Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grants
The Women in Philanthropy initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation awarded a $3,500 grant to The University of Scranton during the Women in Philanthropy Quarterly Meeting and Reception held at the Century Club of Scranton this spring. From left: Patty Thomas, Women in Philanthropy supporter; Avianna Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs at The University of Scranton; and Donna Barbetti, Women in Philanthropy supporter and board governor at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.The University of Scranton received a total of $5,000 from two grants from Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) to support its SPARK Program, a free, week-long enrichment and mentoring summer camp for Scranton-area teens. The SPARK program received a $3,500 from the Women in Philanthropy initiative of the SACF and $1,500 Spring Community Needs grant from the SACF.
SPARK is designed to foster teamwork, encourage self-esteem and good decision-making and enhance communication skills through interactive educational and outdoor activities. Through shared meals offered through the camp, participants also forge a sense of community and belonging. Area students aged 12-16 who participate in SPARK are recruited through the Nativity Miguel School, the United Neighborhood Centers and Friends of the Poor.
SPARK is run by students from the University and Scranton Prep under the supervision of University staff and faculty. The camp takes place at the University’s Conference and Retreat Center at Chapman Lake one week in July.
SPARK also provides mentoring training and opportunities for service for University of Scranton and Scranton Prep students who volunteer to help run the program.
SPARK was founded in 2012 by Patricia Vaccaro, director of the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, and Danny Marx, a graduate of the University and Prep, who is now a mathematics teacher at Scranton Prep.
The mission of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, a public 501c3 community foundation, is to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. According to its website, the foundation serves as a steward, a grant-maker, a charitable resource and a catalyst for change. The foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds established by philanthropic individuals in our community and have granted more than $20 million to assist the educational, human service, environmental, civic, and arts and cultural organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
