To celebrate Martin Luther King Day, the Foster Grandparent Program collaborated with My Brother’s Keeper of Hop Bottom, PA to create Ugly Quilt sleeping bags for the homeless.

The Bradford and Sullivan County Foster Grandparents show the Ugly Quilts they assembled during the recent Martin Luther King Day of Service Project

Foster Grandparents formed an assembly line that stitched pieces of quilts together. A typical sleeping bag has an interior lining made of softer material, such as pillowcases, and a sturdier outer material such as corduroy. They stitch those two pieces together and fill the inside with warmer fabrics such as bath towels.

Finally, the bags are rolled up and neckties are stitched on to create makeshift backpack straps. The Ugly Quilt sleeping bags include gloves, scarves or other needed winter gear when available. Some of the volunteers will bring home a pile of wool and make a hat to include with the sleeping bag.

Foster Grandparents are individuals age 55 and over who thrive on direct interaction with children and believe they can make a difference in their lives. Foster Grandparents receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering.

To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program call 1-800-982-4346.

The Foster Grandparent Program is federally funded by the Corporation of National Community Service, sponsored by the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. and funded in part by the United Way of Bradford County, United Way of Susquehanna County, and the Lycoming County United Way serving Tioga County.

The BSST Area Agency on Aging is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; the United Way of Bradford County; the United Way of Susquehanna County; the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Commissioners.

Sunday, February 11th is PA 2-1-1 Day. This is a day to celebrate all of the life-changing ways United Way’s 2-1-1 help line services the residents of Pennsylvania, and to encourage more to utilize the service available to them.

2-1-1 is the free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects 97 percent of Pennsylvanians with all the health and human services available to help.  In 2017, over 199,000 Pennsylvanians turned to 2-1-1 for help.

“People reached out to 2-1-1 to find information on basic needs, like heating or utility assistance, abuse, eldercare, or to find the closest food bank,” said Kim Merithew, Director of Corporate and Community Giving at United Way of Susquehanna County. “But they also called for everyday information, like where to take their child for developmental screening, or how to locate job training, or how to schedule free income tax filing assistance.”

Locally, a father of five contacted 2-1-1 as he had recently lost his job and was in need of financial aid paying rent and feeding his family. He was connected with local agencies who offered compassionate support and put him in touch with agencies that could help him find employment.

In 2017, the top five needs 2-1-1 connected Pennsylvanians with included electric service payment assistance, volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) programs, rent payment assistance, food pantries, and gas service payment assistance.  2-1-1 also partners with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and has been activated in times of emergencies, such as a substantial snowstorm or other natural disaster, to assist residents in need.

2-1-1 information and referral specialists are trained to listen, assess the situation, ask the appropriate questions, and then refer the caller directly to the human services that will comprehensively address their needs. The 2-1-1 specialist explains how to access those services, availing a translation service for over 170 different languages, if needed.

United Way of Susquehanna County has been providing referral services since February, 2015 thanks to the generosity of donors and became a part of the national 2-1-1 program, which was launched by United Way in Atlanta over 20 years ago. The user-friendly, three-digit 2-1-1 number now serves more than 283 million Americans—more than 90% of our population—in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

Willie

We don't mean to "hound’ you, but our friend Willie could really use your help. This extremely handsome lad is having a very difficult time at the shelter and is looking to settle down into a peaceful life with some one on one attention. Loyal, affectionate, dog friendly, and sweet as can be, this dashing fellow is 5years old, neutered, UTD, micro-chipped, and truly a needy guy with so much love to give.  With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, please consider making this lonely heart your new BFF. Roses-$49.99, Chocolates-$24.99, Puppy Love-Priceless!

Even though we give him so much extra TLC at True Friends, Willie has been rapidly deteriorating. We desperately need to place him in a foster or forever home. Willie would make a wonderful companion for someone that could use the extra company and possibly needs him as much as he needs them. Please spread the word and help this poor guy find a quieter, more comfortable place to rest his head and be loved.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents’ Day. All court related offices will be available.