Resiliency Rising: Community Adaptability in Uncertain Times.

Join us at the Scranton Area Community Foundation to learn how NEPA agencies adapt and thrive in uncertain times!

About this Event

Welcome to "Resiliency Rising: Community Adaptability in Uncertain Times. Join us as the Lackawanna Interagency Council brings together legislators, funders, and nonprofit leaders to share perspectives on operational, funding, and resource strategies in uncertain times that highlight how resiliency in action can pave the way for long-term community and nonprofit adaptability.

Agenda


🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration and Breakfast

🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:40 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Cindy Kennedy, President, Lackawanna Interagency Council

🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Speaker: Building Regional Resilience
Host: Terri Ooms, CEO, The Institute

🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Table Networking Break

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Expert Panel Discussion
Host: Facilitator: Julie Sodoni, Director of Journalism for WV
Panelist
Host: Laura Ducceschi, CEO Scranton Area Community Foundation

Info: Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has been a driving force in advancing philanthropy across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown its role as a catalyst for systemic change, investing in initiatives that strengthen communities and expand opportunity. She has been instrumental in developing innovative approaches such as the NEPA Workforce Funders Collaborative, impact investing strategies, and exploring CDFI partnerships to ensure that philanthropy plays an active role in addressing regional challenges.


Ducceschi’s vision centers on aligning philanthropic resources with community needs in ways that foster long-term resilience and equity. By championing cross-sector collaboration and seeking out alternative models to traditional grantmaking, she has positioned philanthropy as a key partner in creating sustainable solutions for the region.

Panelist
Host: Kyle Donahue, PA State Representative

Info: House District 113

Panelist
Host: Bridget Kosierowski , PA State Representative

Info: House District 114

Panelist
Host: Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards

Info: Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards has served as President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) since October 2020. She works to build organizational capacity and ensure the sustainability and growth of MFHS initiatives. She leads with a focus on equity and inclusion as the organization meets changing community needs and is connecting with staff and community members throughout the MFHS service network to

find new opportunities to have a positive impact on women, children, and families. She serves on the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the board of PA Alliance of Family Planning Councils. She also serves on the boards of Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Telespond Senior Services and Northeast Pennsylvania Nonprofit Community Assistance Center.

Panelist
Host: Lori Chaffers, MSW President & CEO Outreach Works

Info: Outreach is a non-profit organization serving thousands of people of all ages in northeastern Pennsylvania through a variety of programs supporting family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

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