Vicki Austin and Sister Jean Messaros were in a state of humble elation Thursday night after their project helping single moms get college degrees was named Nonprofit Project/Program of the Year by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center.
Misericordia University’s Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program has been in existence since 2000 and offers free on-campus housing to single mothers with children.
“I think it’s a considerable honor when you consider all the organizations featured,” Ms. Austin said.
The project was just one of the 12 finalists showcased at the center’s 2012 Community Awards Program at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel.
The event featured recently appointed Scranton Area Foundation Director and CEO Laura Ducceschi as the keynote speaker and aimed to bring together grant makers and grant recipients, as well as honor nonprofits from Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Monroe, Wayne, Pike, Carbon and Luzerne counties.
“That’s what’s being honored tonight, innovation and breaking down barriers,” Ms. Ducceschi said.
In a time when budgets are tight and every nonprofit organization is looking to stretch a dollar, it’s important to create an environment to facilitate networking so organizations can offer the most efficient and effective program, said Kurt Bauman, center executive director.
“Many of these programs are helping support those most in need,” he said.