NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund

Posted on March 31, 2020 by The Dunmorean

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Scranton Area Community Foundation announces the launch of the newly created NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund which aims to address the diverse and pressing needs of the Lackawanna County region and rapidly deploy resources to the nonprofit organizations that are at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak and those who serve vulnerable populations.

The NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund will aim to rapidly deploy responsive and flexible resources to nonprofit, community-based organizations working with those who are impacted by COVID-19 and the related economic, social, and health-related consequences of the outbreak. The Fund is designed to expand local capacity to efficiently address aspects of the outbreak, particularly to those that might be unable to secure resources elsewhere.

To date, donations have come in from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation and a variety of individual donors. These donations, and others, will directly support grants made from the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis as funds are available. The Foundation’s intent is that grants awarded will meet the greatest array of needs of the organizations and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

One of the organizations working to provide support during this time is PA 211 NE/ Help Line. CEO of Family Service Association of NEPA, Gertrude McGowan, Esq. stated, “PA 211 NE/ Help Line is experiencing a huge uptick in volume and the questions PA 211 NE/ Help Line are handling seek clarity on a broad range of subjects from the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or PA Department of Health guidance on COVID-19 to food, shelter, utility and other human service needs.”

Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA stated, “We’ve seen an increased demand for emergency needs, particularly food. Our food pantry has been distributing nearly 100 food bags per day and the number continues to climb.” She also added, “Trying to keep up with demand while maintaining responsible social distancing is a challenge but the collaboration across social service agencies and support from our community leaders, local government and foundations has been amazing.”

To apply for a grant from the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund, nonprofit organizations can visit www.safdn.org/covid19. The Foundation will receive input on grant decisions from an advisory committee composed of partner organizations and representatives from the foundation, nonprofit, and civic sectors.

To make a contribution to the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund, please visit www.safdn.org/covid19 or contribute by check made payable to the Scranton Area Foundation indicating “COVID-19 Fund” in the memo mailed to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510.

For more information, contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

In addition to establishing the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is:

Maintaining a rolling critical needs grants pool and traditional grant funding pool.
Implementing and maintaining the NEPA Nonprofit Resources Google Group, a discussion-focused group created for nonprofit, civic, government, and funding organizations to be able to quickly share information, needs, questions, and resources with each other.
Establishing a program of weekly webinars to help nonprofits, including training programs on crisis management; operations management; increasing fundraising revenue; and building sustainability, among other topics.
Convening a collective of regional foundation and civic partners regularly to ensure that we are working both proactively and responsively when addressing our communities’ needs.

CANCELED EVENTS – April 2020

Posted on March 31, 2020 by The Dunmorean

Church Breakfast

St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church, 130 North St. Frances Cabrini Ave., West Scranton, has postponed itsr annual St. Joseph Breakfast from Sunday, March 22 until sometime after Easter. The Byzantine Lenten Mission wascancelled at all participating churches. Orders still being taken for Baklava and Pastries and Easter Flowers. Contact melkite.scranton@gmail.com, melkitescranton.org or facebook.

Easter Party

The O’Malley Family regrets to inform the public that due to safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, our 21st Annual Easter Party will be cancelled. We hope to reschedule in the near future, but safety is our number one responsibility for the citizens of our county. Have a happy, safe, and healthy Easter.

PROSPER Fair

The Riverside PROmoting School – community – university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) team has cancelled its annual Spring vendor craft fair slated for Saturday, April 4, at the Riverside East Elementary School, 900 School Street, Moosic, as a precautionary response to the Coronavirus.

Cultural Center Events

Due to the guidelines announced by Gov. Tom Wolf, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple has been closed and many staff are working remotely. The Cultural Center has announced the postponement of its 20th annual Evening of Fine Food and Wine scheduled for April 19. Cancelled events include the fifth annual Buy Local Spring Fling Marketplace which had been scheduled for May 3. Also cancelled were all “Little Mermaid” rehearsals. Persons can communicate online at SCCMT.org or ticketmaster.com.

Anthracite Opera Co. Production

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Anthracite Opera Company is postponing its Hodgepodge V, Mostly Classicall, which was scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Scranton. For more information, contact Gary Richards at 570-335-7702.

Funding for NEPA Health Centers During Coronavirus Crisis

Posted on March 31, 2020 by The Dunmorean

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced new supplemental federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to northeastern Pennsylvania health centers to meet the evolving COVID-19 needs in their respective communities.

Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania – $67,712
Scranton Primary Health Care Center Inc. – $60,128
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers – $72,380

These awards come from funding authorized by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) which Cartwright helped enact earlier this month as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Funded health centers may use the awards to bolster their COVID-19 screening and testing, acquire medical supplies and boost telehealth capacity in response to the pandemic.

“Local health centers have been and will be critical players in our response to COVID-19,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.“This initial funding package is providing much-needed support to health centers across the country as they work to keep Americans safe during this growing public health emergency, and more help is on the way. I commend our health centers and health care workers for their bravery and being on the front lines of this fight in our communities.”

In addition to H.R. 6074, Cartwright also helped enact the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), to help families stay healthy and make ends meet during the crisis. Today, the House will consider a third coronavirus relief package — the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) — a sweeping $2 trillion package that invests billions in state local COVID-19 response efforts, bolsters unemployment benefits, and provides direct payments for Americans to provide them with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.