Inside Action - Community Action Southwest

Inside Action
Inside Action
Spring 2012
A Message from Darlene J. Bigler, CEO
Dear Friends,
You’ve heard that quote, usually attributed to Joseph P. Kennedy (father of John F. Kennedy), “When the going gets tough,
the tough get going”. We’ve taken that to heart here at CAS in recent months. As a non-profit organization primarily funded
by government grants, budget cuts at the national and state levels have dramatically changed our landscape. For 47 years
we’ve weathered political and economic changes and priorities, and we intend to adjust to this newest challenge, while
working harder than ever to “move the needle” for low-income Washington and Greene county residents to self-sufficiency.
I’m pleased to share our new strategic plan which will guide our organization as we adjust to new funding realities. The plan
focuses on four strategies:
EDUCATION: Demonstrate that community-supported, high quality early childhood education is imperative to school
success.
AGENCY: Maximize agency and community resources for the people we serve in order to move them out of poverty.
COMMUNITY: Increase opportunities, through partnerships, for people in need to earn a living, stabilize their financial
lives, acquire assets and build wealth over time.
LEADERSHIP: Provide leadership and advocacy on issues that impact the lives of people in need.
In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll see evidence of our work in these strategies. Your support will be even more critical in
this new environment. Now, more than ever, It Takes You To End Poverty in Our Community.
Pictured above: Scott Slagle, Vice President, First Federal Savings Bank;
Darlene Bigler, CEO, Community Action Southwest; Jeffrey Fondelier,
V.P. of Operations, CAS and Patrick O’Brien, President & CEO, First
Federal Savings Bank
IT TAKES YOU…
to end poverty in our community.
Assets for Independence Program
Assets for Independence, a federally funded matched savings
program for low income families, was launched in February 2012 in
Washington and Greene counties. AFI provides a $2 match for
every $1 a participant saves, with up to $4,000 in matching funds.
Participants agree to open a savings account at partnering banks in
order to save their earned income over three years. They will also
attend CAS Financial Literacy classes while working towards one of
the approved goals. As of May 1st, sixteen individuals have joined
the program and are saving towards home ownership, higher
education or to begin a small business.
In March First Federal Savings Bank joined our list of partnering
banks with a $10,000 commitment. One of our initial partners,
Northwest Savings Bank (through their Northwest Charitable
Foundation) contributed an additional $10,000 in April. First
Commonwealth Bank will also be a partner with an initial
contribution of $1,500.
Continued on page 5
Spring 2012 Page 1

New Waynesburg Community Center
In March the new Waynesburg Community Center opened on Morris
Street after almost forty years on Richhill Street. After a major
renovation to the interior and exterior of the building, the Center’s
amenities include a multipurpose room, internet café, fitness center and
a commercial grade kitchen. Quilting—one of the most beloved activities
at the Center—now has a dedicated space. Some new features include
covered entrances, a back staircase and many additional safety and
convenience improvements.
The Morris Street location also houses the Eldercare Center and two
Head Start classrooms, providing some new opportunities for
intergenerational and shared activities. CAS
would like to thank the First Presbyterian
Church for their support and hospitality for
many years.
Grand Opening
The Center celebrated its Grand Opening on May 3rd, attended by many community members, county and state officials and
CAS staff. The Center and the Eldercare program next door offered tours and refreshments to all visitors. Contact the Center
for more information on our programs at 724.627.6366 or the Eldercare Center at 724.852.2012.
Spring 2012 Page 2

Early Childhood Services Welcomes
New Director
Community Action Southwest is delighted to welcome Brenda Fronzaglio as the new
Director of Early Childhood Services. Brenda previously worked for CAS as a Family
Development Coordinator in the former Family Development program services
area. She left CAS in 2005 when she relocated to northeast Ohio as the Early
Childhood Literacy Project Director for Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and
Columbiana Counties. For the last few years Brenda served Easter Seals as
Director of Early Childhood Services.
Brenda holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, and a Masters of
Education as a Reading Specialist. She is a professional development trainer and
facilitator for the Ohio Professional Development Network, which provides career
resources for early childhood and afterschool professionals. Brenda grew up in the Mon Valley and is very familiar with our
communities. She and her family have settled in Washington.
Foster Grandparents and Head Start
The Foster Grandparents program of southwestern Pennsylvania is sponsored by the American Red Cross, and CAS Head
Start would like to thank them for their volunteer time in the last program year. The program provides opportunities for men
and women on fixed incomes, 60 years of age or older, to share their love and experiences with children. Activities include
gross motor, fine motor, creative expression through art, language and literacy development, and music as well as providing
a listening ear and hugs to children to enhance their self image.
► 23 Foster Grandparents provided 9,837 hour of volunteer time to children in our classrooms
► Foster Grandparents worked 8,647 volunteer hours in Washington County and 1,190 volunteer hours in Greene County
National Children's Dental Health Month
Our CAS Early Childhood Services Staff works closely with community resources and dental
providers to increase awareness of good oral health needs and services convenient for our
families. Through networking and collaboration via the Oral Task Force, grant opportunities have
become available allowing not only for educational outreach but also preventative care, treatment
information and services to the community. This year’s grant enabled a mobile medical/dental van
to be equipped and available to assist rural areas by coming
to local sites. Through scheduled appointments, our efforts
continue in striving to overcome common barriers such as
transportation, minimal providers in the area and lack of
education on good oral health. Information gathered from
surveys is used to directly address our short and long term
goals and provide information for other grant opportunities.
A Smile for Life program that encourages completion of dental
treatment plans was developed and is promoted by staff. This
program also offers interactive curriculum to our classrooms through local Schools of
Nursing and outreach to local dental providers to be Champions for Oral Health.
Congratulations to Senior Services Ombudsman
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging conducted an on-site monitoring visit for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program on
in March. The Ombudsman Program advocates for seniors in residential and long term care facilities. Greene County, which
is served by CAS Senior Services as a subcontractor, was commended by the State Office for an excellent evaluation. Our
Volunteer Ombudsman Program was recognized at the 2012 Ombudsman Enrichment Conference and recognized as a “Best
Practice” program in addition, the staff documentation will be used as a sample for monitoring visits across the state.
Spring 2012 Page 3

Community Action Southwest
Board of Directors
William Baird, representing Charles Morris,
Greene County Commissioner
Karen Bennett, representing Pam Snyder,
Greene County Commissioner
Richard Burgess
Lugene Calderone
Michael Chaido
Bill Colvin
Lynne Cowden
Cynthia Dias representing Archie Trader, Greene
County Commissioner
Donna Furnier
Lorry Jankowski
Patricia Lemley
Michael Lucas
Larry Maggi, Washington County Commissioner
Adrianne McConville
John Orndoff
Amy Roberts
Sheila Shirey
Scott Slagle, representing Diana Irey-Vaughn,
Washington County Commissioner
Deborah Takach
Brook Ward
Sharon Willison, representing Timothy J. Solobay,
Pennsylvania State Senator
Darlene J. Bigler
Chief Executive Officer
Washington County
150 West Beau Street
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 225-9550
Fax: (724) 228-9966
Greene County
58 East Greene Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-2893
Fax: (724) 627-7713
1-877-814-0788 ● www.caswg.org
New Pre-K Classroom
Pre-K moved the classroom that was previously in the Donora Elementary
school to Ringgold Elementary School South. This classroom is located in
a brand new building .
.
Pre-K Activities
Each week the Washington Park Pre-K
classroom in Washington selects a “Star
Student”. Each child is ask to complete
the “All About Me” poster and present it
to the class on Monday of their week.
The poster is then displayed on the star
board located in the classroom. The
“Star” student is the special helper for
the week and is allowed to invite a guest
reader into the classroom.
Pre-K students in the West
Greene classroom in Greene
County enjoyed a visit from a
snake and had the
opportunity to touch him and
ask questions.
Ringold Elementary
School South Pre-K
classroom celebrated
100 days in school
with an art project this
spring.
Spring 2012 Page 4

The CAS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program completed a record 579 tax returns
during the recent tax season. Scheduled appointments were offered in Washington and
Greene counties at multiple locations and flexible times. More than $534,000 was
returned to taxpayers in both counties at no cost to them. 174 clients qualified for the
Earned Income Tax Credit for a total return of $163,863. Senator Tim Solobay offered the
use of his offices in Canonsburg, Washington and Waynesburg for the VITA tax program so
that local taxpayers could take advantage of the program, and took time afterwards to
thank the Family Economic Success staff with a letter.
Twenty-three volunteers assisted with VITA this year, and in the fall CAS will once again
recruit for community volunteers to assist with this outstanding program.
► Total Refund Amount = $534,640
► Total EITC Returned = $163,863
► Total Volunteer Hours = 425
VITA Program a Great Success!
Assets for Independence Program
Pictured: Deborah Takach, Vice President, First Commonwealth Bank;
Jeffrey Fondelier, V.P. of Operations, Community Action Southwest, and
Jeanine Fallon, Senior Vice President, First Commonwealth Bank
Pictured: Jeff Fondelier, V.P of Operations, Community Action Southwest;
Darlene Bigler, CEO, Community Action Southwest; Kim Shoup, Office
Manager, Northwest Savings Bank; and John Mendel, Senior Vice President,
Northwest Savings Bank.
(Continued from page 1)
Donation to Eldercare
Karen Bennett, Administrator of Human Services for Greene County and
CAS board member, visited our Eldercare program on Morris Street in
Waynesburg. Karen made a donation to the Valentine’s Day festivities and
visited with clients and staff. Eldercare provides respite for caregivers of
older adults with developmental disabilities and dementia.
The initial partners for the program were Washington Financial, First
Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County, Northwest
Savings Bank and Community Bank. Financial commitment from our
partners has now reached $121,500, and CAS would like to thank each
of them for their generous support.
For more information, please call 1.877.814.0788, ext. 530.
Pictured: Karen Bennett, CAS board member; Don, an
Eldercare client, and Karen Hoy, Eldercare Site Supervisor.
Spring 2012 Page 5

