In celebration of our new office in the Back Mountain, Fidelity Bank recently launched an exciting new initiative for non-profit organizations making a difference in this region: the IMPACT program. As its name implies, the IMPACT grant is a $15,000 award for a Back Mountain organization developing a project that will have significant impact in the communities it serves. To help us learn more about the finalists and how we can all participate in choosing the winner, we spoke with Joann Marsili, SVP, Marketing and Digital Sales Director, Fidelity Bank.
“The IMPACT program is an ideal way for Fidelity Bank to show its commitment to our new network of friends and colleagues in the Back Mountain,” said Ms. Marsili. Selecting finalists for this competition was a daunting task, and one that we took very seriously. We received more than 20 applications for this funding, and all are worthy organizations that contribute to the greater good in the Back Mountain communities they serve every day.”
To select finalists in the competition, a committee of Fidelity bankers and volunteers who live in the Back Mountain carefully reviewed and discussed the applications. The team whittled it down it to just five finalists (keep scrolling to learn more about the finalists and their projects):
Their mission is now complete, and the committee has passed the selection torch to members of the community, who will ultimately choose the winner by voting for their favorite organization.
Our IMPACT grant finalists are dedicated to serving their neighbors in the Back Mountain community every day. Here’s a look into who they are, and how they will put an extra $15,000 to good use if they win:
Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS
Who they are
Incorporated in 1927, Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS was founded to provide emergency fire and ambulance services, and education on fire safety to local schools, nursing facilities and commercial businesses throughout the Back Mountain.
A membership organization comprised of volunteers who live in the region, Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS responds to emergency 911 calls covering a 100-mile radius, serving a population of more than 30,000 people. The organization employs a staff of paramedics and EMT’s to provide coverage around the clock, 365 days a year, per diem EMTs to staff ambulance crews, and utilizes volunteers for firefighting.
If they win …
Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS will use IMPACT funds to support their service learning program designed to offer practical work experience to college students. The grant will be used to purchase personal and protective equipment, turnout gear (personal protective gear fit to size), and fire and EMS advanced training.
Back Mountain Memorial Library
Who they are
Established in 1945, the Back Mountain Memorial Library is a public library serving nearly 35,000 residents in the community. The library offers educational opportunities for self-directed learning through various collections, including books, media, and electronic resources in addition to educational programming and activities for people of all ages. Children’s programs promote literacy and opportunities to engage in STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activities, while adults enjoy free access to computer and internet services.
If they win …
IMPACT funds will be used to furnish a new Multipurpose Room, now in development at the library. The new room will provide a much-needed, accessible work and meeting space for people of all ages in the community to utilize and enjoy. Grant funds will support the purchase of study tables and chairs, seating, a flat screen television, computer, and projector for presentations.
Back Mountain Little League
Who they are
Back Mountain Little League is a non-profit baseball and softball organization. Established prior to 1950, the league is one of the oldest and largest in Pennsylvania, supporting nearly 700 athletes and 500 families annually. Comprised of more than 70 teams within its district, more than 200 volunteers assist in coaching, board positions, field preparation, and concession stand duties each year.
If they win …
Back Mountain Little League recently merged with its former rival, Bob Horlacher Little League, creating an opportunity to recondition playing fields in Beaumont. The league will use grant funds to add dirt to the infields, repair fences and dugouts, purchase a shed, and plant grass. In addition to being utilized by league members, the reconditioned fields will be available to other community groups as well.
Dallas School District
Who they are
The Dallas School District serves 2,600 students in the Back Mountain community. Educational facilities include two elementary schools (grades kindergarten through 5), a middle school (grades 6 through 8), and a high school (grades 9-12). The district is in the process of reconfiguring its grade levels and constructing a new 65,000 square-foot school that will become an intermediate school. An elementary school will be replaced. When the project is complete, all students will attend each school on campus from kindergarten to graduation.
If they win …
The IMPACT grant will provide additional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The project includes development of a summer STEM camp for students featuring design challenges, maker space activities, coding, and application of the technological design process. Community training sessions will also be created to help increase awareness of STEM applications and technology skills.
Lake-Lehman School District
Who they are
The mission of the Lake-Lehman School District focuses on the mastery of skills and independence, generosity, and community. To enhance student growth and personal development, the district focuses on financial literacy activities for a diverse population of families in the Back Mountain. Initiatives include kindergarten readiness programming, resources and information for parents of children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and parent involvement activities that promote education and academic support throughout the year.
If they win …
In an effort to promote financial literacy in the district, grant funding will be used to support the technology, resources, and equipment associated with Everfi, an online financial content program.
Fidelity Bank has multiple local branch offices throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, and our full-service Customer Care Center is at your service 7 days a week. Call or visit your local branch office today.
Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO, of Fidelity Bank, publishes Financially Fit with Fidelity, your guide to financial well-being, every Thursday. If you’re interested in a financial topic we haven’t yet covered or want to subscribe to our emails, please feel free to drop us a line at blog at fddbank dot com. We would love to hear from you.
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