by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jul 2, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding a total of $75,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants to two collaborative, county-wide projects. The Fayette County My Preparedness Initiative teaches high schoolers FEMA emergency preparedness, CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed, and the program helps them explore public safety careers. The Fayette Integrated Care Team project will provide treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use. CFFC’s board of directors chose these two projects to address important community needs.
Proceeds from CFFC’s annual Gala of Giving fund the Catalyst for Change Grants, which are intended to make significant impact in Fayette County. These recent awards bring the grand total of Catalyst for Change Grants to $175,000.
Jennifer Deichert, 4-H Educator
The Fayette County My Preparedness Initiative is a collaboration among Fayette County 4-H, Penn State Fayette, Outreach and Continuing Education, Fayette County Firefighters Association, Inc., Fayette Business Education Partnership, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and more. The Catalyst for Change Grant will provide $44,000 towards the launch of this program in Connellsville Area High School and Laurel Highlands High School, with hopes to expand the program to other schools in the future.
“During these programs, youth participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to teach them how to plan and prepare for natural disasters, respond to medical emergencies with basic first aid and CPR, and connect with both professional and volunteer First Responders in their communities, creating pathways to future career and volunteer opportunities,” said Jennifer Deichert, 4-H Educator.
Kelly Harwood, Director of Outpatient and Crisis Services at Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc.
The Fayette Integrated Care Team is a collaboration between Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc. and Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. to provide new treatment opportunities for individuals with dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, related to mental health and substance abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 9.2% of Fayette County adults experience co-occurring disorders compared to 8.4% in the United States. The $30,900 Catalyst for Change Grant will enable them to purchase tele-health equipment that is needed to start the program and provide accessible therapy, professional clinical supervision, and monthly consultations.
Last year’s Catalyst for Change Grant supported the Infant and Child Safety Program at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, in collaboration with Head Start of Fayette County, providing convertible car seats and car seat training to patients who give birth at the hospital. The prior year’s award supported the launch of Main Street Theatre Company’s “ENCORE!”, a Fayette County high school musical showcase in collaboration with the State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust.
The next Gala of Giving event is scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. “Thank you to everyone who has supported the Gala of Giving the past four years. We look forward to raising more money for bigger and bolder grants that will impact the county,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 8, 2025 | CFFC News
Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s (CFFC) fourth annual Gala of Giving on March 29, 2025 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Your overwhelming support and record-breaking attendance are helping to catalyze change in Fayette County by raising money for bigger and bolder funding initiatives.
The event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party.
Photo credit: Melinda Dominico Photography
Since the inaugural Gala of Giving in 2022, we have awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants from event proceeds to support collaborative, county-wide projects. Stay tuned for a third grant award this summer.
Special thanks to the Presenting Sponsor, Fairchance Construction Company, and all Gala of Giving 2025 sponsors.
Visit CFFC’s Facebook page to see photos. Tag us @cffayettepa and use #galaofgiving to share your pictures from the event!
2024 Catalyst for Change Grant: Car Seats & Training
Photo credit: WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital
CFFC’s $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant for the Infant and Child Safety Program makes it possible for more than 300 new mothers at the Uniontown Hospital’s Birthing Center to receive a convertible car seat and car seat training. The program is a partnership between WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital and Head Start of Fayette County, addressing the critical transportation needs for prenatal and pediatrician appointments.
Congratulations to this family who recently welcomed a new baby and received a car seat and training from hospital staff.
Read more!
2023 Catalyst for Change Grant: Musical Showcase
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
More than 150 local students performed in the inaugural “ENCORE!” production on May 5, 2024, funded by CFFC’s first-ever $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant. This program is the first of its kind in Fayette County, showcasing musicals from local high schools and bringing select students together for a special opening and closing number. Main Street Theatre Company produces ENCORE! and collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts for rehearsal and performance space. Students were recognized for music, theatre, and visual arts with the presentation of the Fayette County Cultural Trust‘s Achievement in the Arts awards.
“This event truly unites our school students and communities, all while highlighting the talent we have here in Fayette County and underscoring the vital importance of arts education,” said John Wager, Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company.
Read more!
Feeling Inspired?
You can be a catalyst for change! Donate to support bigger and bolder grants for funding projects that will affect change and growth in Fayette County.
