Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads Project recently participated in the “Kick the Stigma” wellness event in the DuBois Park. The event centered around mental health, recognizing the importance of mental health, facts versus fiction about mental health issues, and what resources are available throughout the community. Crossroads Domestic Outreach Specialist, Carolyn Rhoades, shared the story of a domestic violence survivor and her success in overcoming challenges and starting a new life free of domestic violence and facing the mental health issues caused by abuse. Lisa Leavens, Crossroads Coordinator, shared examples of how stigmas (negative or unfair beliefs) significantly impact domestic violence survivors, their willingness to seek help, and their overall recovery. “Survivors often fear being judged or labeled as ‘bad’ for staying in an abusive relationship. They experience victim-blaming, the false beliefs that survivors provoke or deserve the abuse, leading them to lack confidence, support, and healing,” explained, Ms. Leavens. “Survivors may also internalize feelings of shame and guilt, hindering their ability to leave abusive situations,” added Ms. Leavens. “All the negative thoughts and feelings of domestic violence survivors lead to mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse,” concluded Ms. Leavens. These stigmas about why someone is abused not only lead to continued abuse but mental health issues that often increase abusive actions, make leaving or seeking help more difficult, and continue the cycle of abuse, sometimes for generations. For information on preventing domestic violence or escaping abusive situations, contact Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads Project at [email protected] or call 1-800-598-3998; help is available 24/7.

Community Action, Inc. Crossroads is currently in need of donations for our survivors of Domestic Violence. In many situations, survivors leave home only with the clothing on their backs. This leaves many things that they'll need once in our care, such as hygiene products, gift cards, or household items. Simple things such as body wash and bathroom towels go a very long way and can make a big difference for survivors in need. Crossroads’ works hard to protect and assist the members of our community, but the extra supplies provided by others helps ease the growing struggle for most survivors going through the hardest moments of their lives. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have something you'd like to offer. If you have questions about donations or would like to reach out and extend a helping hand, please email [email protected] or contact the Crossroads office nearest you: DuBois 814-371-1223; Punxsutawney 814-938-3580; or toll free 1-800-598-3998. Learn more and join Crossroads' efforts to break the Domestic Violence cycle in your community; together we can make a difference.

During the 27th annual Jefferson County Farm Safety Days held May 8 and 9 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, staff from Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads project educated elementary students about bullying while playing “Bully Bingo”. Pictured above is Stacey Neale, Crossroads Counselor/Advocate with second-graders from Jodi Bartlebaugh’s class at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School playing Bully Bingo. Safety Days is meant to educate children on various safety issues to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier. “Bully Bingo helps explain what bullying is, how it makes you feel, what to do if you are bullied or see bullying occurring, and reminds everyone that always being kind is important,” explained Lisa Leavens, Crossroads Coordinator. “Kindness leads to awareness of others and reduces abusive thoughts and actions,” added Ms. Leavens. For more information on bullying, safe relationships, or domestic violence awareness, contact Ms. Leavens at Community Action, Inc. (814) 938-3302, ext. 228 or [email protected]. Community Action, Inc. thanks The Punxsutawney Spirit and Larry McGuire for sharing their photo and news link.

Many thanks to the residents of Clarion County and the U.S. Postal Workers for the exceptional success of the 2025 Stamp Out Hunger food drive held annually on the second Saturday of May.  Clarion Postmaster, Jeremy Beer, is shown with the non-perishable food items collected and delivered to Cheryl Shellhammer at Community Action, Inc.’s Food Pantry in Clarion.

Community Action, Inc. is pleased to announce the relocation of its Clarion office from 30A South Sheridan Road to 22868 Route 68, Clarion, PA (The Clarion Clipper Building across from ALDI) effective May 21, 2025. This move reflects the organization’s continued commitment to serving the Clarion community with greater accessibility, improved space for programs and services, and enhanced opportunities for collaboration. “Our new location on Route 68 will provide us with the room and resources we need to better meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve,” said Eric Funk, Jr, Development Director of Community Action, Inc. “We look forward to welcoming the community into this space and continuing our mission to empower and uplift those in need.” The new office will be open to the public starting May 21, 2025, with regular business hours from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. All current services will continue uninterrupted during the transition, and will remain in the South Sheridan Road location through May 16, with the office closed on May 19 & 20 to accommodate the move. Community Action, Inc. invites the public to visit the new location and learn more about the resources available, including our Food Pantry, Homeless Services, Rent and Utility Assistance, Weatherization, Veterans Services, and more. For more information, please contact the Clarion office at (814) 226-4785.

Community Action, Inc. is looking for your input on the challenges facing our community. We engage in a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment process every three years to identify what the biggest obstacles are for Clarion and Jefferson County residents. Please take our survey and share as much as you can on the barriers you see our community facing and ask five friends to take it as well! Your responses, along with other data we've collected, will help us plan and deliver more targeted programming and services in the coming years. Click the link below to take the survey! https://forms.office.com/r/xtx2HmHmme Thank you in advance for your time!

Community Action, Inc. (CAI) is seeking proposals to provide transportation services through the Medical Assistance Transportation Program for eligible Jefferson County residents. For proposal specifications visit the "Announcements" section, or call (814) 938-3302, ext. 231. Proposals correctly titled must be received by mail or in-person no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 15, 2025. Community Action, Inc. reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. Small, minority-owned and/or women owned businesses are encouraged to respond.

Employees from Seneca Resources in Brookville, PA regularly conduct community projects through their Seneca Serves team to help their communities and neighbors. Seneca Serves recently sponsored a blanket drive to support survivors of domestic violence in Jefferson County through the Crossroads Project of Community Action, Inc. Deborah Morris, representing Seneca Resources and the Seneca Serves team, is shown with the 34 blankets they collected. Accepting those blankets is Kelsi Bumbarger, Counselor Advocate for Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads Project. “We work hard to protect and assist the survivors of domestic violence in our community,” noted Ms. Bumbarger. “Donations such as these blankets from Seneca Serves make a big difference to the survivors, not only providing for personal needs; but also offering comfort and encouragement that they are not alone in their struggles to be safe and free from domestic violence,” added Ms. Bumbarger. For more information on helping survivors, please contact Crossroads at [email protected] or (814) 938-3580. For those experiencing domestic violence, call Crossroads’ 24-hour hotline at 1-800-598-3998.

Community Action, Inc. Crossroads is encouraging everyone to play a role in making a positive difference in a child’s life. It's estimated that at least 1 out of 7 children has been abused in the past year. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2023 over 40,000 suspected cases of child abuse were recorded in Pennsylvania alone. Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month spotlights the importance of individuals and communities working together to strengthen families and to prevent child abuse and mistreatment or neglect. Everyone can play a role in supporting parents, preventing child abuse and neglect, and improving or saving a child's life. Collaboration is key to prevention and helps protect children and create happier and more thriving families. To learn more about child abuse prevention and join Community Action, Inc. Crossroads' efforts to break the child abuse cycle, please contact the Crossroads office nearest you: DuBois 814-371-1223; Punxsutawney 814-938-3580; or toll free at 1-800-598-3998. Contact via email to [email protected]. Together we can make a difference in preventing Child Abuse!

Eight Community Action, Inc. employees attended the Jeff Tech Financial Reality Fair this year, held by Priority First Federal Credit Union!

A big congratulations to Eric Funk, Jr. for being named the Clarion County Chamber of Business and Industry Young Professional of the Year during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on March 22, 2025. “A well-deserved recognition,” exclaimed Misty Fleming, CEO of Community Action, Inc. “We are incredibly grateful to have Eric as a part of our Community Action Team! Since joining us on December 31, he has already brought so much energy and dedication to our mission. I’m looking forward to all the great contributions he’ll bring to our team and community,” stated Ms. Fleming. During the award presentation, Chamber Board Chair, Olivia Keltz, explained Eric “brings a unique blend of global experience and local commitment to Clarion County. Recently appointed as Development Director at Community Action, Inc. serving Clarion and Jefferson Counties, Funk’s journey includes international performance experience and a successful tenure at The Young Americans College of Performing Arts. Since returning to his hometown in 2023, Funk has made significant contributions through his role at the Clarion County Economic Development Corp. and involvement in numerous community organizations.” Helping present this year’s award was Jessica Seary, Eric’s sister and previous award winner.

Eric, originally from Clarion, PA moved to Los Angeles to attend The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts where he obtained degrees in Vocal Performance and Acting. He then traveled all over the world teaching music to children and performing. His travels led him all over Asia, Europe, and North America. Eric became the Director of Production at The Young Americans and oversaw all creative and technical aspects of shows and tours. In the fall of 2023, he decided to move back to Clarion to be near family and get involved in the community he loves. Upon returning to PA, Eric was the Community Development Coordinator for the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC). He served as a key piece of the CCEDC’s efforts to promote economic development through community revitalization and redevelopment. Eric acted as a full-time liaison between the many small communities throughout the county, aiming to plan development projects, build local capacity, and funnel in outside investment. In this role, Eric helped to secure grant fundraising for projects and programs through the Department of Community and Economic Development, as well as local sponsorships and foundations. Eric Joined Community Action, Inc. in December, and already feels right at home. "My hope for returning to PA was to help our community in any way that I could. Through the many programs we offer, I feel that my personal mission and Community Action, Inc's perfectly align." Eric is excited to build off existing partnerships and establish new revenue streams to help support our programs. "In our rural setting, we all have to do what we can to help those in need overcome barriers and step out of the cycle of poverty". He continued, "The success of one, is the success of us all". Eric sits on the Executive Team for the Clarion Area Chamber Board and is a member of Clarion County SAFE Board. He is also involved in several other groups like the Clarion Alley Cats, The Local Clarion County (Clarion SummerFest, and Christmas Pop-ups), Clarion Area Young Professionals, and United in the Arts (United Way of Clarion County). Eric is always seeking new ways for Community Action, Inc. to make an impact in Clarion and Jefferson Counties. If you have any projects/ideas you think would be a good fit, please email him at: [email protected].

CLARION —Santa's sleigh is well known for delivering gifts, but a much smaller version, developed by a Clarion woman, also supports homeless veterans. Joan Kriebel and her sister, Jayne Daugherty, make sleighs out of multiple pieces of candy and sell them to raise funds for Veterans Services in Clarion County. In 2024, they raised $2,500 for Community Action Inc.'s Supportive Services to Veterans and their Families (SSVF) project from selling 400 Candy Sleighs. "It's all about giving," Joan said. Christmas is a time of giving, and several years ago, I started making these sleds for other purposes and luncheons that we did for another organization. When those luncheons ended, I wondered what I could do with these sleds because they're such a cute gift. "The veterans are very near and dear to my heart for the service they provide to free us. I switched gears and made these sleighs we sell and donate the proceeds to help our homeless veterans in our area. It is touching to say, "Thank you in a small way." According to Community Action Inc.'s Cheryl Craft, SSVF is a support service for veterans and their families. It is also a program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program involves intensive case management and housing and tries to find affordable housing. If they have an eviction notice, the program may be able to help them resolve it, or if they have a utility shut off, the program may help to assist in turning the utility back on. "We help them out with job searching," explained Craft, the Community Services Supervisor with the Clarion-Jefferson Community Action, Inc. We do the intake interviews, and there are some eligibility requirements and case management. "Joan's contributions are only used for homeless Clarion County veterans. Her contributions help in different ways. It may be to provide emergency shelters until we can find an affordable apartment for them, or it could go for clothes or shoes needed for a job or a job interview." Making the sleighs Joan and her sister, Jayne Daugherty, sat down one day and made 200, which were sold within three days. "We had our little workshop and glue guns hot and heavy in our hands, ready to make them.” The sisters have stations for making the candy sleds, putting them in boxes, and then selling them from their cars. "I met one lady at the post office, and she said she bought sleds last year and wanted to buy some for this year. As long as I can get the supplies, we'll work at it, and I got them. My biggest concern was Kit Kats, but I was able to get them from a vendor in Shippenville.” "This is my fourth year donating to Community Action. We went to different places, and Jane and I sold out of them.” "Folks are very generous. If they don't want to buy one, they will donate to the project. I think it'll be an annual event, and I think people are looking forward to getting them. I know some homeless veterans are in our area, and this helps with whatever needs they may have." Joan is a licensed respiratory therapist who stays busy. She recently took a job going to veteran’s homes to do oxygen follow-ups within a 50-mile radius of Clarion and is a caregiver for an elderly woman. She is also a volunteer with Wreaths Across America. With Noreen Shirey and Lisa Craig, she supervises five cemeteries in Clarion County. "I had an uncle that died in Pearl Harbor. His marker is in Fisher. It's kind of a tribute to him from me." Joan is proud of her Christmas sleigh project but appreciates the support. "It's the folks who support the project because, without their support, it wouldn't be possible." Craft can be reached at Clarion Community Action, Inc. (814) 226-4785, ext. 108, or Punxsutawney at 938-3302, ext. 215.

Are you or someone you know in need of any sort of digital or computer skills? Call your local PA CareerLink to learn more and sign up for our Digital Literacy and Computer Skills Training. Click the picture above to find additional contact information.

This Holiday Season, Community Action, Inc. (CAI) is thankful for the generosity of Penn West Clarion Students and Faculty, who held a canned food drive benefiting local food pantries, donating 1600 cans to CAI's Clarion Food Pantry. Donations are used for Holiday Food Distribution during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the remainder will be kept to serve Clarion County Residents in need throughout the coming months.

Community Action, Inc.’s (CAI’s) Clarion Food Pantry recently received a generous cash donation from Seneca Resources to support individuals and families in need of food during the coming months.  Pictured above are (L to R:) Cheryl Shellhammer, CAI’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Director; Deborah Morris, Seneca Resources Representative; and Misty Fleming, CAI’s CEO; discussing the types of food their donation will purchase to address food needs throughout Clarion County.  Thank you Seneca Resources for supporting our community!

Community Action, Inc. recently held recognition luncheons to celebrate the work of our many AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers. RSVP helps match seniors aged 55+ with volunteer opportunities in their local communities. Volunteers perform tasks such as assisting in hospitals and food pantries, delivering meals to home bound residents, preparing income tax returns for the elderly and low-income individuals, and helping at other non-profit organizations. We appreciate the many dedicated volunteers and celebrate the outstanding work they perform at the various organizations.

This week, County Commissioners from both Clearfield and Jefferson Counties signed the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation for their respective counties, reaffirming their commitment to domestic violence relief.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa -Misty S. Fleming of Brookville is the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Action, Inc. (CAI) serving Clarion and Jefferson Counties, effective October 1, 2024. Following an extensive search assisted by the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, the CAI Board appointed Fleming, who has served as CAI Development/Compliance Director since August 2023. The new CEO also served as System Director Post-Acute Quality and Safety for Penn Highlands Healthcare in DuBois from May 2021 to August 2023. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Pennsylvania, Fleming served as Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor’s Administrator in Brookville from July 2014 to May 2021. "Until a year ago, my entire career had been in healthcare," Fleming said. "I was not sure when I was offered the Development/Compliance Director position at Community Action, Inc. that it would be a good fit. However, after a couple of weeks, I found that Community Action, Inc.'s mission to support our communities and enhance the quality of life for our families genuinely aligned with my values. I was where I was meant to be." The Board asked retired Executive Director, Robert Cardamone, to return to the leadership of the non-profit organization following the sudden death of former Executive Director Sue Fusco in July 2023. "I have worked closely with Bob over the past year to better understand the agency's operations and processes," continued Fleming. 'I appreciate Bob's foresight in guiding me through the agency's essential workings and teaching me about its mission and values. His support was instrumental in helping me advance to the CEO position. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him. I am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization and look forward to advancing its mission through my efforts." Community Action's mission is to partner with community members to improve low-income situations by assisting families with activities to overcome barriers, improve economic status, and enhance their quality of life. "Our role is to be a catalyst and advocate for change," Cardamone said. "We are proud of what we have accomplished this year and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am convinced that having the right staff, building relationships, and partnering is the key to achieving our goals and remaining relevant.

Reaching adulthood does not mean learning stops. Knowing there are always skills adults can brush up on, Community Action, Inc. (CAI) offers adult education classes in DuBois and several sites in Jefferson County. The classes help people with job skills, basic learning skills, GED preparations, and even with enrolling in postsecondary education. Students do not need to be residents of Jefferson County. Crystal White, CAI Adult Education Supervisor, Amber Siar and Molly Dressler, Adult Education Instructors, shared details on CAI’s adult education offerings. “We provide basic skills instruction for students who want to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or for students who have a diploma but want to brush up on basic skills to obtain a job, advance in a job, or attend postsecondary education or training,” stated White. “We are more than just a ‘GED program.’” What else does CAI’s adult education program offer? White continued, “Other services provided include career services such as assessment of skill levels and career interests; referrals to and coordination of support services and programs to overcome barriers to education and employment; and information on postsecondary education, training, and workforce services.” “If a high school diploma is needed, preparation for the GED exam is done with the help of the adult education instructor. Online options are available.” Explained White. She noted through the GED program, students earn a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma – also known as the high school equivalency diploma. The adult education staff works with school districts to encourage students to continue high school classes and graduate. For students who decided to leave high school, enrolling in adult education programs will help them to stay on course to completing their schooling and finding meaningful employment. Once people have their diploma, some may find they need help determining what to do next. “We help students recognize the diploma is a steppingstone, not the end goal,” Siar stated. “In fact, the adult education staff have many tools to help students on their path to gainful employment such as preparation for job training, postsecondary education or training, as well as specific employer requirements.” “Local businesses sometimes require certain grade levels to apply for job openings,” Dressler added. “Our programs assist with getting participants to those necessary levels for job qualification.” For people with limited finances, CAI offers an achievable way to polish skills, complete a High School Equivalency Diploma or determine and prepare for post-secondary. “These programs are free of charge to anyone 16 and older, not currently enrolled in a secondary school program,” Siar stated. “The purpose of the program is to help individuals meet their education and employment goals, regardless of your age.” Having access to such programs can mean a world of difference for local jobseekers. “One of the greatest barriers to employment is lack of a high school diploma,” Dressler explained. “Of the 18-24 year olds in Jefferson County, 18.3 percent lack a high school diploma and 11 percent of those 25 and older lack a high school diploma.” Siar added, “In addition, over 13 percent of adults in the area are considered basic skills deficient. Basic skills instruction offered by the adult education program, combined with services available through other community partners, assist adults in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency.” With services offered across the county, people can find classes at the location nearest to them. Dressler continued, “Day and evening classes are held in DuBois, Brookville, Reynoldsville, and Punxsutawney. Education and employment are the common goals of all the classes.” “We are also looking for volunteer tutors and classroom aides,” White added. “These volunteers help one-on-one either during class or at another scheduled time. All volunteers receive ongoing training, materials, and guidance from adult education staff.” Sign up for Community Action, Inc. adult education classes by calling Crystal at 814-938-3302 ext. 204 or 1-800-648-3381 or by emailing: [email protected]

Community Action, Inc. staff recently attended an Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) sponsored 40-hour Leadership Certification Training course for individuals working in or aspiring for leadership/management roles in their career fields. Participants attended eight course covering leadership theories, financial literacy, operational efficiency, effective teambuilding, supervision, conflict resolution, diversity and biases, strategic communications, and for those in the healthcare field, healthcare funding. Upon completion of the training, participants received certificates for their training. Bob Cardamone, Community Action, Inc. Executive Director said, “Community Action encourages staff professional development and is an advocate for life-long learning.” All supervisors were offered the opportunity to attend. Bob acknowledged Workforce Solutions of North Central PA helped fund the training cost and he encourages all businesses to become a Workforce Solutions partner.

After health problems in 2021 lead to using a wheelchair for daily activities, Peter Johnson was told he might regain the ability to walk with ongoing physical therapy sessions. Peter’s friends and family were willing to help him get to therapy; however, maintaining a regular schedule quickly became an issue for his volunteer drivers. Peter was already enrolled in Community Action, Inc.’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) so his friends and family could be reimbursed mileage, so Peter contacted MATP to see if he qualified for other transportation services. MATP staff at Community Action, Inc. confirmed Peter’s authorization for medical transportation and arranged transportation twice a week for his physical therapy. With no cost for transportation and a steady reliable transport means, Peter began regular weekly physical therapy sessions, and after much hard work and ongoing support from his family, friends, and therapy staff, Peter grew stronger and in July 2024 is now walking with a cane and no longer needs a wheelchair. The MATP services enabled Peter to control and coordinate his physical therapy appointments to meet his needs and his schedule. Peter didn’t have to worry about finding transportation, scheduling, payment, or having to miss an appointment because a volunteer had a conflict and could not transport him. All Peter had to worry about was scheduling the therapy appointments and giving the schedule to MATP staff. They handled the rest. Today, Peter is walking and able to live more independently.

Thanks to a generous donation from Seneca Resources, Community Action, Inc.’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program received 15 laptop computers with wireless keyboards and mouses. Seneca Resources’ donation will help volunteers provide free 2024 tax return preparations next spring at five VITA locations in Clarion and Jefferson Counties. The IRS's VITA program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals generally making less than $60,000 per year, including individuals with disabilities or who speak limited English. In the spring of 2024, VITA volunteers completed 2,009 tax returns for 2023 resulting in over $1.7 million dollars in refunds to residents of Clarion and Jefferson Counties. Sponsored by Community Action, Inc. and in collaboration with the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), volunteers prepare federal, state, and local income tax returns; along with property tax and rent rebate applications. Tax returns are filed electronically with the taxpayer’s approval. Tax preparation volunteers receive free IRS tax preparation and privacy / confidentiality training for all taxpayer information and must pass testing requirements which meet or exceed IRS standards. In addition, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. “Community Action, Inc. appreciates Seneca Resources’ donation. The laptops will help our VITA volunteers immensely with training and tax return preparations in Clarion and Jefferson Counties,” stated Cheryl Shellhammer, AmeriCorps RSVP / VITA Director. VITA has operated for over 50 years and is staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. Deb Morris, Seneca Resources representative stated, “Seneca Resources saw an opportunity to donate quality used laptops to a local organization who could use them to benefit not only individual families but also the local communities and economy. We are proud to assist Community Action, Inc.’s VITA program while maintaining our commitment to the practical use and management of all resources.” If you are interested in volunteering with the VITA program, please contact Ms. Shellhammer at [email protected] or (814) 226-4785, ext. 104. You may also visit Community Action, Inc.’s website at jccap.org

Community Action, Inc. continues to receive FoodStock donations to assist residents in Clarion County. Please read the letter from the Clarion County Community Bank FoodStock Chairperson, Jennifer Keth, about the history of FoodStock. Thank you to everyone who has supported this great cause!