Grantee Highlight - Responsive Grantmaking: Guardianship of Person Program
Since 1993, the Serving Seniors, Inc., Guardianship of Person program has served roughly 685 individuals in several counties throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today, the program continues to increase its caseload, extending its services and influence to serve vulnerable populations within Wayne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, and Wyoming counties.
Mary Anne Maloney-Evans, national certified guardian and executive director of Serving Seniors, says that although anyone over the age of 18 can have a guardian, her organization primarily serves older adults.
“They are low-income individuals that need assistance, and that’s where we step in. If the court approves us as their guardian, we serve them to the fullest extent possible,” Maloney-Evans said.
“These people do not have family or friends. If someone falls, has a change in health status, or goes to the hospital, they would call us. We would make all medical decisions on behalf of these clients and we do not take it lightly."
Mary Anne Maloney-Evans, National Certified Guardian and Executive Director of Serving Seniors
In order to qualify for the Serving Seniors Guardianship of Person program, an individual must be deemed by a judge to be incapacitated, or unable to make their own medical and financial decisions. In most cases, the incapacitated individual does not have family to assist them, which is when Serving Seniors will step in.
Serving Seniors’ guiding philosophy includes a least-restrictive approach when it comes to its guardianship program. “We always try to include the client in the decision-making process because it’s their right and their life,” Maloney-Evans said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly struck in early 2020, Maloney-Evans explained that Serving Seniors needed to adapt their day-to-day operations in order to continue meeting the needs of their clients. Under normal circumstances, Serving Seniors will, for example, provide monthly, or as-needed, visitation to their clients, but with a global pandemic raging, doing face-to-face visitations – particularly if the client is residing in a long-term assisted-living facility – is not possible.
Like many agencies, Serving Seniors has been utilizing technology to practice safe social distancing, while continuing to communicate with its clients and other team members. Meetings to discuss a client’s plan of care, often involving therapists, clinicians, nurses, and social workers, continue to be held remotely.
“We may not be able to get into the facilities right now, but we are staying in contact,” Maloney-Evans said.
Although the organization has needed to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as face funding challenges over the years, Serving Seniors has continued to rise to the occasion and assist older adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania who need it most. When asked about the future, Maloney-Evans said she believed the future of the organization looks bright.
“This is a much-needed program in our community,” she said, adding, “I think it’s going to get larger. I think that it’s going to grow in need and grow in volume.”
Responsive Grantmaking: 2021 Awards Announced
The Board of Directors of Moses Taylor Foundation has announced its most recent grant awards, awarding a total of $355,000 to five organizations that advance the Foundation’s mission of improving the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We continue to work diligently with organizations to address community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing support to organizations for non-COVID related needs,” said LaTida Smith, Moses Taylor Foundation president and CEO. “From supporting school nurses by providing much-needed personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies, to providing modern blood scales for our local American Red Cross chapter, these grants support our local community and nonprofit partners while we all continue to navigate the effects of COVID-19.”
To support the hiring of a public health coordinator who will be responsible for coordinating public health efforts and communicating pertinent, timely, and critical information to the public. The public health coordinator will work to coordinate education and programming around community health and safety for Scranton residents.
Organization:
Marywood University
Amount:
$79,054
Project Summary:
To support the purchase of a SimMom Birthing Simulator that will enhance the University’s ability to train nursing and physician assistant students for successful careers in the healthcare field. The SimMom Birthing Simulator is an advanced, full-body simulator able to facilitate training for gynecological, prenatal, birthing, and postpartum care.
Organization:
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$212,301
Project Summary:
To support the development and implementation of a year-round Community Farmers Market in Carbondale. Located at Fallbrook, a new residential community in Carbondale and home to the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging’s Fallbrook Healthy Aging Campus, the proposed market will connect low-income residents of Carbondale with accessible, affordable fresh food options and nutrition education. Eligible participants will receive coupons and vouchers they can redeem for additional fresh produce, increasing the capacity for individuals and families to purchase and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Organization:
The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development
Amount:
$195,000
Project Summary:
To support Project STIR, a variety of capacity-building supports for the philanthropic, nonprofit, and community at large. The Institute publishes demographic reports, federal/state bulletins, quarterly research studies, and legislative issues briefing booklets to help inform strategic decision-making. Over the next three years The Institute will develop a web-based Data Dashboard that utilizes Institute reports and studies to produce graphics, descriptions, and maps for data at the city and county level for several counties throughout NEPA.
Organization:
Lackawanna College
Amount:
$150,000
Project Summary:
To establish a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program in Scranton and Hawley, and update its current CCMA laboratory in Towanda. The CCMA program combines medical assistant classes with hands-on experience to train healthcare professionals in both clinical and administrative duties in hospitals, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Organization:
Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley
Amount:
$500,000
Project Summary:
To support the integrated healthcare expansion project through the construction of a new 15,000-square-foot, 3-story building. Expansion plans include the introduction of on-site laboratory services; 39 new clinical therapy offices; and the relocation of primary care to the first floor of the addition, with a separate entrance that will allow for operating hours seven days a week.
Organization:
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$75,000
Project Summary:
To fund technology upgrades, the addition of ADA parking spots, exterior repairs and improvements, and the creation of an education and public meeting space. The new Center will support the administration and deployment of Aging in Place services focused on the health and well-being of regional residents aged 60 and above, and training and counseling services for seniors and families/individuals in need of homeownership and financial guidance. Additionally, the project will provide meeting and small event space for local nonprofit organizations, community groups, neighborhood associations, and others in West Scranton.
