Kane Republican

Mckean County Community Foundation and commission­ers collaborat­e to award over $225,000 in ARPA grants

- By Theresa Auriemmo

MCKEAN COUNTY— On Wednesday evening, the Hamlin Memorial Library set the stage for a pivotal moment in Mckean County’s history. Here, the Mckean County Community Foundation (MCCF) and the Mckean County Commission­ers made a groundbrea­king announceme­nt: the allocation of over $225,000 in grant funding to numerous organizati­ons throughout the county. Fueled by resources from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this initiative underscore­s a collective commitment to strengthen­ing community developmen­t endeavors and sparking positive transforma­tion across the region.

As part of this partnershi­p, the MCCF, a long-standing nonprofit organizati­on entrusted with managing funds and distributi­ng grants, took charge of processing applicatio­ns and disbursing grants.

Eligible recipients of these grants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizati­ons and faithbased groups that offer vital services to the public within Mckean County. By extending support to these organizati­ons, the aim is to foster community growth and address pressing needs through sustainabl­e projects.

As the Mckean County Commission­ers and the MCCF unveil the list of recipients who have been awarded a total of $225,097 in grants. These grants will empower 33

organizati­ons to expand their programs, undertake meaningful projects, and positively impact the lives of residents across the county.

The Mckean County Commission­ers, consisting of Thomas Kreiner, Carol Duffy, and Marty Wilder, along with the MCCF, led by Board President Robert Esch, Treasurer Richard Esch, and Secretary Sara Eddy Furlong, and board members Tim Asinger, Judy Bodamer, Josh Costa, Jim Evans, Andrew Johnson, Kyle Kirk, Sara Lonzi, and Veronica Swanson, are pivotal figures in the region's developmen­t landscape. Tiffany Boschert is the Assistant Executive Director and future replacemen­t for Executive Director Paula Eddy. Beth Pifer is the Finance

Director, Kris Kronenwett­er is the Scholarshi­p Manager, Ann Bauer is the Marketing Manager, and Molly Cerroni is the Executive Assistant. Dan Wertz is the Human Services Administra­tor for Mckean County, and Dana Crisp is the ARPA Coordinato­r for Mckean County.

The allocation of ARPA funds is an investment in the future of Mckean County, enabling nonprofit organizati­ons to undertake initiative­s that will yield lasting benefits for the community. From enhancing existing programs to spearheadi­ng new projects, these grants will play a pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering a thriving community environmen­t.

 ?? Photo by Theresa Auriemmo ?? Mckean County Commission­ers and representa­tives from 33 organizati­ons gather for a group photo before the awarding of ARPA funds at the Hamlin Memorial Library, showcasing the collaborat­ive spirit driving community developmen­t initiative­s.
Photo by Theresa Auriemmo Mckean County Commission­ers and representa­tives from 33 organizati­ons gather for a group photo before the awarding of ARPA funds at the Hamlin Memorial Library, showcasing the collaborat­ive spirit driving community developmen­t initiative­s.

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