WILKES-BARRE, PA – The Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) recently received a three-year financial commitment from the Hawk Family Foundation in support of the nonprofit agency’s Guardianship Program.
The Hawk Family Foundation’s $45,000 grant will support the services FSA’s social workers provide for people who have been declared legally by the court system to be unable to make decisions on their own behalf and do not have family or friends available to care for them. FSA’s program provides guardianship services for anyone aged 18 or older, which includes managing their legal, financial, personal, health and end-of-life care.
“Guardianship is one of our most vital programs, as it ensures the most underserved and vulnerable members of our communities have a voice and advocate in their overall care,” said Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq., chief executive officer of FSA. “FSA is extremely grateful for the generous investment David and Ann Hawk have made through the Hawk Family Foundation to ensure people who are unable to care for themselves have the proper resources available to them in the greater community.”
The Guardianship Program’s clients usually have an intellectual disability, dementia, physical issues, and/or age-related health problems that cause physicians to refer decisions about their care and overall well-being to the legal system. More than 80% of clients in FSA’s program qualify for medical assistance, which provides very modest reimbursement. Community foundation grants and fundraising assist with operating expenses and assure the program remains financially sustainable.
David and Ann Hawk established the foundation in 2006 and permanently endowed it in 2017. The family foundation represents and promotes the philanthropic interests of Mr. and Mrs. Hawk, the family’s descendants, and Gertrude Hawk Chocolates by working to improve the quality of people’s lives, particularly children, senior citizens, and the most vulnerable people in society.
“It is important that the Guardianship Program, and other similar programs, remains viable so everyone has a say in the physical, financial and emotional aspects of their lives,” said Ann Hawk. “David and I are intimately familiar with caring for a loved one, and we believe in the importance of everyone receiving proper care in a dignified and respectful manner. We are extremely pleased to be able to support the Guardianship Program and the people it represents.”
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 ultimately stronger communities. Today, its 13 programs provide services to residents in 17 counties in Northeastern and North-Central Pennsylvania. 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 (FSA) received a three-year, $45,000 grant from the Hawk Family Foundation in support of the nonprofit agency’s Guardianship Program. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Janyne Gurnari, chief operating officer, FSA; David Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation; Ann Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation, and Nancy Hudack, BSW, supervisor, Guardianship Program.