Organization:
Northeast Counseling Services
Amount:
$70,000
Project Summary:
To support the purchase of two new passenger vans. NCS is dedicated to removing barriers around accessing mental-health support by providing safe and reliable transportation to those clients in need.
Organization:
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Amount:
$23,469.35
Project Summary:
To secure Heather McGhee, author, speaker, and advocate, as a keynote speaker for this year’s NEPA Learning Conference, and provide all attendees with a copy of her recently released book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper. Ms. McGhee’s address provides a key opportunity to hold a dialogue around racial equity with a broad audience of nonprofits and funders.
Organization:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$14,600
Project Summary:
To support the engagement of a strategic planning consultant. The consultant will be tasked with developing a common understanding among the volunteer and professional leaders of BBBS as to the current state of its organization and the challenges facing it today and into the foreseeable future; developing a long-range plan that defines the strategies to be used by BBBS to fulfill its mission; and establishing measures of success that will be used to evaluate the organization’s progress as it implements its strategies.
Organization:
The Salvation Army
Amount:
$5,000
Project Summary:
To support the Emergency Feeding Assistance Program. Funding will enable The Salvation Army of Scranton to continue its expanded food box distibution program.
Organization:
Marywood University
Amount:
$6,709
Project Summary:
To support the summer Healthcare Discovery camp. Middle and high school students will gain firsthand experience in various healthcare fields, including art and music therapy, athletic training, counseling, exercise science, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, physician assistant, psychology, respiratory therapy, social work, and speech-language pathology.
Organization:
Schuylkill Women in Crisis
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support a consultant who will complete an agency assessment and provide guidance for hiring a new president and CEO. The objective of this project is to conduct an organizational assessment that deepens the Board’s understanding of what qualities are essential in a new president/CEO and how to improve program and service implementation overall.
Organization:
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Amount:
$100,000
Project Summary:
To support the second annual NEPA Gives, a virtual fundraising event scheduled for Friday, June 4. For 24 hours donors can make donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through the NEPA Gives online platform. NEPA Gives provides critical operating funds that many organizations were not able to raise throughout the year due to cancellation of their major yearly in-person fundraising events.
Organization:
Servants to All
Amount:
$16,981
Project Summary:
To expand current homeless shelter services to assist homeless families with children. Funds will be used to furnish a communal living space with a table and chairs; small appliances; eight beds, mattresses, and dressers; toddler beds and cribs; linens; and other household supplies.
Organization:
Wayne County Community Foundation
Amount:
$10,000
Project Summary:
To contribute to a feasibility study for the development of an Agriculture Innovation Center. The proposed Center will contain warehouse and refrigeration space to meet the growing needs of the county’s five food pantries and serve as the Wayne County Pantry Hub; a shared working area for the aggregation, light processing, and packaging of farm products for retail, wholesale, and institutional sales; a farmers’ market for local producers; and a certified kitchen to serve both existing local food and agricultural businesses and to incubate new products and businesses.
Organization:
Candy’s Place
Amount:
$15,000
Project Summary:
To support the hiring of an independent consultant to establish a strategic plan for Candy’s Place. The consultant will be tasked with evaluating current programming, determining opportunities for new programming, and identifying possible revenue streams.
Organization:
Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$19,900
Project Summary:
To support a consultant who will review, analyze, and provide recommendations on current policies, procedures, systems, and organizational challenges. The goal is to ensure greater consistency across all forms of service delivery, so that the organization will be better equipped to serve vulnerable children and families.
Q3
Organization:
Goodwill Industries of Northeastern PA
Amount:
$9,600
Project Summary:
To support the purchase of a software package that will increase the organization’s capacity to market and fundraise. By implementing a fundraising plan along with this software, Goodwill can intentionally decrease their financial risk by increasing their capacity to engage in fundraising activities and soliciting donations from the community at large.
Organization:
Wayne County Community Foundation
Amount:
$6,000
Project Summary:
To provide staff members from Wayne Highlands School District the opportunity to participate in a “train the trainer” experience with RULER. RULER is a systemic approach to social and emotional learning developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and aims to infuse the principles of emotional intelligence into K to 12 schools through elevating the way teachers teach, students learn, and families support students.
Organization:
American Red Cross NEPA Chapter
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
For the purchase of contactless temperature screening kiosks. These screening kiosks at Red Cross blood donation centers and blood drives allow blood donors to keep their facemasks on during the temperature check screening prior to entering the blood drive. This new technology operates with higher accuracy; allows donors to keep masks on; and operates without being staffed, limiting person-to-person interaction and freeing up highly trained staff.
Organization:
Women’s Resources of Monroe County
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To continue providing sheltering services throughout the remainder of the year. Since the onset of the pandemic, Women’s Resources has seen an unprecedented increase in requests for services, including requests for shelter. Current health and safety regulations only allow for the shelter to be at 50% capacity; therefore, it’s been necessary to utilize a local hotel to shelter any additional victims who are fleeing violence at home.
Organization:
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support the placement of AmeriCorps members in Carbon County school districts throughout the remainder of the year. Dubbed “CarbonCorps,” the program provides mentoring and coordination of services for students and families in Carbon County’s Panther Valley, Weatherly, and Palmerton school districts, with plans to expand to Jim Thorpe and Lehighton. In addition to virtual one-on-one and group mentoring, CarbonCorps mentors have taken on COVID-19 response projects around food insecurity, overall general health and safety, eviction response, and connecting families with agencies and resources.
Organization:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
Amount:
$2,750
Project Summary:
To support the 14th annual conference for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, held virtually this year. Along with providing networking opportunities, information and advice, and referral services to the GRG community, the conference also increases awareness of this growing demographic. This year, keynote speakers include the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging.
Organization:
Saint Joseph’s Center
Amount:
$111,450
Project Summary:
To purchase and install air purification systems in its facilities. The air purification systems will significantly neutralize airborne viruses and reduce the risk of person-to-person infection by respiratory particles and aerosols.
Organization:
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Amount:
$500,000 over 3 years
Project Summary:
To facilitate a series of workshops intended to address capacity-building needs of nonprofit organizations in our region. A portion of the funding will also be used to support the annual NEPA Learning Conference and the Executive-in-Residence program.
Organization:
NEPA Community Health Care
Amount:
$350,000
Project Summary:
To support the expansion of dental services by hiring a dental provider, practice manager, and two dental assistants. Funding will also support a consultant for planning and implementation.
Organization:
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute
Amount:
$140,000
Project Summary:
To support operation of the Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. The program facilitates colon, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screening for low-income residents throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, while also working to connect them with medical homes. Cancer Institute Navigators aid individuals in navigating the healthcare system; gaining access to free or reduced-cost screenings and diagnostic procedures; and overcoming socioeconomic and logistical barriers to healthcare access.
Organization:
Johnson College
Amount:
$75,000
Project Summary:
To educate potential traditional and non-traditional students about the opportunities for careers in healthcare. Using a motor home shell customized to house various healthcare training modalities, Johnson College will provide potential students with a hands-on experience to see and feel what it would be like to work in a healthcare environment. In addition to the hands-on experience, Johnson College staff will be available to answer questions and help potential students resolve or eliminate common barriers to educational access.
Organization:
Misericordia University
Amount:
$99,500
Project Summary:
To purchase a virtual dissection table for the Gross Anatomy Suite in the new Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center.
Organization:
Domestic Violence Service Center, Inc.
Amount:
$100,000
Project Summary:
To support expansion of the current facility to add six additional bedrooms, modern restrooms, a kitchen and living space, and counseling rooms.
Organization:
Outreach - Center for Community Resources
Amount:
$10,000
Project Summary:
To engage a consultant who will help the organization develop a foundational understanding of what it means to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and prepare the board to better identify and recruit diverse candidates for board membership and service.
Organization:
Center for Vision Loss
Amount:
$15,000
Project Summary:
To support the guided transportation service in Monroe County. The guided transportation service is “door-through-door,” with sighted guides escorting clients from their homes and into their destinations. Guides are trained in techniques for guiding a visually-impaired person properly in indoor and outdoor environments.
Organization:
Child Hunger Outreach Partners
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To expand the Backpack Program throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties. The Backpack Program provides a bag of food with a minimum of two dinners, two breakfasts, two servings of fruit, and five-ten healthy snacks. Sent home every Friday, it is intended to be enough food to provide meals for the weekend. Each student in the family is welcome to participate and there are no income guidelines.
Organization:
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support a year of LanguageLine interpretation telephone service. Community members seeking assistance from UNC throughout the year speak more than 18 languages, including Swahili, Arabic, and Nepali.
Q2
Organization:
Johnson College
Amount:
$8,400
Project Summary:
To support the purchase of equipment for the Physical Therapy Assistant and Radiological Technician programs. These popular programs require updated equipment and simulators so that students are receiving training that accurately reflects the current clinical environment. Funding will be used to purchase a RealCare Geriatric Simulator, a 3-position Geri Chair Recliner, a hospital bedside cabinet, and a radiology wall stand.
Organization:
CASA of Luzerne County
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support recruiting and training of volunteers from the community to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children in foster care in Luzerne County. An advocate monitors a child’s case to ensure he or she is receiving the necessary services, education, and treatment during the period of placement, and submits a written report and recommendation to the Court as to what permanent placement will serve the child’s best interests.
Organization:
Telespond Senior Services, Inc.
Amount:
$19,500
Project Summary:
To support immediate repairs and emergency safety equipment, including paving, lighting, and security cameras.
Organization:
JustPartners, Inc.
Amount:
$17,064
Project Summary:
To provide introductory racial equity trainings to funders across the Foundation’s 11-county region.
Organization:
Association of Black Foundation Executives
Amount:
$40,000
Project Summary:
To provide introductory racial equity trainings to funders across the Foundation's 11-county region.
Organization:
United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
Amount:
$100,000
Project Summary:
COVID-19 emergency response
Organization:
Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association (WVIA)
Amount:
$60,000
Project Summary:
To support the Keystone Edition: Health program, a series of episodes airing the fourth Friday of every month. Guided by research from The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, host Tonyehn Verkitus, executive director of the Lackawanna and Luzerne County Medical Societies, will address issues that are important to the people in our community, including the ongoing pandemic; the aging population of the region; food deserts and food insecurity; childhood trauma and child abuse; mental health; the social determinants of health; and dental and oral health.
Organization:
Volunteers in Medicine
Amount:
$300,000
Project Summary:
To increase access to patients for primary dental services through the addition of two paid positions, a dentist and a dental hygienist. The paid dental providers will allow for increased patient volume, helping to reduce and eventually eliminate a waiting list.
Organization:
Maternal & Family Health Services, Inc.
Amount:
$250,270
Project Summary:
To support the hiring of a high-level grant professional to actively pursue and manage public, private foundation, and corporate grants. Funding will also be utilized to develop and expand an Annual Fund and lay the foundation for major gifts and planned giving, helping the organization to diversify its revenue mix.
Organization:
Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley
Amount:
$44,400
Project Summary:
To provide internet-ready tablets for staff who work with clients and/or families outside the office setting. Providing access to vital technology for its employees working in the field, particularly those in rural communities, will allow staff to summarize session notes; access client health records; complete accurate notes and meet timely reporting requirements; and extend clinician availability to a wider range of clients.
Organization:
Outreach - Center for Community Resources
Amount:
$145,685
Project Summary:
To assist individuals in successfully reentering the community and becoming productive and contributing members of society, while also working to reduce recidivism. Supports provided by Outreach after release include assistance with referrals for housing, food, job training, vocational skills, employment, connections to recovery and mental-health assistance, links to community services, and GED support to complete programs started while in prison.
Organization:
Volunteers of America Pennsylvania
Amount:
$60,808
Project Summary:
To support the Give Hope program, a social service navigation program established in 2019 to support homeless and unstably housed individuals in Wilkes-Barre and greater Luzerne County. In cooperation with law enforcement, local government officials, social services organizations, and other community partners, Give Hope improves service connection for homeless or precariously housed individuals, especially those with accompanying mental-health concerns and/or substance-use disorders.
Organization:
Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA
Amount:
$14,000
Project Summary:
To support software-conversion costs related to the merger of the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA and the Greater Pittston YMCA. The merger between the two Luzerne County YMCAs will create an improved operations model that includes sharing resources and volunteers in aquatics, child care, development, and youth programming.
Organization:
Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support an expansion of the APPRISE program in Pike County. Diakon’s APPRISE program provides free health insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. The APPRISE program has successfully saved individuals anywhere from $1,050 to $5,000 a year by enrolling them in programs that reduce prescription drug costs, Medicare Part B premiums, and hospital stay deductibles.
Organization:
University of Scranton
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To purchase equipment for the Speech and Hearing Sciences Laboratory located in the university’s Leahy Hall. This laboratory will be a state-of-the-art research area that will enhance the educational experiences and professional competence of students in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program. Equipment will provide students with an advanced level of educational training by employing the use of instrumentation to increase understanding of the physiology of speech production, the acoustic characteristics of voice, and the processes by which listeners perceive the sounds of speech.
Organization:
Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department
Amount:
$19,000
Project Summary:
To partner on the COVID-19 Creative Community Grant program. The Foundation will help to support three projects that promote health and safety in a creative way.
Organization:
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$25,000
Project Summary:
To support daytime operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating children have the opportunity to complete their school work during the first part of the day and participate in educational programs during the second part of the day.
Organization:
Friends of the Poor
Amount:
$15,000
Project Summary:
To support the organization’s annual community Thanksgiving meal event in Scranton. Founded in 1984, Friends of the Poor is dedicated to easing the burden of living in poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all who live in low- to moderate-income communities.
Q1
Organization:
American Red Cross, NEPA Chapter
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
For the purchase of modern blood scales to replace outdated models. New blood scales offer many benefits including collecting variable blood volume based on a donor’s gender, height, and weight, allowing for more blood to be collected from certain donors; improving engagement between donors and phlebotomists, who now must manually agitate the collection bag to mix blood with anticoagulants; and reducing the number of lost units due to occasional equipment deficiencies and clotting. The American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter serves residents of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties.
Organization:
Family Promise of Monroe County
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To provide emergency shelter and meals for at-risk and homeless children and their families. While Family Promise's operating model has always relied on partnering with local congregations to provide overnight shelter and meals, due to COVID-19 the organization has shifted to sheltering children and their families in local hotels and motorhome camp sites. Funding will provide the necessary support to keep families housed through the end of 2020.
Organization:
Valley Youth House
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support a new Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program for homeless or unstably housed transition-age youth (ages 18-24) in Monroe County. The program provides rental assistance for an average of twelve months for up to ten youth. A Housing Stability Coach will help participants locate housing; develop the soft and hard skills necessary to find and maintain employment; and assist with obtaining connections to community resources.
Organization:
YMCA of Greater Scranton
Amount:
$125,000
Project Summary:
To support a full-day learning hybrid program along with a before- and after-school program. Due to COVID-19, school districts have been forced to choose between hybrid programming and full-time virtual learning, leaving working parents with limited choice in providing quality, safe care for their children while they continue to work outside of the home. These new programs offered by the YMCA meet the needs of working families and are convenient, affordable, and designed to provide positive and enriching experiences for students.
Organization:
AllOne Charities
Amount:
$170,000
Project Summary:
For the purchase and distribution of PPE and sanitization supplies to local school nurses throughout the Foundation’s 11-county region. Kits will include KN 95 Masks, face shields, disinfectant wipes, 3 ply masks, gowns, nitrile gloves, and hand sanitizer.
Responsive Grantmaking: 3rd Quarter Awards Announced
The Board of Directors of Moses Taylor Foundation has announced its most recent grant awards, awarding a total of $355,000 to 5 organizations that advance the Foundation's mission of improving the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. "We continue to work diligently with organizations to address community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing support to organizations for non-COVID related needs,” said LaTida Smith, Moses Taylor Foundation President and CEO. "From supporting school nurses by providing much-needed personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies, to providing modern blood scales for our local American Red Cross chapter, these grants support our local community and nonprofit partners while we all continue to navigate the effects of COVID-19."
