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The Luzerne Foundation

About The Luzerne Foundation

The Luzerne Foundation helps people create funds to do good things today and lasting good for tomorrow. Here for Good!™

The Millennium Circle Awards Patriot’s Cove a $25,000 Grant!

By |2023-11-15T14:43:27-05:00November 15th, 2023|News|

Members of The Millennium Circle Fund of The Luzerne Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Patriots Cove after listening intently to five presentations before casting their vote. With the 2023 grant award considered, the Millennium Circle Fund has awarded $489,000 in grant funding since its inception in 2001. “This year’s Millennium Circle finalists represented all

The Luzerne Foundation’s 27th Invitational Golf Tournament Was a Great Success

By |2023-08-09T12:46:18-04:00August 9th, 2023|News|

We're swinging by to thank all our fantastic players and supporters who made the Monsignor McGowan Memorial Cup of the Luzerne Foundation Annual Golf Tournament an unforgettable day on the greens! Your participation drove us to new heights, and we couldn't have asked for a better driving force behind this event. Your presence truly

Luzerne Foundation Announces First Ever Community Champions!

By |2023-06-21T14:40:07-04:00April 5th, 2023|News|

The Luzerne Foundation is proud to announce its inaugural Community Champions! These awards, inspired by the Foundation’s weekly news column, seek to highlight individuals in our community who make a difference to each of us living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “It’s no secret what makes Luzerne County a great place to live - it’s the people”

John and Tina Dowd Donate Building to The Luzerne Foundation

By |2023-06-21T14:41:14-04:00February 15th, 2023|News|

John and Tina Dowd, co-founders of Sundance Vacations, recently donated an approximately 40,000 square foot commercial building in Wilkes-Barre to the Luzerne Foundation. The building, located at 744 Kidder Street, is currently fully rented by Step by Step, Inc and the Knee Center. It previously was the headquarters of Sundance Vacations. This generous donation is

Guest Speakers Talk with YAC Students

By |2023-06-21T14:42:06-04:00November 14th, 2022|News|

We had so many phenomenal speakers for our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meeting, including Chris Bohinski and Rachel J. Malak of PA Live and Amber Loomis from the Osterhout Free Library! Thank you for providing inspiring and empowering presentations to our youth. YAC members are learning the fundamentals of philanthropy! Since the 2013-2014 school year,

Keystone Mission awarded $25K from Luzerne Foundation’s Millennium Circle Fund

By |2022-11-14T14:48:41-05:00November 3rd, 2022|News|

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com PLAINS TWP. — Justin Behrens, executive director at Keystone Mission, Thursday said a $25,000 grant from the Millennium Circle Fund will help build the community, not just the homeless. Keystone Mission’ 15-bed men’s Transformation Center at its Parkview Circle facility in Wilkes-Barre is seen in a file photo. The center

Closing Cases Fund

By |2023-07-06T12:30:44-04:00March 1st, 2022|News|

The Luzerne Foundation and David Pedri established the Closing Cases Fund to raise public awareness and augment financial support for local law enforcement agencies. The Fund’s purpose is to bring closure to cold cases and resolve for the victim’s loved ones, particularly those involving homicide, missing persons, unidentified bodies, sexual assaults, etc. These services include case review,

There are No Small Acts of Kindness

By |2021-06-01T14:36:28-04:00June 1st, 2021|News|

Tony Callaio | For Times Leader Wyoming Area Catholic students donate $2,000 to CEO Rabbi Yossi Schulman thanks the children of Wyoming Area Catholic School for collecting $2,000 for the Commission on Economic Opportunity as part of an ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) Project. Seated from left are school principal Eileen Rishcoff, Charles Barber

The Luzerne Foundation Announces New President & CEO

By |2021-05-26T12:05:27-04:00May 21st, 2021|News|

The Luzerne Foundation announced today that David Pedri is appointed as the new President and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation. An experienced leader, David will succeed Charles M. Barber and assume responsibilities on September 1, 2021. Charles Barber will retire as ofJune 30, 2021 after serving 21 years as President & CEO. “I have worked

Luzerne Foundation’s Nonprofit Forum Going Virtual

By |2021-11-17T14:11:44-05:00February 20th, 2021|News|

Times Leader / Saturday, February 20, 2021 / By Joe Soprano jsoprano@timesleader.com The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about every aspect of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country. And life at the Luzerne Foundation is no different as the organization’s annual Nonprofit Forum is changing due to the pandemic. “This year’s (event) is

Their View: What Giving Means to Our Community

By |2020-12-16T11:20:19-05:00December 12th, 2020|News|

Abigail Jerome Guest Columnist | The Times Leader | December 12, 2020 I’m sure you’ve had a little girl come to your door trying to sell girl scout cookies, or have seen a Santa with a bell and kettle around the holidays. Maybe you have even done one of these activities. I know that people

Their view: Luzerne Foundation’s YAC making a difference

By |2020-12-16T11:20:54-05:00December 5th, 2020|News|

Bridget Dowd Guest Columnist | The Times Leader | December 5, 2020 As the student director of Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Adivisory Committee, this year and throughout my involvement and exposure to YAC for many years, I have been lucky enough to see the “behind the scenes” of charity work, philanthropy and the grant-making process here

UGI Donation Enhances The Luzerne Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

By |2020-11-13T12:19:03-05:00November 12th, 2020|News|

Left to right: Charles M. Barber, Luzerne Foundation President & CEO, Donald A. Brominski, Director Business Development UGI UGI Utilities is committed to benefiting our community through their charitable giving. Recently, UGI awarded $7,500 to The Luzerne Foundation to augment its grantmaking relative to COVID -19 and other community needs-based programming.   In

Millennium Circle Fund Selects Volunteers in Medicine

By |2020-11-04T13:28:09-05:00November 4th, 2020|News|

The Millennium Circle Fund of The Luzerne Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Volunteers in Medicine after members listened intently to five presentations and cast their vote. With the 2020 grant award considered, the Millennium Circle Fund has awarded $414,000 in grant funding since its inception in 2001. "We are so very thrilled and excited to have

The Luzerne Foundation Awards $120,000 in Grants to Area Nonprofits

By |2020-11-04T14:19:33-05:00November 2nd, 2020|News|

Times Leader / Monday, November 2, 2020 Early in 2020, The Luzerne Foundation received a grant award from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. This grant will provide additional funding to area nonprofits and enhance the grantmaking ability of The Luzerne Foundation. “The Weinberg Foundation providing support to The Luzerne Foundation is an ideal example

Institute Insights

By |2020-08-06T12:18:46-04:00August 6th, 2020|News|

The Luzerne Foundation is honored to share the latest version of Institute Insights brought to you by the hard work and dedication of The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. Just released is their research study on the impact of COVID-19 on Social Services and our Healthcare System. This study provides critical information as we

Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee Awards $15K to Charities

By |2020-06-03T14:06:11-04:00June 3rd, 2020|News|

Times Leader / by Bill O'Boyle, Staff Writer / Published: June 3, 2020 WILKES-BARRE — The Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee recently held a virtual meeting to determine which of the 10 deserving charities should receive funding. The committee said not even the COVID-19 pandemic could squelch the enthusiasm of the Youth Advisory Committee consisting

First Round of Grants from The Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Awarded

By |2020-05-07T14:09:46-04:00May 7th, 2020|News|

April 30, 2020 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - In response to the coronavirus outbreak, The Luzerne Foundation announces the first round of grants totaling $91,750 from the Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund distributed to 16 organizations. The Luzerne Foundation established the Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofit, community-based organizations working with those

Help is Just a Call, Text or Click Away!

By |2020-03-19T19:55:00-04:00March 19th, 2020|News|

WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 19, 2020) - As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Luzerne Foundation will temporarily close its offices and community conference room on River Street in Wilkes-Barre and all employees will work from remote locations, effective immediately. The Luzerne Foundation will continue to function under its emergency operations plan. The Foundation anticipates

How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

By |2020-03-18T11:41:56-04:00March 18th, 2020|News|

“Did you know that it’s the worst sickness ever?” What do you do when you hear a statement like that from your child? PBS KIDS offers advice for clearing up misinformation and being a calming voice in a time of high anxiety. [helpme_button style="three-dimension" size="large" bg_color="#444444" txt_color="#fff" outline_skin="#444444" outline_hover_skin="#fff" icon="theme-icon-video" url="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR3tGy7-z6f_6uLiUWaw-SN0YupoPT9QajP2ZfSTf2p3CfbplLP9i8bHLP4?fbclid=IwAR3tGy7-z6f_6uLiUWaw-SN0YupoPT9QajP2ZfSTf2p3CfbplLP9i8bHLP4" target="_blank" align="left" id="Button ID"

What to Know About the Coronavirus

By |2020-03-18T11:38:55-04:00March 18th, 2020|News|

VIA has created a Coronavirus Information page on our website for you to use to keep you and your family informed and safe. The page is routinely updated with information on this evolving situation. [helpme_button style="three-dimension" size="large" bg_color="#444444" txt_color="#fff" outline_skin="#444444" outline_hover_skin="#fff" icon="theme-icon-video" url="https://www.wvia.org/what-you-should-know-about-the-novel-coronavirus/" target="_blank" align="left" id="Button ID" margin_bottom="15"]Learn More[/helpme_button]

Christmas Party Benefits Memorial Scholarship Fund

By |2020-01-03T11:11:00-05:00January 3rd, 2020|News|

The Citizens' Voice / Saturday, December 28, 2019 / SEAN MCKEAG - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Guest gather for the 11th annual Christmas party hosted by the Brian Cashmere Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee at the Jones Insurance Group building on Pittston's Main Street on Friday. The Brian Cashmere Memorial Scholarship Fund was formed by members of the

Jack Williams Tire celebrates 90 years in business

By |2019-08-28T10:37:53-04:00August 25th, 2019|News|

The Citizens' Voice / by Denise Allabaugh, Staff Writer / Published: August 25, 2019 SUBMITTED PHOTO From left, Bill Williams, Jack Williams Sr., Jack Williams Jr. and Jim Williams attend the opening of the Wilkes-Barre store in 1973. The late Jack Williams Sr. started Jack Williams Tire Co. with one location in Kingston

PA 2-1-1 Northeast / Help Line call to action

By |2019-08-28T10:48:42-04:00August 25th, 2019|News|

Times Leader / Gert McGowan - Guest Columnist / August 25, 2019 Gert McGowan Long before I joined Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) on July 1, 2019, FSA was leading the charge in information referral in Luzerne County. The journey began in 1972, after the Agnes flood. FSA established Help Line

Centry-Old Building New Digs for Luzerne Foundation

By |2018-11-09T13:07:22-05:00November 1st, 2018|News|

By Mark Guydish - mguydish@timesleader.com / Times Leader / Published November 1, 2018 Members and supporters of the Luzerne Foundation walk around and mingle in the non-profit’s new office space on South River Street in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday night. - Amanda Hrycyna | Times Leader WILKES-BARRE — Charles Barber stood a bit like

Dallas, Lake-Lehman Boys Soccer Meet Today in Latest Cleary Cup Match

By |2018-10-18T12:29:00-04:00October 18th, 2018|News|

By Eric Shultz, Staff Writer, Citizens' Voice / Published: October 13, 2018 It quickly becomes clear that Dallas vs. Lake-Lehman boys soccer isn’t like most rivalries. Though the schools’ proximity to each other makes them natural rivals, the Mountaineers and Black Knights still gather as one before kicking off. Before everything’s decided on the field,

The Luzerne Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

By |2018-10-04T11:44:28-04:00October 4th, 2018|News|

The Luzerne Foundation recently welcomed new board members at our meeting on September 28, 2018. We are excited for the new additions to our board to help ensure we are here for good™. Pictured in photo from left to right: John Dowd, Megan Kennedy, Esq., Gregory Weaver, Rabbi Larry Kaplan, Alexander Sloot, Mayor Mike Lombardo,

Thanks for Helping Kids with Asthma Enjoy Camping

By |2018-09-13T10:49:17-04:00September 13th, 2018|News|

The Citizens' Voice / Letter to the Editor / Published September 13, 2018 Editor: The Max and Lorraine Foundation and the American Lung Association would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all the volunteers who gave their time to make it possible for 28 children with asthma to

Law Firm Gives Back To Community In A Big Way

By |2018-08-22T11:40:04-04:00July 5th, 2018|News|

Reading Eagle: Written by Denise Allabaugh, Staff Writer KINGSTON — Attorney Joseph Quinn, a trial lawyer who has achieved record-setting verdicts and settlements, said it's always important for him and his law firm to give back to the community. After winning an $11 million settlement in a major malpractice case involving the death of a

Irem Temple project scores $80K grant

By |2018-08-22T11:42:46-04:00June 14th, 2018|News|

By Dan Stokes - ttlnews@timesleader.com WILKES-BARRE — A state agency has awarded a grant to The Luzerne Foundation for the Irem Temple Restoration project. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission awarded $1.275 million in Keystone Preservation grants to help 28 historical and heritage organizations, museums and local governments spanning 19 counties. Of that, an $80,000

