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The Wright Center receives $10,000 grant to provide nutritious meals, medical appointment transportation to those in need
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, a nonprofit subsidiary of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by Scranton Area Community Foundation. This funding will support the expansion of The Wright Center’s Patient and Community Needs Program, helping to address critical barriers faced by the region’s most vulnerable populations.
This additional funding will enable The Wright Center to provide nutritious meals to hundreds more individuals and families, ensuring no one goes hungry. It will also support affordable, reliable transportation to medical appointments and expand access to valuable nutritional education. These efforts build upon the progress made possible by previous grants from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation and Scranton Area Community Foundation.
“This philanthropic gift beautifully exemplifies the unwavering dedication of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation and Scranton Area Community Foundation to our cherished community partnership and steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors. “As the needs of our communities continue to grow, we are deeply grateful for this support, which provides a lifeline to individuals and families struggling with necessities and empowers them to focus on improving their health without being burdened by the barriers that often prevent access to care.”
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement advances The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s mission — to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve – by involving patients and communities in transforming primary health services, fostering workforce development, and addressing public health challenges.
Focused on education, advocacy, and reducing socioeconomic barriers, the nonprofit assists vulnerable populations facing poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, limited transportation, and social isolation. Guided by a board of patients and local professionals, it organizes impactful initiatives like health fairs, food drives, and school supply giveaways. Its annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament raises critical funds to ensure equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services for everyone.
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation provides grants to registered nonprofit organizations that support impactful programs benefiting Lackawanna County and Northeast Pennsylvania residents. Among its four key focus areas are “programs that aim to break the cycle of poverty, remove economic barriers, and encourage independence in adults and children through access to safe, affordable housing, transportation, education, and other important issues.”
Since its inception, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in community grants. Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as its administrator since 2016. For more information, visit safdn.org.
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (TWCPCE) received a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The funding will support the expansion of The Wright Center’s Patient and Community Needs Program, which helps address critical barriers faced by the region’s most vulnerable populations. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Frank Caputo, grants and scholarships manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Holly Przasnyski, board coordinator and director, TWCPCE; Mary Marrara, co-chair, TWCPCE; and Laura Ducceschi, president and CEO, the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
