WILKES-BARRE, PA – The Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) recently received more than $13,000 in a grant from the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick in support of the nonprofit’s PA 211 NE / Help Line information and referral service.
FSA’s PA 211 NE / Help Line provides free information and referrals to emergency health and human services 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Residents can obtain information from local, state and federal databases to address issues, such as food and housing insecurity, job training, regional disaster preparation, emergency shelters, victim services, home-delivered meals, and utility and rent assistance, as well as mental health, drug and alcohol services, crisis management and more.
“Thanks to generous benefactors like the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick, PA 211 NE / Help Line was able to help more than 100,000 people in its 17-county service area,” FSA’s Chief Executive Officer Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq., said about the $13,155 grant. “The foundation has worked hand in glove with the Family Service Association during the pandemic to ensure the residents of Central Susquehanna Valley that help and assistance are only a phone call away. We look forward to continuing this community partnership that aids the most vulnerable in our society.”
The Community Giving Foundation began as the Berwick Health and Wellness Fund in 1999 after the sale of Berwick Hospital. In 2003, it was renamed the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation. Today, the foundation has nearly 300 funds and about $63 million in assets to serve a 5½-county service area. Annually, the foundation, including the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick fund, award more than $2.8 million in grants for the betterment of the region.
“The Community Giving Foundation and its board of directors are pleased to partner with and support an organization like Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania that offers the support structures families and people of all ages need during times of need,’’ said M. Holly Morrison, D.Ed., president and CEO of the Community Giving Foundation. “Our missions mirror each other as we each strive to enhance the quality of life of each individual we serve in order to build thriving communities.”
FSA was established in 1895 by a group of involved and concerned members of the community in order to provide diverse services that empower children, individuals, seniors and families to reach their full potential by building healthier relationships and stronger communities. Today, its 14 programs provide services to residents in 17 counties, including Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming counties. PA 211 NE / Help Line is FSA’s largest program. Any resident in its coverage area can seek help by calling 211, texting 211 (898-211, plus a zip code), or by logging on to Pa211ne.org. For more information about FSA or to support its programs, please log on to www.fsanepa.org or call (570) 823-5144.
Caption:
The Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania received a grant for $13,155 from the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick in support of the PA 211 NE / Help Line information and referral service for emergency health and human services. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Christine Orlando, senior program officer, Community Giving Foundation; M. Holly Morrison, D.Ed., president and CEO, Community Giving Foundation, and Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq., CEO, Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania.