From the Director

EOTC….Quality Programs, Proven Results

As children and families in need of EOTC services arrive at our doorstep in increasing numbers, I am gratified by the generosity of community donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the tenacity of EOTC’s professional staff. Despite challenging economic times, EOTC has numerous accomplishments to report.

First and foremost, EOTC’s new Seventh Avenue Center home recently opened. In addition to headquartering EOTC and its Scranton Area Family Center, other nonprofit programs are based at the new Center, including: Educational Opportunity Centers, Inc.; Dress for Success Lackawanna; an Early Head Start program; and the Scranton office of Maternal & Family Health Services’ Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. Rotating providers are offering additional programs, such as periodic immunization clinics and training workshops.

Our new Center offers accessible services and referrals so that families can become self-sufficient and children can become successful students. Consumers who formerly traveled to multiple locations will now find services in a single, welcoming building. With compatible programs under one roof, area residents can more easily access crucial resources; and nonprofit agencies can interact more efficiently.

Helping Families Move Forward
The support of local donors as well as various competitive grants has allowed EOTC to sustain and even boost services To name a few:

Expanded child abuse prevention services with a new PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency grant for Incredible Years, a model parent training program.

Enhanced early learning/intervention services for underserved children with a new Children’s Trust Fund grant targeting teen and young adult parents.

A County ARTS Engage grant to provide arts enrichment for an increased number of students in EOTC’s after-school program.

Life skills, employment and other services for 150 families through a new federal Pathways grant.

….and more!

Because of these and other EOTC programs, parents have the skills to nurture their children, children have the foundation to thrive in school, and adults can pursue new careers that enable them to better provide for their families.

Over the years, EOTC has tackled some of the community’s costliest social problems. For every challenge, there is an opportunity. We’ve seen measurable, positive outcomes for struggling individuals who seized the opportunity to learn and grow through EOTC’s programs. I am confident that, with community support, EOTC will continue to ensure that vulnerable children and families reach their full potential.

Sharon McCrone, Ph.D.
EOTC Executive Director
shmccrone@eotcworks.org

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