For the purchase of modern blood scales to replace outdated models. New blood scales offer many benefits including collecting variable blood volume based on a donor’s gender, height, and weight, allowing for more blood to be collected from certain donors; improving engagement between donors and phlebotomists, who now must manually agitate the collection bag to mix blood with anticoagulants; and reducing the number of lost units due to occasional equipment deficiencies and clotting. The American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter serves residents of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties.
Organization:
Family Promise of Monroe County
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To provide emergency shelter and meals for at-risk and homeless children and their families. While Family Promise's operating model has always relied on partnering with local congregations to provide overnight shelter and meals, due to COVID-19 the organization has shifted to sheltering children and their families in local hotels and motorhome camp sites. Funding will provide the necessary support to keep families housed through the end of 2020.
Organization:
Valley Youth House
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support a new Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program for homeless or unstably housed transition-age youth (ages 18-24) in Monroe County. The program provides rental assistance for an average of twelve months for up to ten youth. A Housing Stability Coach will help participants locate housing; develop the soft and hard skills necessary to find and maintain employment; and assist with obtaining connections to community resources.
Organization:
YMCA of Greater Scranton
Amount:
$125,000
Project Summary:
To support a full-day learning hybrid program along with a before- and after-school program. Due to COVID-19, school districts have been forced to choose between hybrid programming and full-time virtual learning, leaving working parents with limited choice in providing quality, safe care for their children while they continue to work outside of the home. These new programs offered by the YMCA meet the needs of working families and are convenient, affordable, and designed to provide positive and enriching experiences for students.
Organization:
AllOne Charities
Amount:
$170,000
Project Summary:
For the purchase and distribution of PPE and sanitization supplies to local school nurses throughout the Foundation’s 11-county region. Kits will include KN 95 Masks, face shields, disinfectant wipes, 3 ply masks, gowns, nitrile gloves, and hand sanitizer.
Grantee Highlight - Responsive Grantmaking: Friendly Visitor Program
The mission of Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to provide men and women age 50 and better with meaningful opportunities to serve others. For the organization’s director, Teddy Michel, that means creating real, tangible connections between and among individuals.
After applying for a grant from Moses Taylor Foundation in late 2019, and getting the green light for funding in early 2020 for the IVC’s Friendly Visitor Program, everything seemed to be in place.
That was, of course, until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We started to roll things out in January,” Michel said. “By April, after COVID-19 hit, we flipped the switch from an in-person friendly visitor program to a program that worked over the phone.”
In collaboration with NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a community development organization providing programs and services that create and preserve responsible homeownership and affordable housing in Northeastern Pennsylvania, IVC initiated the C.A.R.E. Call Program, a physically distanced adaptation of the Friendly Visitor Program.
C.A.R.E., which stands for “Connection and Resource Engagement,” is a program aimed at reducing older adult isolation throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The program kicked off in mid-April 2020 with eight IVC members who made more than 430 C.A.R.E. calls to older adults in the community.
“One of the things that we found through this program was that there is a need for connection,” Michel explained. “It’s just a real fundamental basic human need.”
Key words that older adults used to describe the C.A.R.E. Call Program during a follow-up phone call were “comforted,” “grateful,” and “appreciated.” Also, when asked, “Would you like to be called back within two weeks?” 55% of respondents answered “Yes.”
Trying to meet the needs of the older adult population in the community during the peak of COVID-19 physical distancing was an especially important feature of the C.A.R.E. Calls Program, said Michel. When asked if any particular challenge stood out when implementing the program, Michel discussed home repairs as being one of the biggest hurdles to overcome.
“The biggest challenge is our inability to meet all of the needs of small home repairs,” he explained. “There’s such a backlog. Some individuals need larger scale home modifications, but others just need some smaller projects. That’s been one of the biggest challenges, but part of that is COVID-19 related.”
When asked what’s next, Michel said that IVC is continuing to work with partners such as Moses Taylor Foundation, NeighborWorks, and others to continue to serve the needs of the local older adult population.
“More good things are going to come,” he said. “The older adult population still has more to contribute to the community.”
“The unique thing about this grant is that it seeks to move the need away from the transactional aspect of services to a relational approach. Our service corps members act as navigators and friendly visitors to follow up with older adults to see if their needs are being met or are in the process of being met.”
-Teddy Michel, Director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Responsive Grantmaking: Awards Announced
The Board of Directors of Moses Taylor Foundation has announced its most recent grant awards, awarding a total of $596,214 to 13 organizations that advance the Foundation's mission of improving health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To date, an additional $437,129 has been awarded to 17 organizations for COVID-19 emergency response.
"I am regularly inspired by the creativity, innovation and hard work of these grantees in their efforts to implement solutions to some of our communities' most pressing health challenges," said LaTida Smith, Moses Taylor Foundation President and CEO. "From supporting the expansion of drug and alcohol services for the residents of the Wyoming Valley, to providing AED machines to many of our local nonprofit partners, these grants support our partners' efforts to create lasting impacts in the communities we serve."
To support the purchase, re-design and renovation of a building that will be used for the offices of its Drug & Alcohol Program. The interior will be reconfigured to accommodate two group therapy rooms; a registration area; ten offices; and an ADA compliant entrance.