So far, the foundation has awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant awards, and a third award will be announced this summer. Help strengthen these grant opportunities by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Gala of Giving Fund.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Mar 25, 2025 | CFFC News
We invite you to review the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s
2024 Community Impact Report, which highlights our efforts in building a stronger Fayette County. Flip through to learn about our mission to inspire charitable giving, support nonprofits, and nurture positive community impact.
This Community Impact Report also reflects on the foundation’s growth in its 25th anniversary year and the generosity of many people who have made our charitable impact possible. We are committed to supporting Fayette County, and we welcome you to call us with any questions about how you can get involved: 724-437-8600 x1.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 7, 2025 | CFFC News
Tickets are now available for the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s (CFFC) Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change. This year’s event is set for Saturday, March 29 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, with Fairchance Construction Company as the Presenting Sponsor. The formal event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party.
CFFC hosts the Gala of Giving to raise money for projects that can affect change and growth in Fayette County. Event proceeds have supported two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants for collaborative, county-wide projects. The first grant supported Main Street Theatre Company’s inaugural Fayette County high school musical showcase, called ENCORE!, in partnership with the State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust. The second grant was awarded in fall of 2024 to support the WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital’s Infant and Child Safety Program. The hospital partners with Head Start of Fayette County to address the transportation needs of new mothers and their children. The Catalyst for Change Grant will provide over 300 convertible car seats and car seat training to new mothers at the recently re-opened Birthing Center.
“This is the fourth year for the Gala of Giving, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has joined in support. The event has been a game-changer for our ability to impact the community through grants,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
The foundation is currently accepting Letters of Inquiry for a third Catalyst for Change Grant, up to $75,000. The deadline to submit a proposal through CFFC’s online grant system is March 1, 2025.
“We expect about 350 guests this year. Each of them is helping us raise money for these grant awards, so we’re working hard to plan a fabulous evening for them,” said Angela Braun, DC, Gala of Giving Event Chair.
Tickets can be reserved at cffayettepa.ejoinme.org/2025galaofgiving. Please direct questions to Trish Desvarro, Gala of Giving Event Manager, at desvarro@gmail.com or 724-557-0820.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 22, 2024 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant to WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital to support their Infant and Child Safety Program. The grant will be used to provide 358 convertible car seats and car seat training to new mothers at the hospital’s new Birthing Center, which will open in January 2025. This program will support expectant mothers, infants, and children in Fayette County.
Pictured from left to right: Bonnie Ryan, Karen Merryman, Beth Konick, Dawn Hunchuck-Piccolomini, Renee Couser, Carrie Willetts, Garnet Gordon, Meredith Aumer
This is CFFC’s second $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant, following last year’s grant for “ENCORE!”, Main Street Theatre Company’s Fayette County high school musical showcase. These grants are funded through CFFC’s Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change event proceeds.
“The foundation launched the Gala of Giving in 2022 to raise money for bigger and bolder grants. We know there is a need for healthcare services in the county, and we’re happy to support maternal and child welfare through this grant award,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital partners with Head Start of Fayette County for the Infant and Child Safety Program. Their partnership addresses critical transportation needs for prenatal and pediatrician appointments. Transportation is cited as a significant barrier for low-income mothers seeking high-quality healthcare resources, often resulting in missed appointments and inadequate prenatal and pediatric care. Head Start provides transportation for expectant mothers and children up to age four in their program, and WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital will provide convertible car seats and car seat installation/training to patients who give birth at the hospital.
“By integrating transportation assistance with the provision of convertible car seats, the program addresses a key barrier to healthcare access for low-income families in Fayette County,” said Bonnie Ryan, BSN RN, Manager of Patient Experience/Patient Advocate at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital. The hospital anticipates a reduction in appointment cancellations and an increase in routine wellness visits, testing, and adherence to immunization schedules.
The Catalyst for Change Grant will fund the purchase of 358 convertible car seats that will accommodate a child’s growth, up to 100 pounds. The grant also supports car seat technician classes for staff, enabling eight (8) staff members to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly use car seats.
CFFC will continue raising money for grants that can affect change and growth in Fayette County by hosting the fourth annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Fairchance Construction Company is the Presenting Sponsor.
The formal event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party. CFFC is accepting sponsorships, ads, and auction items for the event. Individual tickets will be available in February. To learn more, visit cffayettepa.ejoinme.org/2025galaofgiving.