Community Action, Inc.
Primarily Serving Clarion and Jefferson Counties, Pennsylvania

Wireless Zone Improving Employment Through Adult Education

The Verizon - Wireless Zone and its franchises recognize the value of education and technology in building a skilled workforce, especially for non-traditional students. Recently, through a $7,550 grant from the Wireless Zone of Punxsutawney, Community Action, Inc.’s (CAI’s) Adult Education Project purchased new laptops, an interactive whiteboard, technological enhancement tools, and textbooks. According to Steven Phipps, Punxsutawney Store Manager, the Punxsutawney Wireless Zone store is an independently owned Verizon authorized retailer and is able to provide this grant to CAI through a portion of proceeds from every device sold by the local store. “Verizon’s Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving was created with the desire to give back to the local communities through donations to local charities such as Community Action, Inc. I am proud of our local customers’ business and support enabling us to share proceeds with the Foundation for Giving and making significant donations like this possible in our local area,” noted Phipps. “CAI is honored to have Verizon - Wireless Zone as a partner to improve our educational resources for individuals wanting to gain their High School Equivalency Certificate (GED), find employment, or improve their skills to enter post-secondary training,” noted CAI’s Executive Director, Susan K. Fusco. “Adult Education classes are free of charge to anyone 16 or older, not currently enrolled in a secondary school program,” noted Fusco. “The purpose of the Adult Education Project is to help individuals meet their educational and employment goals.” While showing some of the items purchased with the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving’s grant, Crystal E. White, Adult Education Supervisor, explained how the new equipment and resources will ensure students at various class sites in Jefferson County have access to computers and modern learning resources. White added, “For some employed students, the opportunity to learn / use a computer, the internet, and modern technology is their window to improving English and math skills or learning new skills leading to job promotions or better employment opportunities.” White went on to add, “One of the greatest barriers to employment is the lack of a high school diploma. In Jefferson County, 18.3 percent of the 18-24 year olds and 11 percent of those 25 or older, lack a high school diploma; additionally, 13 percent lack basic skills.” “Our Adult Education Project is geared to assisting these individuals to reduce or eliminate this barrier to employment and encourage continued learning and growth to develop and maintain a skilled workforce to support our local employers and economy,” stated Fusco. “Grants and donations such as The Verizon - Wireless Zone’s have a long-term impact on individuals, employers, and our community,” noted Fusco. To learn more about the free Adult Education services at Community Action, Inc., call 800-648-3381, ext. 204 or email [email protected] or via the website www.jccap.org.

Showing some of the new laptops and textbooks purchased for the Adult Education Project at Community Action, Inc. by a grant from The Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving are: (l-r) Community Action, Inc.'s Adult Education Project Supervisor, Crystal E. White; Executive Director, Susan K. Fusco; Wireless Zone of Punxsutawney Store Owner, Jeff Swackhammer; and Punxsutawney Store Manager, Steven Phipps.
Showing some of the new laptops and textbooks purchased for the Adult Education Project at Community Action, Inc. by a grant from The Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving are: (l-r) Community Action, Inc.'s Adult Education Project Supervisor, Crystal E. White; Executive Director, Susan K. Fusco; Wireless Zone of Punxsutawney Store Owner, Jeff Swackhammer; and Punxsutawney Store Manager, Steven Phipps.


Release Date:
1/27/2020
Released By:
Susan K. Fusco, Executive Director
Released To:
exploreJeffersonPa, Punxsutawney Spirit (News Releases) & County Neighbors, The Brockway Mirror, The Brookville Mirror, The Jeffersonian Democrat (News and PSA)