We’d like to give a shout-out to the incredible volunteers from MTF Biologics for partnering with us again to make our second annual Volunteer Day together such a success on Wednesday, July 2! More than 120 volunteers were mobilized to support our mission, providing interior and exterior painting, yard maintenance and landscaping for eight households across Lackawanna County.

In addition to the home projects, a large crew took on major cleanup efforts at the Carbondale Train Station, clearing overgrown shrubbery, tall grass and litter to help revitalize the community space. The station was also recently restored through a Leadership Lackawanna project this past spring.

Areas served included Carbondale, Jessup, Throop, Olyphant and Jermyn. We’re so grateful for MTF Biologics’ commitment to community service and their impact across the region!

NeighborWorks will host its second annual Carbondale Block Party and cookout scheduled for Saturday, July 26, with a rain date of July 27, at the YMCA Park at 89 N Main St, Carbondale, PA, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event aims to bring together residents of all ages to highlight the city's unique features and foster community engagement.

NeighborWorks is also currently looking for volunteers to help with running carnival games, food and other activities for the Carbondale Block Party. For more information, please contact Emily Arcaro, Community Development Specialist at 570-558-2490 or earcaro@nwnepa.org.

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Lori Rudalavage (NMLS #142504), Vice President and Senior Mortgage Lender at PS Bank (Equal Housing Lender | NMLS#456076), joins hosts Parker Dorsey and Gerard Hetman in this episode of the Be a Neighbor podcast. We were excited to discuss her career and professional background, her work in partnering with our homeownership team, current trends and changes in the homeownership landscape, best steps for aspiring homeowners to begin the homebuying process, and more!

Keep an eye out for our next episode on July 25! We recently had Julie Schumacher Cohen and Daysi Carreto from The University of Scranton Office of Community Relations on the show to discuss some of their initiatives and work in the community. Stay tuned!

Applications are still being accepted for the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) in Luzerne and Wyoming County. The application deadline is this Friday, July 18, 2025.

Elder cottages are small, separate, manufactured residences that are temporarily placed within the side or rear yard of a family member or caretaker. It is an affordable housing option that allows for older adults to remain close to their loved ones while still maintaining their autonomy, privacy and dignity.

Applications and more information can be accessed here. This initiative is a collaboration between NeighborWorks and the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging.