More than 150 guests attended the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) 60th Anniversary Celebration and fundraising banquet on September 26 at King Street Church in Chambersburg, PA. Attendees included SCCAP staff, volunteers, officials, and sponsors who celebrated the organization’s success, as well as numerous clients who, during the evening’s presentation of “Parade of Faces,” shared their own personal stories of having had their lives changed by SCCAP.
Speakers included Megan Shreve, SCCAP CEO, who gave a powerful account of the organization’s history, and honored past and present service recipients. Shreve, a former senior consultant at Deloitte and experienced program director in human services, credits the organization’s success to its staff, volunteers, and the families they serve. The event was emceed by Tom Riford, a seasoned host known for his extensive experience across Western Maryland events.
StoweGood, a dynamic musical duo, provided musical entertainment with inspiring songs during the course of the evening. Cheryl Brown, Resource Development Director said the event “commemorated SCCAP’s longstanding dedication to the community but also sets the stage for the future of the organization.”
Major donations included a ceremonial check in the amount of over $28,000 from “March Month of Giving” presented by Erin Cohan, franchise owner of Jersey Mike’s Subs in Chambersburg and Gettysburg. Cohan further committed to dedicating all of next year’s March Month of Giving funds to SCCAP.
In addition, Karen Rollins-Fitch, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Highmark WholeCare, presented Megan Shreve with a ceremonial check in the amount of $50,000 as part of a $100,000 commitment over the next three years.
“We are so deeply appreciative of these gifts,” said Megan Shreve. “Discretionary donations allow us to fill gaps which keep critical programs like The Gleaning Project, our Food Pantries, Support Circles, and our Homeless Shelters open, and allow us to provide appropriate support to families that lead to long term stability. These gifts enable SCCAP to administer programs that are not funded by the government but are critical to helping individuals in our community. Thank you to these corporate sponsors and to all our donors for making such a significant difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”
According to a statement issued by Brown, the total raised in cash and pledges exceeded $135,000, with pledges and gift cards still coming in. “All funds will be used where needed most and to support programs that are underfunded or receive no funding.”
There are many ways the community can support this organization: By attending fundraisers; volunteering; making donations, or simply spreading the word. Support from sponsors and the community will help SCCAP continue to provide crucial services like housing assistance, food, shelter, nutrient-dense produce, WIC services, rental assistance, reentry support, and more. Those who wish to support SCCAP during their 60th anniversary can do so by visiting www.scap.org.
The program’s information booklet listed examples of the variety of services provided during the last reporting period, including:
Family Services:
- 157 individuals obtained shelter services
- 1,635 people avoided eviction
- 102 homeless individuals obtained safe permanent housing
- 53 families achieved and maintained their capacity to meet their basic needs (without assistance)
- 31 households became self-sufficient (over 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
The Gleaning Project:
- Received produce from 207 farms, backyard gardens and other donors with support from 270 volunteers
- Collected 1,245,292 pounds of produce and distributed it to 14,320 individuals
- The Pantries distributed 1,154,291 pounds of food to 12,609 individuals
- The Pantries distributed 4,575 senior boxes and received 36,466 hours of volunteer support (the equivalent to 17.5 full-time employees
Other services include:
- Moving Forward Peer Support to jail populations
- Pennsylvania WIC program
- Weatherizing households and making health and safety improvements to homes
- Providing childcare subsidies, education on quality early childhood programming and resource and referral services
About South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP):
SCCAP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty and empowering individuals and families in South Central Pennsylvania and has done so for over 60 years. SCCAP serves over 17,000 families each year, with campuses and programs in Franklin and Adams County.
This story includes information received from SCCAP press release and select program documents.
Featured image caption: Erin Cohan of Jersey Mike’s presents a ceremonial check to Megan Shreve, CEO of SCCAP. (Photos in photo gallery by Donate Gardner and SCCAP).
Donate Gardner is a freelance journalist who came to Gettysburg in 2021 from Montgomery County, Maryland.
A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired from the corporate world and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz.
As an immigrant born, raised, and educated in Germany, Donate still maintains a strong connection to the German language as a writer and translator. Donate is an active musician and has made her new home in Gettysburg available to host house concerts for traveling musicians and local artists in need of support. Donate and her husband have two daughters and three grandchildren.