WIC Shares New Nutrition Guidelines
Nutrition Services celebrated National Nutrition Month by featuring the new
USDA's food guidance icon, My Plate, at all the WIC sites. "My Plate" teaches
the newest dietary guidelines from the USDA. Everyone can use the plate as a
guide and build half the plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with grains,
a quarter with protein and add a side dish of dairy.
Pictured: Elizabeth Schultz, Health Professional , CAS
All Staff Day in April
Each year the entire staff of Community Action Southwest meets for a day off site, to review the past year’s business and to
look forward to the new year’s plan and goals. More than 230 employees met at North Franklin Township Fire Hall for a
“picnic” on a chilly Friday and dedicated their morning to a thorough review of the 2012-2016 strategic plan and a review
of all CAS program service areas. In the afternoon guest speaker Pam Pullman delivered a powerful message about
positive organizational change, working together, and the challenges we face in the future. Employee recognition for years
of service and door prizes ended a productive day.
Clockwise from Center: Darlene
Bigler, CAS CEO speaks of the future,
Staff with 10 years of service pose
for a picture, Guest Speaker Pam
Pullman, Staff enjoying Pam’s
message, local Self-Sufficiency
Award winner Michelle Crisco
Spring 2012 Page 6

Community Action Southwest hosted the 7th Annual Men’s Culinary Classic on Saturday, March 10th. The event was
attended by over 360 people. Thirty-two local amateur chefs prepared their specialty dishes and competed for the “People’s
Choice” awards for each category. Thanks to our sponsors, donors and guests, the event raised over $10,000!
Clockwise from center: Todd
“George Washington” Johnson;
Trevor Kern; meatball sandwiches
prepared by Joe Perotti;
Mike Ross & his wife; Barb Wehn
on roller skates; cinnabuns
prepared by Mike Ross; Richard
and Richelle Burgess; and
Michael Yeager and Scott Craig
Many Thanks to Our Men’s Culinary Classic Sponsors
Beverage Distribution, Inc.
Fun at the Men’s Culinary Classic
Campbell Insurance Associates
Chapman Corporation
First Federal Savings Bank
Florida Consulting
Health America
Kohls #1022
R.G. Johnson Company
Spring 2012 Page 7
SASI
Southwestern PA Human Services, Inc.
Testa Machine Company, Inc.
Washington Area Teacher’s FCU
WJPA

IT TAKES YOU…
to end poverty in our community.
Save the Date
On Sunday, September 30th, Community Action Southwest and
Try-Again Homes, Inc. will partner again for a sporting clay shoot at
Hunting Hills Shooting Range in Dilliner, PA. Proceeds from the event
benefit both agencies. Please plan to join us for a great competition,
and you can also can also maximize your sponsorship opportunity with
this collaboration. If you are interested in a sponsorship or
participating as a shooter or as a team, please contact Try-Again
Homes at 724.225.0510, ext. 345.
DocSolutions, a for-profit subsidiary of Community Action Southwest, has been in business since 2008 serving businesses
and non-profits in southwestern Pennsylvania. As a records management firm, DocSolutions is focused on helping customers
permanently retain, organize and destroy their records in a confidential and environmentally responsible manner. The
company is also dedicated to creating work opportunities for the unemployed or those with barriers to employment in our
community.
DocSolutions is now offering secure on-site document
shredding as well as off-site hard drive destruction and
shredding. The shredding operation is capable of
processing 400 pounds of paper an hour, and 100% of it is
recycled. The firm continues to offer digital document
conversion and scanning. DocSolutions can be reached at
724.228.1026 or through the website at
www.docsolutions.biz.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Expanded DocSolutions Services
OUR MISSION
To serve as the catalyst to mobilize the resources of the entire community to enable
families and individuals in southwestern PA to attain the skills, knowledge, motivations
and opportunities to become self-sufficient.
Spring 2012 Page 8