Organization:
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Amount:
$125,000
Project Summary:
To facilitate a series of workshops intended to address capacity building needs of nonprofit organizations in our region. A portion of the funding will also be used to support the second annual NEPA Learning Conference.
Organization:
Greater Carbondale YMCA
Amount:
$45,700
Project Summary:
To complete renovation of the lower level kitchen area. The YMCA serves breakfast, lunch, and snack to Head Start and Preschool students, totaling over 7,500 meals monthly. The size of the current kitchen facilities makes it difficult to prep, store, and serve the quantity of meals that are required. An expansion of the kitchen area will provide more space to adequately meet meal demands.
Organization:
The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development
Amount:
$65,000
Project Summary:
To support year three of a three-year pilot in an effort to inform and educate grantmakers, grantees, nonprofits, elected officials and other stakeholders. The Institute publishes demographic reports, federal/state bulletins, quarterly research studies, and legislative issues briefing booklets to help inform strategic decision making.
Organization:
Women’s Resource Center
Amount:
$65,000
Project Summary:
To provide operating support for Women's Resource Center. Grant funds will be used to support staff development, strategic planning, and daily operations.
Organization:
Abington Community Library Association
Amount:
$49,823
Project Summary:
To support the purchase and installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for nonprofit community partners. Training will be provided to approximately 100 staff members of various nonprofit organizations, including proper use, maintenance and upkeep, and policy development.
Organization:
Maternal & Family Health Services
Amount:
$44,000
Project Summary:
To engage a professional executive recruitment firm and select a qualified President/CEO as quickly and seamlessly as possible. MFHS provides combined care and services to over 90,000 low income, uninsured, and under-insured individuals across 16 Northeastern Pennsylvania counties.
Organization:
AllOne Charities
Amount:
$25,000
Project Summary:
To provide five local nonprofits with resources and technical assistance for step-by-step collecting, interpreting, and responding to beneficiary feedback. Listen for Good grantees receive $30,000 over 18 months: $15,000 from Fund for Shared Insight and $15,000 from the NEPA Funders Collaborative.
Organization:
American Red Cross
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support the purchase of two new Community Emergency Vehicles to transport blood donations from the Ashley Blood Donation Center in Luzerne County to hospitals throughout Northeastern PA.
Organization:
Outreach – Center for Community Resources
Amount:
$19,900
Project Summary:
To provide empirically-based assessments and transition planning specifically for youth offenders; cognitive-behavioral training and other evidence-based services to increase participants' skills for recovery and a healthy crime-free lifestyle; comprehensive case management and monitoring to promote positive community reintegration and self-sufficiency; and supportive services, which may include GED courses, bus passes for transportation to appointments, or costs associated with medication or medical appointments.
Organization:
Grantmakers in Aging
Amount:
$15,000
Project Summary:
To support the Fund the Future project. This project involves mobilizing GIA’s new strategic plan to increase the quantity and quality of aging funding by growing multi-funder collaboratives and initiatives; strengthening available member resources (toolkits, webinars, trainings, etc.); and building the organization’s capacity to champion communication and collaboration around aging issues.
Organization:
United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties
Amount:
$11,901
Project Summary:
To host a day-long kickoff event for the Reducing Older Adult Isolation Collaborative. The session will feature the expertise of two nationally renowned experts: Ms. Sarah Horst from the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement will lead a morning workshop teaching effective strategies for true collaboration; and Dr. Lenard Kaye, Director of the Center on Aging at the University of Maine, will lead the afternoon work sessions to map out an overall project vision and lay the groundwork for each component of the plan.
Organization:
Wilkes University
Amount:
$5,000
Project Summary:
To support a one-day conference about pain and substance use issues in Pennsylvania, especially within Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The summit focuses on the education of and collaboration between medical, legal, and law enforcement professionals who work with patients suffering from chronic pain and substance use disorder to better understand how all stakeholders can come together to address the issue.
Organization:
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Amount:
$500
Project Summary:
To support Women in Philanthropy (WIP), a group of engaged, community-minded women at the Scranton Area Community Foundation that create meaningful, positive change in the lives of women and girls in Lackawanna County. WIP members take an active role in the funding process of grants within several priority areas that are targeted at making systemic changes for women and children.
COVID-19 Response Funding:
Organization
Grant Amount
The Wright Center
$160,352.00
Commission on Economic Opportunity/Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank
$100,000.00
Scranton Area Community Foundation
$25,000.00
Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania
$17,000.00
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton
$15,000.00
Telespond Senior Services, Inc.
$15,000.00
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
$15,000.00
Community Intervention Center Of Lackawanna County
$10,000.00
Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania
$10,000.00
Friends of the Poor
$10,000.00
Meals On Wheels of Northeastern PA
$10,000.00
Serving Seniors, Inc.
$10,000.00
United Community Outreach Helping Hands Food Pantry, Inc.
The concept of a living wage has emerged as a topic of conversation recently – both locally and nationally – and it is a challenge that organizations like Saint Joseph’s Center(SJC) in Scranton, Pennsylvania are committed to meeting head on.
SJC employs more than 400 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are responsible for the physical, social and mental care of its residents. SJC has spent years working to boost employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. In 2015, SJC implemented a first wave of wage increases, boosting the DSP starting hourly rate by $1.00. In 2017, SJC completed a second wage, followed by a third in 2018.
