NEWS 2022

April 25, 2022

MILFORD, PA – After a 2-year pandemic-related hiatus, more than 55 participants representing nearly 40 nonprofit organizations recently gathered to share information, learn about funding opportunities, and network at the popular Greater Pike Community Foundation Nonprofit Workshop.

Charity and community spirit were highlighted and celebrated as those in attendance presented updates about their organizations and shared enthusiasm for moving forward. Greater Pike Executive Director Jenni Hamill shared information about funding opportunities, a critical need expressed by most due to increased demand for their services and decreased fundraising caused by Covid-19.

Hamill’s information about the types of charitable funds offered through the Foundation, including grants and organizational endowment funds, was met with enthusiasm.

“This year’s Community Workshop was like a reunion of sorts with a chance to catch up and network in person for a change,” said Hamill.  “It was very inspiring to hear from so many organizations and to see how each one is playing a special part in nurturing and enriching our community and its residents’ lives.  Our nonprofit organizations are a part of the fabric of the Greater Pike area and I feel fortunate to know and support them with events like this.”

Networking and face-to-face conversation was a popular workshop activity. Collaboration and learning how organizations can work together to expand resources and capacity is a benefit to the event.

“This year’s GPCF Community Workshop was a welcomed event,” said Jeannemarie Passaro, Executive Director of Pike Autism Support Services. “It was great to see and meet people in person that I had only met over Zoom meetings. I am looking forward to working with organizations, including those that I wasn’t aware of, that will be able to assist us with furthering our mission.  I’m really excited about that. This is one of the many ways in which the GPCF supports nonprofits like PASS.”

At the event, Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg spoke about the actions the County is taking toward bringing much needed medical and urgent care facilities to the area, the importance of local affordable housing, and a new initiative of the County, America250PA- which will plan, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Osterberg expressed gratitude for Greater Pike’s efforts to pull together the nonprofits for important networking and information sharing. “I was very impressed by the Greater Pike Community Foundation Nonprofit Workshop. The amount of organized service and charitable giving that occurs in Pike County and the surrounding area is truly inspiring,” he said.

The event was sponsored by the Milford Hospitality Group, Tom Quick Inn.

For 20 years, the Milford Historic Preservation Trust’s Milford Enhancement Committee (MEC) organized the Workshop, which initially focused on Milford enhancement efforts.  Over the years, however, the event has grown and expanded both in scope and numbers to represent the greater Pike County area.  Greater Pike was pleased to take responsibility for continuing the event and bringing together the organizations that support a diverse range of community needs.

Greater Pike helps individuals, families, and local businesses to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information contact Jenni Hamill, Executive Director, at (570) 832-4686, jennihamill@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org and Facebook.com/GreaterPike.