Community Connection

Lisa Mazzarella
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  • Society & Culture
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An interview series dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of nonprofit organizations across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Airs each Friday on WVIA Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered programs. Also available as an extended podcast.

  1. 5d ago

    Giving Back to the Community, Inc.

    Giving Back to the Community, Inc. 611 Cedar Avenue Scranton, PA  18505 Email: support@givingbacktothecommunityinc.org             erodriguez37124@gmail.com Guest:  Elizabeth Rodriguez. Founder, Giving Back to the Community, Inc. Mission: To strengthen community ties and ensure essential services reach everyone, regardless of race, religion or economic status--especially underserved and underrepresented audiences such as the growing Latino Community.                Giving Back to the Community, Inc. serves as a catalyst for fostering connections and empathy within our diverse Scranton community.  We are committed to promoting inclusivity and dialogue to build a resilient community grounded                in shared values and mutual support..  By actively involving businesses and organizations  in our initiatives, we aim to create impactful partnerships that connect with and support families.  These collaborations enhance our outreach efforts,                support local economies, provide essential resources, and help us build a stronger, more engaged community where everyone can thrive. Social Media Outlets:  Instagram/ Facebook

  2. Oct 16

    The Open Table Outreach

    The Open Table Outreach P.O. Box 563 New Milford, PA  18834 Email: theopentableoutreach.org Phone:  (607) 232-9300 Hours of Operation: The Open Table Outreach does not have standard hours of operation because it is a mobile, volunteer-run supply and demand network. Guest: Shelley Rodruguez, founder, The Open Table Foundation Mission:  Everyone deserves dignity, hope, and compassion.  The Open Table Outreach provides backpacks filled with essential items to people experiencing                  homelessness, reminding every person they are seen, valued and never forgotten. Social Media Platforms:  Facebook/ Instagram/ X (Twitter)/ Tik Tok Current Outreach Needs for the Winter Weather: The Open Table Outreach runs a dedicated winter-warmth initiative for those experiencing homelessness and severe weather conditions across the Wilkes-Barre Scranton area. Items needed for backpacks include: Coast, Hats, Gloves, New warm socks. Shelter Protection:  Blankets, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents and tarps. Warmth and Safety Extras: Hand and foot warmers, emergency blankets, personal hygiene supplies. You can also support the winter drive by: --Shopping via the Walmart Winter Backpack Registry --Shipping Physical Donations to: P.O. Box 563, New Milford, PA 18834 --Sponsor a Backpack through a monetary donation via The Open Table Outreach Facebook page Backpack mobile distribution sites can be found on the organization's Facebook page. Distribution on a first-come, first-served basis.

  3. Oct 9

    United NEPA Alliance (UNA)

    United NEPA  Alliance (UNA) 504 Donnelly Street Duryea, PA  18642 Phone: (570)362-6796 Email: unacorp.org             unitednepaalliance@gmail.com             mvelez@teccentrowb.org Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Guest: Maryann Velez, Founder/President of United NEPA  Alliance. Mission: United NEPA Alliance is a non-profit organization focused on uniting the various communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to effect enduring change through allyship and accountability. We believe in freedom, social equity,                 and the power of the people.                  We honor the process of education, and commit ourselves to ceaseless learning. Banding together with local and national groups, UNA functions as a local space for progress and organization. When we come together, we do so as a force of                         healing.                Who We Are: United NEPA Alliance is a community driven organization committed to breaking the holds of oppression. We align ourselves with those committed to fighting against oppression. Social Media Platforms: Facebook/ X (Twitter)/ Instagram

  4. Oct 2

    EmpowerStride

    EmpowerStride 750 Susquehanna Trail Muncy, PA  17756 Phone: (570) 560-8884 Email: suzyforesman@gmail.com Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 9 am-5 pm                                    Closed Saturday and Sunday Guest:  Suzy Foresman, Founder, EmpowerStride Mission: EmpowerStride is a non-profit using hands-on-equine assisted learning to help horses teach humans life skills, personal growth,                and emotional healing.               Core Mission and Focus:               --Emotional Healing: providing social and emotional support and resilience for children, women, and veterans who have experienced                 abuse or trauma.               --Experiential Growth: uses a philosophy where "horses teach humans one step at a time" through relation-based, non-judgmental interactions.               --Programs: Offers specific initiatives like 12-week empowerment series, team-building sessions. farm visits and open barn days. Social Media Platforms:  Facebook

  5. Sep 25

    Outreach--Center for Community Resources

    Outreach--Center for Community Resources 431 N. 7th Avenue Scranton, PA  18503 Phone: (570) 348-6484 Email: outreachworks.org             Hours of Operation: Monday -Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm                                     Saturday and Sunday--CLOSED. Guest: Lori Chaffers, President and CEO of Outreach--Center for Community Resources. Mission:  With respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards, Outreach Center for Community Resources                  offers a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency, Social Media Platforms: Facebook/ Instagram

  6. Sep 18

    SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylvania

    SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) 640 West Park Street, Suite 2010c Honesdale, PA  18431 Phone:(570) 245-1256 Email: info@seedsgroup.net Hours of Operation:  Always open Guest:  Michele Long, Director of Development, SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylvania Mission: SEEDS mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy,, and local food production for the good of all. Social Media Platforms: Facebook/ X (Twitter)/ Instagram/ Bluesky Social The 15th Annual SEEDS Free Book Share is: Saturday, September 19th from 9 am-4 pm Sunday, September 20th from 9 am=3 pm  Location: Wayne County Fairgrounds                 270 Miller Drive                 Honesdale, PA  18431                 FREE Admission/Donations Accepted

  7. Sep 11

    Road to Recovery

    Guest: Gary Williams, Volunteer Driver, Road to Recovery Program

  8. Sep 4

    McBride Memorial Library

    Guest: Amanda Wanner, Adult and Administrative Services Librarian, McBride Memorial Library

See All (100)

About

An interview series dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of nonprofit organizations across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Airs each Friday on WVIA Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered programs. Also available as an extended podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Mazzarella
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Community Connection

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