From exit survey data Saint Joseph's Center learned that, along with an increase in wages, employees wanted the opportunity to advance their careers and learn new skills. During 2018 SJC developed and implemented a DSP Career Ladder and credentialing program, providing DSPs the opportunity to increase their compensation by taking on increased responsibility; participate in employee development opportunities; and pursue national credentialing. SJC also introduced a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) scholarship program to financially assist DSPs interested in enrolling in an LPN program. Additionally, employee recognition programs were introduced to acknowledge employees’ accomplishments and their commitment to those they serve.
In January 2019, SJC increased the DSP starting hourly wages by another $1.00 each year to bring the starting hourly wage for DSPs to just over $13.00. But that wasn’t the end.
The organization sought to increase wages for DSPs even more, which Sr. Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM, President and CEO of Saint Joseph's Center, calls “the fight for 15” (i.e., the fight to achieve $15 dollars per hour for DSPs). With the help of Moses Taylor Foundation, SJC received a two-year grant totaling $500,000 to make a $15 per hour wage a reality. In June 2019, SJC announced that beginning with the July 1, 2019 pay period, most DSPs would receive a wage increase, and new hires with experience would also start at $15 per hour.
When asked how the wage increase has positively affected workers, Sr. Maryalice said that employees “feel their work is recognized for the difference it makes in other people’s lives. [A wage increase] takes the pressure off of people, and they know their work is respected, and they’re going to be compensated fairly.”
Sr. Maryalice believes that the wage increase was a big step forward for the organization. There has been a flurry of new hiring, and the organization has placed special emphasis on recruitment and employee retention.
“Teamwork made this possible. I think people appreciate that we are investing in our workforce. From the broadest standpoint, our work reminds people that all life is sacred, and all people deserve respect.”
Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM
President and CEO
UPDATES
In a recent employee survey, one DSP mentioned that since receiving a wage increase, she is now able to invest money into her 401(k) plan. Another DSP said he no longer must work two jobs and is finally able to start planning a vacation. A third said she doesn’t have to work as much overtime and is able to spend more time with her daughter.
With the implementation of a $15 starting wage, SJC was projecting a 5% decrease in annual turnover rate. After eight months, the annual turnover rate is on track for a 24% decrease.
Since July 2019 SJC has seen a 23% increase in applications; an employment vacancy rate below 10%; and a 10% reduction in turnover related costs, including overtime, outside agency, and onboarding costs.
“DSP For a Day” – state representatives and state senators spent a day with a DSP and clients to see first-hand the job responsibilities of a DSP. This helped the elected officials better understand SJC’s advocacy efforts for a living wage for DSPs.
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Responsive Grantmaking: Q1 and Q2 Awards Announced
The Board of Directors of Moses Taylor Foundation has announced its 2019-2020 first and second quarter grants, awarding a total of $1,002,934 to 23 organizations that advance the Foundation's mission of improving health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"We are fortunate to have increasing opportunities to work with our partners in determining solutions to some of the communities' most pressing health challenges," said LaTida Smith, Moses Taylor Foundation President and CEO. "From supporting a new collaborative working to reduce older adult isolation in Lackawanna County, to C.N.A. training opportunities that will strengthen the healthcare workforce of NEPA, these 2019-2020 first and second quarter grants support our partners' efforts to create lasting impacts in the communities we serve."
The Foundation administers quarterly grant cycles. The full list of 2019-2020 first and second quarter grants is noted below. A complete history of grant awards is available on the Moses Taylor Foundation website.
Organization:
FM Kirby Center for The Performing Arts
Amount:
$5,000
Project Summary:
To support a sensory friendly series of performances. Each show is performed in a friendly, supportive environment for families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. The Kirby Center will open each performance up to 100 children and adults and admission is free.
Organization:
Lackawanna County Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging
Amount:
$200
Project Summary:
To support the operation of a temporary cooling station for residents 65 and older in the community room at the Marketplace at Steamtown. Due to the extreme temperatures on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21, the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, along with several local partner organizations, operated the cooling station throughout both days, giving older residents an opportunity for reprieve from the heat.
Organization:
Greater Carbondale YMCA
Amount:
$45,700
Project Summary:
To complete renovation of the lower level kitchen area. The YMCA serves breakfast, lunch, and snack to Head Start and Preschool, totaling over 7,500 meals monthly. The size of the current kitchen facilities is making it difficult to prep, store, and serve the quantity of meals that are required. An expansion of the kitchen area will provide more space to adequately meet meal demands.
Organization:
Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$59,100
Project Summary:
To support the implementation of new Parkinson’s exercise programming.
New Theracycle bicycles will allow participation in an exercise program,
"Pedaling for Parkinson's," on equipment specifically made for
persons with movement disorders. The addition of “Dance for Parkinson's” and
“Exercise for Parkinson’s” will provide ongoing programming that helps to
decrease declines, limit falls, and increase endurance and strength for those
living with Parkinson’s.
Organization:
Serving Seniors, Inc.
Amount:
$40,000 over two years
Project Summary:
To support the Guardianship of Person Program and provide continuing services to individuals who have been deemed incapable by the Courts. Through this program, the Agency provides consents for medical treatment, surgeries, hospice care, and home health services; secures home and community-based services; consults with medical specialists; obtains second opinions as needed for medical treatment; and end of life decision making in the absence of a living will.
Organization:
Abington Community Library Association
Amount:
$14,950
Project Summary:
To purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for each library within the Lackawanna County Library System – 11 in total. Training will be provided to all staff members by Geisinger Trauma Education Outreach using the American Heart Association Family & Friends® CPR/AED basic training workshop.
