Activities
The Carbondale PROSPER Team holds monthly meetings to work on planning, marketing, and implementing the 3 selected evidence-based programs. Many of the team members also attend the annual statewide PROSPER meeting in the spring.
Team members hold press conferences to create greater awareness about PROSPER and recognize funders and team members. Representatives from the Team have been invited to speak at a legislative breakfast organized by the Lackawanna County Family Engagement team to present information about PROSPER’s evidence-based programs and its impacts.
The Carbondale team includes eight youth who have completed the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14. They have been instrumental in all aspects of the team including fundraising, marketing, and recruiting and play a key role in sustaining programs in the community.
The youth organize an annual car wash. The car wash is held in the summer and raises nearly $500 which is used to support the in-school LifeSkills Training program. The youth also have organized a Rock for PROSPER guitar hero/rock band contest in 2009.
Many members have been with the team since its inception. Not only are they committed to strengthening families and creating resilient youth in Carbondale and the Greater Upper Valley, but they have also mentored and supported expansion teams in neighboring communities.
The Team also enjoys social events such as a Penguins hockey game, a holiday party, and a summer cook out.
Team Members
Karen Thomas - Team Leader, Penn State Extension
Ann Vadella - School Team Co-Leader, Carbondale Area Elementary School
Bridget Connolly - Youth
Connor Durkin - Youth
Dr. Paul Kaczmarcik - Retired Elementary School Principal, Carbondale Area School District
Ernie Laskosky - NHS Human Services
Debby Mendicino - Goodwill Industries, SFP 10-14 Facilitator, Parent
Marijo Naniewicz - High School Health Teacher, Carbondale Area School District
Tommy Owens - Youth
Camryn Perri - Youth
Janet Rusnak, R.N. - Carbondale Area School District, SFP 10-14 Facilitator
Kristy Ryczak - EOTC/Scranton Area Family Center
Michele Smith - Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Geno Vadella - Youth
William Vaverchak - Elementary School Principal, Carbondale Area School District
Morgan Walsh - Youth
Cori Wright - Parent, SFP 10-14 Facilitator
Dylan Wright - Youth
Karsyn Wright - Youth
Ex Officio: Mr. Joe Farrell - High School Principal, Carbondale Area School District
