CHANGING THE TRAJECTORY OF PEOPLE’S LIVES
When Vic Melo moved to Pennsylvania, he developed a plan to advance his education and career.
The first step?
Complete his GED.
With the help of a local college, Vic was connected with Outreach GED Instructor Ryan Engle. With Ryan’s help, Vic enrolled in Outreach’s GED program and began his studies. The Outreach GED instructors made the content accessible by relating concepts to real-world situations, such as budgeting for groceries or learning to write essays through letter writing.
After eight months of dedication and guidance, Vic graduated with his GED. He’s currently enrolled in the RISE Program at Johnson College, where he’s studying welding and applying his practical math knowledge learned during his GED studies.
Vic is eager to share his experience with Outreach and the knowledge he has attained because Outreach helped change the trajectory of his life, and he wants to see others have the same success.
Vic Melo, Outreach GED Participant
“The word is called hope. You always gotta have the hope for people to become something better. To change their lives and do things because everyone deserves a chance to become a better person. I think that’s what Outreach wants you to be.”
NEWSLETTER
Stories, News, and Staff Accomplishments
Our vision and purpose are to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed in life, no matter circumstance or background.
ABOUT US
Since 1988, Outreach (formerly EOTC) has made helping families thrive our highest priority. By offering resources for life skills, literacy, employment training, parenting, early childhood education, youth mentoring, wrap-around case management, and more, Outreach builds strong families. And strong families build strong communities.
Outreach engages thousands of adults and children each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges. Giving respect. Cultivating trust. Believing in growth.
President/CEO Lori Chaffers paints a mural as part of the Annual United Way Day of Caring.
OUR IMPACT
Outreach – Center for Community Resources positively impacts the community by helping families overcome barriers to financial stability and economic self-sufficiency. Each year, we improve the lives of individuals in our programs at our Seventh Avenue Center, our downtown Wilkes-Barre office, and at other area sites throughout the community. We find that each participating family has a unique set of needs, often enrolling in several Outreach programs and taking advantage of our diverse network of community services.
Business Impact
Neighborhood Assistance Program Partners
Our 2024-2025 sponsors through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development make a powerful difference by fueling our programs with vital resources and support. Their generous contributions enable us to reach more community members, deliver higher-quality services, and create lasting change where it’s needed most. Through their partnership, we transform possibilities into realities, helping individuals achieve their full potential. Every sponsorship directly strengthens our mission and amplifies our collective impact, creating a better future for all those we serve.
MISSION
MISIÓN
With respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards, Outreach – Center for Community Resources offers a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency.
Con respeto por el individuo y con los más altos estándares profesionales, Outreach – Center for Community Resources ofrece una variedad de programas que promueven la estabilidad familiar y la autosuficiencia económica.
CHILDREN
Our youth-centered services focus on educating and enhancing each child, ensuring they are ready to succeed in school and life.
COMMUNITY
We believe in community and collective strengths. That’s why we collaborate with other agencies and providers in our community.
JOB SEEKERS
Outreach began as a workforce development agency. As community needs changed, our agency diversified to meet the changing needs of families.