Organization:
Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$2,500
Project Summary:
For CEO Coaching and Development. The current CEO of Family Service Association will be retiring after 10 years in the position, and a new CEO has joined the team. Coaching and Development helps improve performance in a wide range of areas and is particularly beneficial during transition periods such as this.
Organization:
Pittston Memorial Library/NEPA Intergenerational Coalition
Amount:
$2,500
Project Summary:
To support the 13th Annual Conference for Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren (GRG). The Conference will be held at The Woodlands Resort on
October 25th and will provide networking opportunities, information
and advice, and referral services to the GRG community. This year, the keynote
speaker will be Scott Schaffer, the chief news anchor for WNEP who was raised
by his grandparents.
Organization:
Tunkhannock Township Police Department
Amount:
$10,095
Project Summary:
To purchase five AED machines and First Responder First Aid kits. Tunkhannock Township Police Department is Wyoming County's largest municipal police department in both staff size and in coverage area, and provides services to both Tunkhannock and Falls Township, the highest populated municipalities in Wyoming County. This vital equipment will enhance the police department’s ability to provide support for the residents of Tunkhannock and Falls Townships.
Organization:
AllOne Charities
Amount:
$2,500
Project Summary:
To support the Opioid Solutions Symposium. On October 2, 2019, AllOne Foundation and Charities held a symposium to discuss program models that offer the greatest potential to have an impact on the opioid crisis throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Attorney General Josh Shapiro served as a keynote speaker, while leadership from The Wright Center, Treatment Court Advocacy Center, Children's Service Center, and The Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center presented their respective innovative programs aimed at addressing opioid addiction.
Organization:
Step By Step
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To provide computers for staff working within community homes throughout Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Updated technology will allow staff to manage progress notes, medication administration, and treatment plans electronically, resulting in a higher quality of care for consumers.
Organization:
Friends of the Poor
Amount:
$5,000
Project Summary:
To support the organization's annual community Thanksgiving meal event in Scranton. Founded in 1984, Friends of the Poor is dedicated to easing the burden of living in poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all who live in low- to moderate income communities.
Organization:
Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$10,563
Project Summary:
To fund critical building repairs. The roof is in dire need of repair/replacement in several spots, including loose shingles and worn, irreparable sections that are no longer able to reliably protect the Mulberry Center from weather conditions.
Organization:
Maternal & Family Health Services, Inc.
Amount:
$20,000
Project Summary:
To support expansion and renovation of the clinic’s lower floor to accommodate Behavioral Health, Nurse-Family Partnership, and WIC Nutrition Program. The upper floor will then be dedicated to clinical services (Family Planning, Maternity Care, and STD/HIV services).
Organization:
Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$96,383
Project Summary:
To equip health centers with new examination tables. Funding will be used to purchase 7 barrier free exam tables with built-in scale and patient support rails, along with 22 manual examination tables.
Organization:
Friedman Jewish Community Center
Amount:
$50,000
Project Summary:
To meet increased demand for the Senior Health and Wellness programs. Funding will be used to purchase low-impact exercise equipment; support the congregate meal program; and fund speakers, workshops, trainers, and facilitators for the older adult programming.
Organization:
Johnson College
Amount:
$34,000
Project Summary:
To purchase a replacement digital DR panel for x-rays. The digital DR ensures that students have a thorough grounding in how to prepare for and properly produce a high-quality diagnostic image. Hands-on experience with the digital DR panel in the lab setting is key to student success in the clinical environment.
Organization:
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
Amount:
$40,000 over 2 years
Project Summary:
To expand the Aging in Place program to include Friendly Visitors. NeighborWorks NEPA will partner the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), a national organization that provides men and women aged 50+ with year-long volunteer opportunities. IVC volunteers will provide visitation services to socially isolated older adults throughout Lackawanna County.
Organization:
Goodwill Industries of Northeastern PA
Amount:
$59,091
Project Summary:
To support activities and tools that will improve medication administration and advocacy efforts to access crisis mental health care. Funding will be used to provide medication management and mental health advocacy training to direct support professionals.
Organization:
Allied Services
Amount:
$217,320
Project Summary:
To expand its paid C.N.A. training program for prospective employees of the skilled nursing, transitional, and personal care facilities in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. To help participants overcome employment barriers and work-life emergencies, Allied will contract with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA to provide case management services and assist new employees during their training period and first few months on the job.
Organization:
Pathway to Recovery
Amount:
$50,000
Project Summary:
To add a Program Director/Licensed Therapist to the overall clinical operations of the agency. This person will be responsible for maintaining the current integrity of the clinical operations; increasing the range of individuals served; and improving upon and introducing new therapeutic modalities and approaches that will increase treatment outcomes.
Organization:
United Way of Wyoming Valley
Amount:
$143,032
Project Summary:
To pilot a school-based vision care program called See to Succeed. Partnering with The Wright Center for Community Health and the Wilkes-Barre Area School District administrators, the UWWV will bring vision care services to economically disadvantaged students in grades K-12 throughout the district. Children in need will receive eye exams and glasses, free of charge, during the school year.
Organization:
United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
Amount:
$75,000
Project Summary:
To lead a collaborative of organizations in the design of a new system to reduce older adult isolation in Lackawanna County. This grant is in response to a Request for Proposals issued by the Foundation with the aim of creating a plan that focuses on identification of those who are isolated, connection of isolated individuals to services to reduce their isolation, and awareness about the health impacts of social isolation.