Nonprofits Pitch their Plans for Luzerne Foundation Funds

By |2018-05-31T10:55:30-04:00March 30th, 2018|News|

BY DENISE ALLABAUGH / PUBLISHED: MARCH 30, 2018 - Citizens' Voice PLAINS TWP. — WVIA Public Media has embarked on a project to address one of the most serious public health challenges: the opioid epidemic. The project began with airing the documentary, “Broken: Women, Families & Opioids” on Thursday night. It will be followed by

Trackside Railroad Signal Installed at Anthracite Miners’ Memorial Park

By |2017-08-31T10:07:14-04:00August 31st, 2017|News|

Paul Golias, Correspondent / Citizens Voice ASHLEY — A trackside railroad signal that once guided Central Railroad of New Jersey trains into and out of Ashley has been erected at the Anthracite Miners’ Memorial Park. The restored signal will be available for inspection when the new state historical marker commemorating the Huber Breaker is dedicated

Plymouth Rotary Plans 59th Annual Chicken Barbecue

By |2017-08-31T10:08:09-04:00August 31st, 2017|News|

The Rotary Club of Plymouth will conduct its 59th annual chicken barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Plymouth Armory, Main Street, Plymouth. For tickets, contact Rotarians Janet Franchella at 570-905-6708 or JK Karavis, president, at 570-574-4246. Tickets may also be purchased at Joe Krull’s Barbershop or the Press Box Bistro, both located on Main

The Council on Foundations Recognizes The Luzerne Foundation for Compliance with National Accountability Standards

By |2017-06-21T10:22:19-04:00January 16th, 2017|News|

The Luzerne Foundation is recognized for having organizational and financial practices that are in accordance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The Council on Foundations and leaders of the community foundation field created the National Standards in 2000 to aid community foundations in establishing legal, ethical and effective operational practices that would show

Dr. Jennifer Sidari Hope Golf Tournament

By |2016-11-03T20:57:26-04:00November 3rd, 2016|News|

Friends and family of Dr. Jennifer Sidari gathered on Oct. 7 at Blue Ridge Golf Club for the third ‘Dr. Jennifer Sidari Hope Golf Tournament.’ The tournament was a success and the Sidari family and tournament organizers thanked those who attended and sponsored the event. Jennifer Sidari, M.D. passed away unexpectedly on May 29, just

The Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund Donates to Luzerne County Library System

By |2016-07-27T09:41:16-04:00July 27th, 2016|News|

The Luzerne County Library System announced The Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of The Luzerne Foundation recently donated $5,000 to fund the 2016 county-wide summer reading program. The Yudichak Family has funded the program since 2011. The Luzerne County Library System was founded in 1984. It is made up of 10 libraries throughout Luzerne County that

Luzerne Foundation Held 3rd Annual Nonprofit Forum

By |2016-07-12T13:00:54-04:00April 4th, 2016|News|

  The Luzerne Foundation held its 3rd Annual Nonprofit Forum on Wednesday, March 30th.  With over 100 people in attendance, 33 local nonprofit organizations spoke, for five minutes each, to share their mission, discuss the needs and challenges they face, and highlight their programming efforts. These nonprofit organizations represent the seven major field-of-interest areas that

33 Nonprofits Get Quick Shot

By |2016-11-03T20:44:53-04:00March 28th, 2016|News|

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines opportunity as “a favorable juncture of circumstances or a good chance for advancement or progress.” Would you believe me if I told you that The Luzerne Foundation wishes to provide a special opportunity to local nonprofits in the form of brief, 5-minute, well-crafted speeches that succinctly summarize their mission and goals?

Special Tax Bill Includes Extended Help for Charities

By |2015-12-21T14:37:40-05:00December 21st, 2015|News|

  Provision Permits Tax-free Charitable Transfers from IRAs On December 18, Congress passed the PATH Act, which renews and makes permanent the Charitable IRA provision of 2006, making it easier for Americans to give to causes they care about. This provision has the power to help local charities strengthen their communities by allowing individuals to

Redeveloping Florida’s Remote Southern Coast

By |2023-06-20T15:59:34-04:00December 7th, 2015|Architecture, Buildings, Construction, News|

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How We Manage Large Construction Projects

By |2023-06-20T15:59:34-04:00December 7th, 2015|Architecture, Construction, Engineering|

