After years of dedicated service and countless contributions, Carolyn is officially retiring from Community Action, Inc.! Her retirement journey began a couple of years ago—but every time she picked a date, her supervisor found one more project that needed her unique expertise. And Carolyn, ever the team player, said yes. In May 2025, with a new project reaching completion, Carolyn joyfully announced her retirement, set for June 30, 2025. On June 26, the CAI team surprised her with a heartfelt retirement luncheon. Carolyn reflected on her many years and projects, sharing that “Medical Transportation is still near and dear to my heart.” She also noted with a smile that Weatherization was the only program she hadn’t worked in! Please join us in congratulating Carolyn on her well-earned retirement. May the next chapter be filled with joy, health, and all the adventures she’s postponed. Thank you, Carolyn — for everything.

Community Action, Inc. is conducting a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on July 7, 2025, at our office located at 22868 Route 68, Clarion, PA 16214. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit community input on the proposed use of the Emergency Solutions Grant. Community Action, Inc. is applying for approximately $200,000 to serve homeless or those at risk of homelessness in Clarion and Jefferson Counties. Questions should be directed to Eric Funk, Jr, Development Director, at (814) 938-3302 ext. 227 or via email at [email protected]. Written comments will be accepted via email until 8:30 a.m. on July 7, 2025.

Last August, Juan began his recovery journey at Dickenson Center with a dream—to earn his GED and go to college. With support from Community Action, Inc.’s Adult Education Program, he started classes at the Brookville YMCA and quickly proved his determination. In just a few months, Juan passed three of four GED tests. Math was tough, but he didn’t give up. After four practice tests and countless study hours, Juan passed his final exam on May 20, 2025, and received his diploma in early June! Juan discovered a love for cooking during his time at Dickenson, which led him to explore culinary school. He visited IUP’s Punxsutawney campus and hopes to enroll this fall—with dreams of owning a restaurant and traveling the world. Now, Juan gives back as a classroom aide, helping others achieve their GEDs—especially in math. Want to start your own journey? Contact Community Action, Inc. at (814) 938-3302, ext. 204 or email [email protected].

“I work in Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads Project where we support and empower survivors of domestic violence. I assist survivors with navigating the next steps in their healing and moving forward by meeting them where they are. Crossroads is primarily known for providing emergency shelter for those fleeing violence and court accompaniment for survivors seeking a Protection From Abuse Order. Community Actions Inc offers a wide range of services to help the community, but what I like best about my position is the difference I can make for survivors.” “In my free time I enjoy getting involved at my Church, reading, and watching Law and Order SVU.”

While in the heat of summer, thoughts of cold temperatures and winter came to Greg Zaffuto. He remembered his furnace problems during the past winter and reached out to Community Action, Inc. (CAI). He knew that without heat, the colder months would be both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. CAI’s Weatherization staff explained that the Crisis program for heating assistance would begin in November and guided him to the County Assistance Office to apply. By early November, an approved Crisis referral was received. CAI quickly arranged for a licensed HVAC contractor to assess Greg’s heating system. The verdict: repairs wouldn’t cut it; a full replacement was necessary. With efficiency, CAI secured price quotes, obtained State approval, and coordinated the installation of a brand-new furnace all at no cost to Greg. With reliable heat restored and peace of mind regained, Greg reached out once more to learn how he could further reduce his utility bills. He completed a Weatherization application and, after being found eligible, welcomed a CAI Property Auditor/Inspector into his home. Through detailed assessments and diagnostic testing, Greg qualified for additional upgrades: a high-efficiency refrigerator, a new hot water tank, and insulation enhancements to improve his home’s energy performance. Thanks to Greg’s proactive approach and CAI’s comprehensive support, his home is now safer, more comfortable, and more affordable. Every improvement was provided at no cost, proving that with the right resources and a little perseverance, lasting change is possible.

While helping families with food staples is common, Clarion County residents visiting the Community Action, Inc. Food Pantry may also get vegetable plants courtesy of the Penn State Master Gardeners Program. For the fifth consecutive year, the Clarion County Penn State Master Gardeners donated vegetable plants to Community Action, Inc.’s Food Pantry. In addition to growing their own food, families can get children involved watering the garden, picking the veggies, and looking for worms and bugs. A small hobby for the whole family with encouraging results and fresh produce to eat. The vegetable plants were grown by the master gardeners at their horticultural resource center located at the Clarion County Park. The Penn State Extension office provided the seeds, soil, jiffy pots, hoses, and gardening tools while the Master Gardeners supplied the loving care to grow the plants, which included a variety of tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and various herbs. Penn State Master Gardener trainees are required to participate in a minimum of 40 hours classroom training, score 80 percent on the midterm and final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. Those interested in learning more about the Master Gardener Program may contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office at (814) 223-9028, Melissa Dolecki, Master Gardener Coordinator at [email protected], or the Cooperative Extension office in your county. Individuals in Clarion County in need of assistance with food may contact Community Action, Inc. at (814) 226-4785 or via [email protected].

“I work in the Weatherization Department at Community Action, Inc., where we manage several programs designed to help individuals and families improve their home’s energy efficiency and address heating system repairs. Our goal is to reduce utility costs and create more comfortable living environments. Through this work, I’ve gained valuable knowledge that I often apply in my own home. As the primary point of contact in my department, I interact with people from all walks of life. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in our community, and I look forward to connecting with new consumers and helping them enhance their living situations.” “Personally, I enjoy spending my free time walking my dog, Bo, and swimming at the creek. My horse, Jixer, is a sweet old guy who is mostly retired. These days, he spends his time providing occasional pony rides and offering companionship. When I’m not outdoors, I love to bake.”

Nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. experience stalking, but too often it is unrecognized, downplayed, or ignored. Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or contact directed at a specific person that causes them fear or emotional distress. Stalking behaviors may be committed in person, by following the victim, or by monitoring and harassing the victim electronically. Stalking can consist of any type of behavior such as regularly sending flowers or gifts; making unwanted or malicious calls, emails, or texts; damaging property; and can escalate to physical or sexual assault. While every case is different, people who stalk can be very dangerous. General tips to consider are trust your instincts, involve law enforcement, document everything, and contact Community Action, Inc. – Crossroads (1-800-598-3998 or [email protected]) for an advocate to assist you with your options and developing a safety plan.

Featured above is a story from Community Action, Inc.'s Emergency Shelter Rental Assistance (ESRA) Project, which assists families and individuals in danger of becoming homeless.

Featured here is a story from Community Action, Inc.'s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which assists heroes in their time of need.

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.