On-Demand Ride Sharing Enhances Accessibility in Poconos Region

The Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) is offering a new public rideshare program.

Pocono Pony Plus is a low-cost, on-demand service that allows passengers to travel within several designated areas between the Poconos, Stroudsburg, and the Delaware Water Gap.

A software application is also available to allow users real-time information about the location and status of their rides. 

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Mobile Unit Helps Meet Rural Maternal Care Needs

Local nonprofit Maternal Family Health Services has introduced a Mobile WIC Unit to provide care for eligible residents of rural communities, many of whom lack transportation resources.

This vehicle-turned-medical-office operates in Bradford, Sullivan, Tioga, and Wyoming counties.

Families receive access to foods and formulas, health care, and additional supports.  

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Elementary School Recognized for Efforts to Close Achievement Gaps

The Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

This award program acknowledges high-performing schools that help close educational achievement gaps.

In addition to dedicated staff and teachers, the center’s principal credited its positive intervention and supports program (PBIS) for the success. 

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Manufacturer Rethinks Worker Recruitment and Shortage

Among other responsibilities, the 12 banks in the Federal Reserve System monitors the economies of their designated regions and reports observations in The Beige Book publication.

It has highlighted a bearings manufacturer, based in the Richmond region, for innovative efforts to attract more workers into the industry – educating students as low as the middle-school level.

Pioneer Motor Bearing Company is breaking the stigma surrounding manufacturing work and revitalizing it as an expandible career option. 

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Community Organizations Partner With City Councilor to Combat Gentrification

Neighborhood redevelopment, often supported by public funds, often displaces longtime residents who cannot maintain the increased housing costs that result.

In many cases, the development is supported by public funds and takes place in communities of color.

Louisville, Kentucky’s Historically Black Neighborhood Assembly has proposed an ordinance to protect housing affordability. 

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The Community Grocer Set to Share Healthy, Hot Meals in 2024 

Two University of Pennsylvania graduates are (legally) challenging restrictions on the ability of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase hot, pre-made meals.

The nonprofit grocery store, which has already received the President’s Sustainability Prize as well as donor funding, will sell meal kits to SNAP cardholders.

The meals may then be cooked in an affiliated kitchen, at no charge.  

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