Tag Archives: United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA

$60,000 grant to support “leaders in training”

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United Neighgrantborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) has received a generous $60,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund to support its Leaders in Training (LIT) Program. UNC’s LIT Program is a distinctive leadership education and empowerment initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged youth, ages 13 through 18, build the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life.

Participants develop into productive citizens, critical thinkers, and leaders through mentorship, education, and a strong support network. The program’s impact is clear, with 100% of LIT Seniors graduating high school in 2024.

Shown in the photo, from left, are: Jude McDonough, UNC Board Chair; Leo McGowan, President of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Board of Directors; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Executive Officer; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children and Teens, and Elizabeth Burns, UNC Board Member.

$10,000 grant benefits United Neighborhood Centers

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United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) has received a $10,000 grant from the Hawk Family Foundation to support its SCOLA (Scranton Council of Literacy Advancement) Adult Literacy Program. UNC’s SCOLA program has provided free adult literacy and ESL education to Lackawanna County residents, helping both native and foreign-born adults gain essential skills for economic, educational, and family advancement.

The program offers ESL classes, citizenship preparation, and family literacy services through tutoring and group lessons. Classes focus on building language skills while encouraging long-term economic mobility, integrating workforce development and high-demand career pathways. Participants improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with lessons tailored to real-world applications and personal goals.

Shown from left: Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Executive Officer; Maggie Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation Administrator; Audrey Golosky, Assistant Director of Community Education, and Rich Klinkle, UNC SCOLA Volunteer Teacher. 

DONATE NOW: 2024 Feed a Friend campaign now underway

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Shown are  UNC’s Community Services Department Staff members: Jeffrey Ginsberg, Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager; Emily Kuchwara, SOR Case Manager; Jessica Wallo, Director of Community Services; Katrina LaRusso, COC Community Engagement Specialist; Yvette Spann, Community Services Assistant; Natasha Villanueva Medina, Assistant Director of Community Services; Sunita Samad, Program Coordinator; and Kelcie Shaw, Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager.

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is grateful to be the designated Lackawanna County WNEP Feed a Friend agency since its inaugural year in 1984. For 40 years, UNC has received non-perishable food items and monetary donations to make the holidays brighter for families in Lackawanna County.

Every year, more than 1,500 families with children in Lackawanna County rely on the Feed A Friend program for a holiday meal. As the holiday season approaches, we’re asking for your support to ensure that every family has a meal on their table. By donating, you are helping families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season. To make a monetary donation, go to: uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/

If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store. This allows families to choose items consistent with their traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations for families to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving

UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton. For a list of participating agencies and grocery chains collecting donations, visit wnep.com/feedafriend.