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Future proofing a modern home

By |2023-06-20T15:59:34-04:00December 6th, 2015|Architecture, Construction, Marketing|

Technology is Here to Stay Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus purus nisl, elementum vitae consequat at, tristique ut enim. Sed ut dignissim leo. Nullam sed metus id sapien faucibus rhoncus sed at magna. Nullam eget ornare leo, eget aliquam ante. Sed cursus malesuada fringilla. Cras porta ipsum sed nibh consectetur, a

Wyoming Valley-based program to give food to low-income children wins $20,000 grant

By |2015-10-30T13:35:23-04:00October 30th, 2015|News|

By Mark Guydish - mguydish@timesleader.com Gretchen Hunt, from the Commission on Economic Opportunity, gives a two-minute speech about the CEO’s proposed “Food 4 Kids Weekends Backpack Program” during Thursday’s Millennium Circle luncheon. The program received the most votes among five presented to Circle members during the event, winning a $20,000 grant. Aimee Dilger |

Senator John Yudichak and Family Donate to Luzerne County Library System

By |2015-07-31T15:53:49-04:00July 31st, 2015|News|

Donation supports Summer Reading Program The Luzerne County Library System is pleased to announce that The Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of The Luzerne Foundation has generously donated $5,000 to fund the 2015 County-wide Summer Reading Program. The Yudichak Family has funded the program since 2011. The Luzerne County Library System was founded in 1984. It

Millennium Circle Fund of The Luzerne Foundation Declares a Perfect Tie!

By |2015-07-14T16:02:51-04:00July 14th, 2015|News|

And the winners are... Volunteers of America-Ruth's Place Commission on Economic Opportunity- Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Center for Healthy Living The Millennium Circle Membership has spoken and for the first time in its fourteen year history-we have a perfect tie! In response to this voting anomaly, The Luzerne Foundation will split the 2014 grant allocation

Times Leader: Luzerne Foundation forum offers a wealth perspective

By |2014-03-20T22:26:20-04:00March 20th, 2014|News|

NANTICOKE — If Walter Mitchell were a rich man, he’d donate to the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. That’s what he said, or rather sang, Wednesday morning during a presentation at the LCCC Conference Center. His presentation charmed an audience of speakers representing 32 nonprofit organizations from throughout Luzerne County during a nonprofit forum hosted by

Luzerne Foundation Holds First Ever Nonprofit Forum

By |2014-02-11T20:37:22-05:00February 11th, 2014|News|

Local Nonprofits Have 5 Minutes to Tell Their Story  The Luzerne Foundation will hold its first-ever Nonprofit Forum on Wednesday March 19th at Luzerne County Community College’s Conference Center and Wednesday March 26th at Genetti’s Best Western in Wilkes-Barre.  All Luzerne County 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are invited to sign up for a five minute time

YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) Holds Inaugural Meeting

By |2013-11-03T17:38:23-05:00November 3rd, 2013|News|

Youth Advisory Committee Formed at The Luzerne Foundation Student Run Group to Research and Award Grants Students from area high schools across Luzerne County have become members of a newly formed Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) at The Luzerne Foundation to learn the fundamentals and importance of charitable giving in the community.  At the conclusion of

Family Service Association to receive $20k Millennium Circle Grant for 211 Conversion

By |2013-10-31T21:27:44-04:00October 31st, 2013|News|

  The Millennium Circle Membership has listened and voted to award the Family Service Association of NEPA – Help Line –PA 211 Transition, the recipient of the 2013 Millennium Circle Grant of $20,000. Excerpt from the Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania: “The program is simple. Anyone throughout ten counties of Northeast PA and access

Grantee Profile–Serento Gardens

By |2013-03-03T20:06:54-05:00March 3rd, 2013|News|

Since its founding in 1977, Serento Gardens in Hazleton has helped thousands overcome their chemical dependencies by providing support and the opportunity to regain control of their lives.  In The Luzerne Foundation’s Fall Grant Cycle, Serento Gardens was selected to receive a grant for a new program – Stewards of Children, a child sexual abuse

2012 – A Year of Challenges

By |2013-03-03T19:50:39-05:00March 3rd, 2013|News|

What an interesting year 2012 was –for the Foundation it was a year of change and challenges. We are truly becoming the Center For Philanthropy in our community. We became deeply involved in the recovery efforts from last year’s flooding serving as a part of the Disaster Relief Recovery Coalition and we continue to participate

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