It’s about the process…
The Community and School Impact project component of the Leadership Northeast experience is meant to serve several purposes. Classmates work together to design and execute a project that fulfills a community need. In doing so, participants utilize the leadership development skills they have learned throughout the year, while making a positive impact on their community.
Although Project Advisors provide guidance, these projects are participant-driven from beginning to end. Project groups brainstorm ideas at their first meeting and then work together to see it through.
Project groups are designed to make the process challenging. Participants must work through their differences of opinion, behavior and perspectives and find a common ground. Learning how to bring people together, despite these differences, in order accomplish something extraordinary is the true definition of Leadership.
Between the Core, Junior and Impact programs, Leadership Northeast participants complete upwards of 40 projects a year, collaborating with other nonprofits, schools, government and community organizations. After 44 years in the business, the ripple effect of these projects is vast, and the lessons learned invaluable.
Click below to see what our current classes are up to, and browse the map below for a visual of how LNE’s alumni have worked to improve their community throughout the years.
The Barkitects: Expanded an existing dog park in West Pittston Borough to include a dedicated area where small dogs can play safely and comfortably.
Bytes for Hope: Partnered with Ruth’s Place to enhance their computer area for clients to search for employment, housing, and other essential resources.
Fostering Hope: Encouraged and uplifted children supported by CASA of Wyoming Valley by providing essential care packs that restore dignity, spark hope, and remind them that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Furrever Friends: Supported the revitalization of the SPCA of Luzerne County’s cemetery, a cherished space that has served the community since 1960 as a place of remembrance and reflection for beloved animal companions.
Renew and Restore: Renovated and upgraded an onsite laundry room and clothing closet space for women in recovery at Clem-Mar House’s new halfway house for women in Wilkes-Barre.
Sanctuary Sisters: Partnered with the Domestic Violence Service Center to restore hope by renewing rooms for children and teens who temporarily reside at the emergency shelter and transitional housing programs.
Warriors in Wellness: Partnered with Volunteers in Medicine to empower patients by providing access to clean drinking water, reusable welcome kits, and opportunities for social connection.
Supper Squad: Worked with Dinners for Kids to provide food for children in need through monetary donations, fundraising, and volunteering in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Serving Smiles: Raised awareness for people with intellectual disabilities in the workforce by hosting a 5K to support Coffee Inclusive.
Dream Makers: Helped Sleep in Heavenly Peace complete over 1,033 bed deliveries and volunteered at a build day where they helped construct 100 beds.
Fuel our Future: Helped alleviate food insecurity within the community by volunteering with the CEO Weinberg Food Bank and hosting food drives.
Jogs for Dogs: Hosted a 5K to raise both money and awareness for animals in need at Blue Child Farm Animal Refuge.
Hearts for Heroes: Raised awareness and support for veterans that are struggling with the transition back to civilian life by partnering with the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.
Spark Squad: Brought comfort, creativity, and connection to kids in Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital by providing support and sparking joy.
The River Readers: Partnered with the United Way of Wyoming Valley to take part in their annual book drive to help promote and improve grade level reading and early school success in the area.
Head Start Heroes: Dedicated time to enhance the quality of life for children in Luzerne County Head Start by leading a nature-based learning initiative for preschoolers and inspiring kids to explore our world.
Tiny Miracles: Partnered with MamaBird to support families with newborns while also raising awareness about the challenges many parents face when caring for a new baby.
How much of an impact has Leadership Northeast had on NEPA? Take a look at our interactive Project Map to see!