JAN 2026

From the President’s Desk

“The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. At the 1889 Foundation, we are proud to support organizations that are addressing critical needs, whether through early childhood education, community revitalization, peer support, or long-term health planning. Together, these efforts reflect our mission to invest in solutions that strengthen our region today while building a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come.”

— Susan Mann, President

Grant Highlights

The Learning Lamp

A $100,000 grant was awarded to The Learning Lamp to support Screen2Succeed, a program now entering its second year, focusing on early childhood screening to assess readiness for kindergarten. Funding is provided in partnership with Senator Wayne Langerholc.

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The Next Step Center

$2,500 awarded to The Next Step Center in Somerset County to support its everyday operations. This funding helps sustain vital services that provide individuals with resources, guidance, and support needed to overcome life challenges, build stability, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency.

Peer Empowerment Network

$2,500 was awarded to the Peer Empowerment Network to assist with its ongoing day-to-day work. This grant supports the organization’s mission of fostering recovery, connection, and personal growth through peer-based support services that empower individuals to build healthier, more independent lives.

Community Impact Spotlight

Community Spotlight: The Learning Lamp

The 1889 Foundation is proud to spotlight The Learning Lamp for its continued commitment to early childhood education and its far-reaching impact across the region. Through a wide range of literacy, tutoring, and early learning initiatives, The Learning Lamp works to ensure children are supported at every stage of their educational journey.

A key initiative making a growing impact is Screen2Succeed, an early childhood screening program designed to assess preschool-aged children’s readiness for kindergarten. Now in its second year, the program helps identify developmental needs early, allowing educators, families, and community partners to intervene sooner and provide targeted support, particularly in the most vulnerable areas.

By focusing on early identification and proactive intervention, The Learning Lamp is helping set children up for long-term academic success while strengthening the foundation for lifelong learning throughout the community.

“The 1889 Foundation makes things possible for our community that wouldn’t otherwise happen. The Screen2Succeed program is an example. Without their investment, families would not have access to community-based developmental screening for their children. As a result of these screenings, young children who need additional support can be referred for services, leading to better outcomes in school and in life,” said Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp.

The 1889 Foundation is proud to support The Learning Lamp and its dedication to creating equitable opportunities for children and families through education.

Every three years, the Cambria and Somerset County region completes a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify and better understand the most pressing health challenges facing our communities. This collaborative process brings together community health data, input from residents and local experts, and the collective insight of regional leaders to help guide shared strategies and solutions.

The CHNA is conducted in partnership with Conemaugh Health System, the 1889 Foundation, the Center for Population Health, and the United Way of the Southern Alleghenies. Together, these partners analyze findings, convene stakeholders, and develop implementation plans that address priority needs.

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment has been completed and is now publicly available for viewing. The assessment focuses on five key areas: Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Early Childhood, Physical Health, and Social Drivers of Health. The final report serves as a roadmap for continued collaboration and coordinated action to improve health and well being across the Cambria and Somerset County region.

Read the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment

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