Grantee submission by: Linda Wiseman, Director of Development
How did the funding or non-monetary support you received from the Foundation impact your organization and/or the community?
Moses Taylor Foundation has supported Children’s Service Center during three major expansion initiatives since 2015, providing more than $1.2 million in grant support to build, renovate, or improve facilities for children and adults with mental health, substance use, and autism spectrum disorders. These projects included CSC’s outpatient hub in Wilkes-Barre, where more than 90 percent of clients receive services; the renovation of a building for Robinson Counseling Center’s Substance Use Disorder Program; and the construction of Conyngham Primary Health Care Center and additional therapy offices. The latter Center opened in 2022 to support an integrated model of care where clients can receive mental health services and primary care — an evidence-based approach that is proven to produce better health outcomes than the provision of mental health services alone. CSC has been able to more than double its client base (now serving 12,000 annually) and serve 5,000 individuals with substance use disorder between 2018-2022, while creating more modern, inviting locations designed for comfort and privacy. CSC’s client population faces a high level of risk due to poverty and other challenges, as more than 85 percent of our clients receive at least one form of public assistance.
Share a quote or anecdotal story from a client or employee of your organization that illustrates the impact of your work.
Employee: “After more than 25 years of service at CSC, I can say that I have never met a more compassionate team of professionals so dedicated to helping others. As my career progressed, so did CSC. Our organization has always remained true to its mission and focused on helping children and families lead more fulfilling lives. We try to create a home away from home for all of our clients, and our leaders in turn take good care of staff by fostering a high-quality work environment.”
What do you most want the community to know about your work and/or what excites you most about the future of your organization?
Children’s Service Center celebrates its 161st year in operation in 2023, evolving from a residential facility for children during the Civil War, to an organization with one of the largest arrays of behavioral health services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its progress and ability to expand to meet the changing needs of communities in NEPA is a reflection of the stewardship and partnerships of businesses, foundations, agencies, and individuals who have put their trust in CSC to deliver on its mission of caring. CSC is indebted to the many like-minded service organizations who give so generously of their time and financial resources to alleviate hardship and improve quality of life in our region.