As part of our We Care initiative, the Pathways team is excited to move forward and begin donation efforts towards the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC).
UNC is one of the largest and longest operating nonprofit organizations in Northeastern PA. Their purpose is to assist local low-income families, seniors and youth in meeting their everyday needs while also empowering them to attain self-sufficiency.
UNC offers a wide array of programs that are continuously adjusted to fill the gaps that exist in local services. These programs include Community Services, Child Care, Youth Programs, Active Older Adult Programs, Community Education & Revitalization, Community Health and a Housing/Community Development Corporation.
According to the UNC website, last year, nearly 20,000 hot meals were served to seniors in their four active older adult community centers. Volunteers also provided more than 7,000 hours of ESL and related education for recent immigrants and delivered over 6,300 food packages to families in need. Overall, 95% of students in their Leaders in Training program progressed successfully into the next grade level or reached graduation status – all thanks to volunteer assistance!
UNC also collects gently used clothing and nonperishables to distribute to visitors through their food and clothing pantry called Angie’s Attic. They are also looking to collect used bicycles for their program dedicated to adults who cannot afford cars to commute to/from work.
Currently, their most needed items include:
– Household items: bedsheets, curtains, pillows, towels and toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.)
– Men’s shoes: all kinds and steel-toed boots
– Bicycles for adults
– Gently used clothing
– Nonperishable food items
With a mission to work together with neighbors in providing services and creating opportunities that empower individuals and build strong, interdependent communities, their vision is to address these emerging social needs and become an innovative leader in building these environments.
At Pathways, it is our pleasure as a team to engage with such a wonderful, heartfelt organization. For more information on UNC, visit their website here.