondary education by connecting him with assistance to explore careers, complete college applications, and financial aid paperwork. Within a few days of completing his GED, Cal was officially accepted into Lackawanna College and is now studying Cyber Security.

With grant support from regional foundations, Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers family educational and workforce development services and programs to the regional community that promotes 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.

Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host Educational Seminar

The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will host Understanding Foundations, Donor Advised Funds, and Other Forms of Philanthropy, an educational presentation with keynote speaker Donald W. Kramer, Esq., on November 3, 2022, at the Century Club of Scranton (612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton).

This presentation aims to give professional advisors an understanding of the rules that distinguish various philanthropic structures. Continuing education is available, including 1.5 hours of CLE credit for attorneys (including .5 hours of ethics credit), 1.5 hours of CPE credit for accountants (including .5 hours of ethics credit), and investment professionals. In addition to professional advisors, this presentation is for nonprofit executives, staff, and board; as well as individuals interested in learning more about charitable structures, philanthropy, and estate planning.

Donald W. Kramer, Esq., a Philadelphia attorney and editor of the newsletter Nonprofit Issues®, will share the advantages and disadvantages of private foundations, public charities, donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, single-member limited liability companies, and other forms of charitable activity. Attorney Kramer will compare the limitations of private foundations and will discuss ways to reduce the impact of restrictions for private foundation managers and grantees. He will also share about alternate means for charitable activity and the growth of 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations as non-charitable organizations used for charitable activity.

Additionally, the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, along with CEOs from other foundations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will provide a brief overview of the current landscape of community needs and trends that can inspire philanthropy and drive charitable intent. Registration, which includes lunch, is $25 for the general public ($20 for Estate Planning Council of NEPA Members). Registration is open now at the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s website, epcnepa.org.  The presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m., with the keynote speaker and lunch taking place at noon and the presentation with local foundations beginning at 1:15 p.m.

SACF Charity Event Hosted by Brandon Matthews

The second annual NEPA Invitational charity event, hosted by PGA TOUR player Brandon Matthews was held at the Country Club of Scranton on October 14 – 16, 2022 and raised $100,000. The NEPA Invitational is a pro-am golf tournament that brought together professionals, high-level amateurs, and golf aficionados alike. Proceeds from the 2022 NEPA Invitational will support Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and the William Lawler Scholarship Fund through the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Matthews was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A Pittston Area graduate, he established the NEPA Invitational Fund with a desire to give back to the community he grew up in. He partnered with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to help allocate the funds raised to local organizations in need.

“The Scranton Area Community Foundation is honored that Brandon and the NEPA Invitational have partnered with us to carry out the charitable goals of this event,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “His desire to give back is truly making a difference right here in our communities.”

“Being able to give back to the community that shaped me is something that I have always dreamed of and for that dream to currently be in the process of being realized is truly amazing. The support from the Northeastern Pennsylvania community for my career and this event is incredibly humbling and I will never forget where I came from,” stated Matthews.

The 2nd Annual NEPA Invitational kicked off Friday, October 14, with a ‘Dinner with the Pros’ event at the Country Club of Scranton. Dinner, live entertainment, and a live auction were included. Forty-seven teams competed in a two-day event.

“We rely on community partners to help us respond to the evolving needs of families across the region, and we’re grateful to Brandon Matthews and all the leadership and supporters of the NEPA Invitational,” stated Frank Maffei, MD, Geisinger Chair of Pediatrics. “This support helps Geisinger Pediatrics and the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital to deliver family-centered pediatric care that is driven by best practice, innovation and compassion.”

To date, the NEPA Invitational Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation has provided $150,000 to support a variety of charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Meals on Wheels of NEPA, Inc., Outreach, and United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, in addition to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the NEPA Invitational and Matthews have worked closely with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to establish to William Lawler Scholarship, awarded to an NEPA area junior golfer who is going on to play collegiate golf.