Pictured above, left to right- Cathy Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Lori Chaffers, Outreach President & CEO, Liz Ratchford, Outreach Community Outreach and Resource Development Director, and Frank Caputo, Senior Grants & Scholarships Manager
Scranton, PA – February 11, 2026 – The Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 Critical Needs Grant to Outreach – Center for Community Resources to sustain essential services during Pennsylvania’s state budget impasse and federal government shutdown.
This timely support enabled Outreach to maintain comprehensive programs for low-income families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, including life skills training, digital literacy, employment and workforce development, evidence-based parenting programs, K-12 innovative educational activities, prison reentry support, emergency assistance (including baby formula and diapers), and wraparound case management.
The Critical Needs Grant program addresses unanticipated budget impacts affecting nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations. For Outreach, this funding proved vital in bridging the gap caused by delayed state and federal payments, enabling the organization to continue to serve adults and children without interruption.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s partnership demonstrates the power of community coming together to ensure families facing challenging circumstances receive uninterrupted care when they need it most.
About Outreach – Center for Community Resources:
Since 1988, Outreach – Center for Community Resources has served individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The mission of Outreach is to help individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Outreach serves over 2,500 adults and children annually, including many living at or below the poverty line. In fact, 88.7% of Outreach families are economically disadvantaged, with 64.5% living below the Federal Poverty Level. Outreach is committed to helping move families forward towards brighter tomorrows.
About the Scranton Area Community Foundation:
The Scranton Area Community Foundation responsibly stewards resources and inspires transformative philanthropy to build a strong and vibrant community. With over $100 million in assets under management and more than 415 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives, including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. 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. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.