NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and its Board of Directors has selected Shane K. Powers as the organization's next president and CEO. Powers, who currently serves as the organization’s chief operating officer, will succeed Jesse J. Ergott, who is departing in late April.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Shane’s caliber ready to step into this role as we launch into an exciting new chapter of opportunity for our organization," said Teddy Michel, NeighborWorks board chair. "Shane will lead a talented team at NeighborWorks, one that is focused on extending our strong track record of collaboration, innovation and impact. She will undoubtedly continue the organization’s trajectory of meaningful community leadership."

Powers will formally assume the President & CEO role on Monday, April 29th. Read the full announcement here.

NeighborWorks is excited to announce it will be receiving $300,000 in implementation grant funding over three years from the Regional Foundation. This funding will be used for continued implementation of the West Scranton Neighborhood Plan. The comprehensive plan encompasses various initiatives spanning community character, commercial corridors, services, amenities, and housing. Priority projects include blight reduction, business corridor enhancements, small business support, park improvements, streetscape enhancements, housing initiatives, and community center support.

Over the next five years, NeighborWorks plans to execute several key strategies outlined in the plan, including rehabilitating homes, enhancing pedestrian safety, supporting local businesses, improving recreational spaces, and expanding housing opportunities. With these efforts, the vision for West Scranton by 2030 is a vibrant, inclusive community with safe neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and strong community connections to schools and parks.

Thank you to the Regional Foundation for its continued support for the West Scranton Neighborhood Plan!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Pike County First Time Homebuyer Program together with Pike County Human Services.

The objective of the Pike County First Time Homebuyer Program is to assist potential homebuyers who would otherwise be unable to access a pathway to affordable homeownership due to income barriers. The goal of the program is to increase the opportunities for sustainable homeownership for low- to modest-income homebuyers by overcoming the obstacles created by the total cost of purchasing. The program will create a meaningful incentive for the purchase of owner-occupied homes within Pike County.

Read more about the program here.

NeighborWorks has secured $25,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Keystone Communities Program for the West Scranton Infill Housing Plan. By leveraging insights from the West Scranton Neighborhood Plan, NeighborWorks plans to identify and redevelop 25 blighted properties, potentially creating up to 75 units of affordable housing.

The program targets a six-month timeline, including milestones such as property assessment, site prioritization, and finalizing the housing plan by August 2024. Through this program, NeighborWorks seeks to address critical housing needs while revitalizing West Scranton's community fabric.