Last year, Dolan and a group of students participating in the University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program attempted to obtain a grant for a much-needed playground at the United Neighborhood Center (UNC) on Emmett Street in Scranton. When their grant application failed to receive funding, Dolan took it upon herself to apply for a Pepsi Challenge Grant. Although it was one of the projects selected to compete for funding in the national grant initiative, and despite generating much community support for the proposal, the project didn’t win the competition.

Still determined to secure funding for the playground, Dolan and a second group of SIFE students competed for a Lowe’s Grant awarded through a SIFE organization competition. This effort paid off. The students won a $2,000 grant from Lowe’s for the playground, which will be built this summer.

“A playground at the Bellevue Center has been a dream for 23 years,” said Michael Hanley, executive director of UNC, at a groundbreaking ceremony for the playground. He explained that a playground had been planned since the center was built, however, the center never had the funding to construct it.

“I admire the students’ persistence in getting this grant,” said Hanley.

– University of Scranton

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Carbondale Senior Center volunteers were presented certificates by Lisa Durkin, UNC Deputy Executive Director. Front row (l-r) are: Lois Lefever, Carolyn Kuntzman, Trudie Steiger, Irene Suchniak, Hellen Shallock, Elsie Mussari. Standing: Lisa Durkin, Jeanette Simmons, Joe Hall, Ann Farrell, Michael Figliomini, Mary Ann Venosh, Clara Montone, Elaine Wormuth, Joanne Corrigan, Cathy Hardaway, UNC Director of Older Adults and Darcy Congdon-Lasavage, Center Manager.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania celebrated its older adult volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the agency’s four senior centers- Mid Valley, Carbondale, West Side and South Side. The agency hosted a volunteer recognition dinner where each volunteer with 50 or more hours received a small gift. In addition, UNC representatives visited each center throughout the week to present each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation.

West Side Senior Center volunteers were presented with certificates from State Representative Kevin P. Murphy during a senior health fair held at the Center. Pictured are (l-r) front row: Joe Piastrelli, Betty Kloss, Rosie Battista, Rose Zera, Josephine Stivala, Charlotte Roche, Representative Murphy, Mary Mandarano, Adele Garofalo, Jane Smith, Paul Mielo, Josephine Berardi, Elizabeth Eisenhart, Ann Cherniak, Dora DiGregorio. Second row: Adeline Ray, Paulette McGraw, Rose Van Valen, Mary Howells, Anne Dougherty, Marge Parlo, Vera Bancala, Sally Kurtz, Andy Evanick. Back row: Michael Hanley, UNC Executive Director; Fred Battaglia, Ed Sporko, Anita LaRussa, George Porter, Walter David, Daniel Lucas, Paul Durdan, Larry Parlo, Thelma Wheeler, Patrick McHale, Paul Walters and Laurie Fleming, Center Manager.

South Side Senior Center volunteers gathered after receiving certificates from Michael Hanley, UNC Executive Director. Pictured are (l-r) back row: Wendy Carlin, Center Manager; Cathy Hardaway, UNC Director of Older Adults, Rick Pica, Don Kile, Gene Simonetti, John Koch, Mike Cerato and Michael Hanley. Sitting (l-r): Bill Keib, Rita Wentline, Mina Vargas, Joy Markowski, Joan Ludwikowski, Lois Conway, Debbie Belardi.

Volunteers from the Mid Valley Senior Center were presented with red recognition ribbons and certificates. Volunteers included (l-r) standing: Helen Oravic, Pat Dolinak, Ann Marie Boyko, Ludy Baldan, Frank Krok, Ed Kucha, Carol Schott, Lisa Durkin, UNC Deputy Executive Director and Patricia Coyle, Center Manger. Sitting: Katie Ricci, Ann Pavlisko, Gen Kowalchick, Barb Kucha, Mary Benovitch, Nancy Emm and Bea Dick.

Conceived by President, Joe Gagnon, and arranged by communications director, Alysia Scazafabo, the event raised $400 for the food bank.  The money will be used to purchase fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Fifty employees participated in a one mile walk around the perimeter of the building.  “This type of fundraiser is not only fun for employees, but makes an impact on the families served by UNC’s food bank, allowing us to purchase fresh food in addition to the boxed and canned goods we have in the food bank. It helps to better meet the nutritional needs of those who are hungry”, said Michael Hanley, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Centers.

Senior White House and Agency officials will discuss the foreclosure settlement, President Obama’s new housing initiatives and legislative proposals impacting housing reforms.

The event is hosted by the White House, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens for our long-time commitment to high school graduation and long-term success among teens,” said Michael Hanley, UNC Executive Director. “It’s because of partnerships like this that we are able to offer career, community and educational experiences  that inspire our teen members to stay committed to earning their high school degree and move onto great things in life.”

UNC is one of more than 250 organizations nationwide that will receive a portion of $2.7 million granted by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Graduate To Go™ is a long-term effort, launched by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, to raise awareness of the high-school dropout crisis and encourage teens to get their diploma.  The initiative funds real-world experiences, such as job training and college preparation, proven to motivate teens to stay in school. Funds were raised through local Taco Bell restaurant owners and Taco Bell customers.

By the Numbers

America’s high school dropout rates are staggering, with one student dropping out of high school every 26 seconds.  More than 30 percent of U.S. teens and up to 50 percent of Latinos and African Americans fail to graduate with their class. Dropouts are more likely than high school graduates to be unemployed, in poor health, living in poverty, in prison, or on public assistance.** 

“The teen graduation crisis is a major hurdle for America as we strive to remain an innovative and powerful global leader,” said Shawn Winkler, Senior Manager Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. “The vital partnerships and programs we are funding today allow Taco Bell to help teens build a foundation for a future success through the vehicle of graduation.”

About the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens

The Taco Bell Foundation, Inc., dba Taco Bell Foundation for Teens (TBFT), a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, is committed to addressing the growing number of high school dropouts in the U.S. by providing teens with mentors and real-world experiences that motivate them to stay in school, graduate and achieve more in life. Since 1995, TBFT has donated more than $30 million to support teen programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America and other teen-serving organizations. TBFT has done this with the help of ongoing customer, franchisee and employee donations.  For more information about TBFT, visit www.tacobellfoundationforteens.org.