Today, families and individuals in Northeastern Pennsylvania can find a warm, inviting, and
respectful place to learn, obtain a job, and grow at Outreach because we meet people where they are.
Making Connections and Helping People
One participant of Family Development Specialist Michele Wroblewski needed help with childcare and rental assistance after recently being released from rehabilitation for a substance use disorder. Michele was able to connect our participant with United Neighborhood Centers. They were able to provide her with 6 months of rental assistance through the Soar Program for mothers who are experiencing addiction issues and are currently in recovery.
Additionally, Michele connected our participation with the Early Learning Resource Center and was able to secure childcare. Now, Michele is able to offer the Parents as Teachers program in a more successful environment, having helped this mom meet basic needs and get on the road to self-sufficiency and family stability.
Kindness, Compassion, and an Umbrella
Outreach Employment and Education Specialist Carol McCormick has been instructing classes with the women of the Lackawanna County Prison.
After her release, NR, a woman Carol worked with, visited the LEAD Center to see Carol. They updated her resume and discussed what employment options she had. NR couldn't thank Carol enough for sitting with her and listening.
NR returned for a follow-up appointment the following week and again sat with Carol for almost two hours. They looked through job postings and applied to several, and NR opened up to Carol about her plans, goals, and ambitions. After the appointment concluded, it was pouring rain outside. NR was not anticipating the change in weather, had no umbrella, and was on foot.
The LEAD Center is fortunate to have funding for a small supply of umbrellas for those in need. Concerned that NR would get soaked leaving Outreach, Carol gave NR an umbrella. NR was speechless. She was almost in tears at the generosity offered to her by Carol. NR was thankful for Carol's kindness and treatment at the LEAD Center.
Not all successes come from big stories, significant life changes, and a big job. Sometimes the most meaningful success is seen through the small things that make people feel human, the things that most people take for granted. NR left the LEAD Center feeling fantastic, respected, and dignified.
Carol and many Outreach staff members demonstrate our mission, "respect for the individual," daily, filling our participants with the positive self-worth they deserve.
Working Hard Pays Off
Student, Matt*, has been working extremely hard to obtain his GED. Matt is a cancer survivor and cannot speak, but he doesn't let that stand in his way at all.
Bill Burnell, a volunteer GED instructor, worked with Matt weekly in Social Studies. Due to Matt’s persistent determination, Bill believed he was prepared to test quickly. Matt successfully passed the GED Social Studies exam with a college ready score.
Bill’s colorful way of teaching and bringing stories to life interested Matt to learn more because he enjoyed it!