by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 29, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding $309,000 in post-secondary scholarships to 103 local students. Supporting the future of Fayette County in this way is possible thanks to the generous donors from fifty (50) CFFC scholarship funds.
“Congratulations to these remarkable students,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek‑Bates. “With the wide range of scholarship funds entrusted to us, we are honored to support graduating seniors from all six Fayette County school districts, as well as many continuing post‑secondary students. Some of these students have earned CFFC scholarships year after year, and their dedication continues to inspire us.”
CFFC accepts applications from early February to early April through an online portal that matches students with scholarship opportunities based on eligibility requirements. Some awards are selected by the donors of the scholarship funds, while many others are reviewed by a dedicated group of volunteers who meet to discuss and recommend award selections.
“Each year, our scholarship volunteer reviewers give their time, care, and thoughtful attention to help us support Fayette County students,” said Hajek‑Bates. “Their dedication ensures that every application is read with fairness and compassion, and their commitment strengthens the integrity of our scholarship program. We are deeply grateful for their service and the meaningful role they play in shaping brighter futures for our students.”
Depending on a scholarship’s criteria, considerations include financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, area of study, school preference, community service, and other factors.
—–
2026-2027 CFFC Scholarship Awards
Alfred E. Jones & Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Diondra Brown
Hannah Foster
Jackson Johns
Luke Martin
Sara Reed
Sevrin Vecchiola
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship Fund
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship Fund for Women
Morgan Armstrong
Burchinal Family Endowment Scholarship Fund
Tabitha Horvath
Madelyn Salisbury
Riley Rankin
Hailey Plavi
Kiley Kezmarsky
Joshua Burkett
Zoe Hughes
Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund
Makenzie Foster
Julian Smith
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tyler Williams
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Smith
Jenna Walls
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Greta Shirk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Lillian Beers
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Luke Gresh
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charlee Wagner
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship Fund
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Fund for Study in the Health Sciences
Madelyn Marks
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Josie Petrucci
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Khyler Tony
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Aiden Glover
George M. and Anna Hochheimer Scholarship
Emily Dolan
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Eddie Palmer
Henry J. Opperman Scholarship Permanent Fund
Avery Lape
Hughes Family Scholarship
Taylor Irwin
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Delaney Hines
Alexa Lincoln
Logan Seese
Shiann Sullivan
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Jackson Johns
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Jackson Wade
Laurel Technical Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Makalia Morrell
Sierra Murphy
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship Fund
Brandy Sickles
Brynn Hibbs
Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Christopher Colgan
Zofia Radosevich
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Adam Pegg
Geno Farrel
Ava Clark
Kami Workman
Emma Mihalko
Maurice M. Bortz & Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Doman
My Mother‘s Legacy Fund
Brianna Hensh
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Gianna Radovich
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Hannah Foster
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Ethan Doman
Ava Setren
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lucia Baker
Jackson Johns
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Cameron Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship Endowment
Yelena Ford
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
David White
Sergeant Eric Hull Advised and Memorial Scholarship Funds
Riley Armstrong
Suzanne McMonagle Scholarship for Nursing
Lauren Colgan
The Garbart Memorial Scholarship
Lucas Salaway
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Haylee Bill
Trinity Hatfield
Alyssa Sharp
Julian Smith
Brighten Spector
Ethan Syner
Natalie Ursiny
Mackenzie Victor
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Uniontown College Club Scholarship
Emily Pennington
Ava Sefcheck
Paisley Murtha
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lilly Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Hannah Proud
Paige Miller
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
College:
Caylee Balabon
William Barton
Jacqueline Maendel
Anthony Muccioli
Braylin Salisbury
Brianna Marzano
Steven Shearin
Natayah Moten
Emma Young
Anna Sedlak
Ava Crofcheck
Karsyn Lucy
Hannah Legarsky
Erica Rishel
Emily Sines
Grant Barcheck
High School:
Julia Lohr
Shiann Sullivan
Mia Fabery
Josie Petrucci
Alexa Gray
Hannah Foster
Ethan Doman
Geno Farrel
Jakylah Dressel
Logan Seese
Emma Hull
Christopher Colgan
Gia Gillott
Aaron Michaels
Abagale Kuhns
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Madison Grimm
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 3, 2026 | CFFC News
Larry Kiefer, Abby Donahue, Kim Hawk, Rita Masi, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Ron Gabriel
With proceeds from the Gala of Giving, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded its largest grant ever to support reentry programming for residents exiting the Fayette County Jail. This year’s Catalyst for Change Grant is funding $100,000 for the Pathways to Reintegration Initiative at Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. (FCCAA).
The new program will establish dedicated post‑release reentry support for residents leaving the Fayette County Jail, addressing a critical need for services that help residents carry the goals they set during incarceration into their return home. FCCAA already delivers strong pre‑release workforce development planning through federal funding and its partnership with the jail’s nationally recognized IGNITE Program; this grant will allow the organization to extend that support beyond the jail walls.
By adding staff focused solely on post‑release services, FCCAA will strengthen continuity of care at the most vulnerable stage of reentry, improving access to resources, promoting long‑term stability, and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
“Our board of directors made this selection after a careful and comprehensive review process,” said Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors. “Each year, the Catalyst for Change Grants address an area of need, and this year’s investment takes meaningful steps toward creating safer, stronger futures for all who call Fayette County home.”
Through the Pathways to Reintegration Initiative, reentrants will be connected to workforce development services, education, and professional attire, as well as assistance with essential identification documents, transportation, and housing.
Through coordinated partnerships, reentrants will also access comprehensive support, including addiction recovery resources, to help them rebuild stability and move toward long‑term success.
“This grant is instrumental in helping individuals transition into the workforce after release from jail by providing the support for essential employment needs and other necessary resources to help them gain and maintain employment while working toward self-sufficiency,” said Kimberly Hawk, FCCAA’s Chief Executive Officer.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 15, 2026 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Tucked away in the beautiful scenery of the Laurel Highlands, Touchstone Center for Crafts offers arts programming that draws people from near and far. To help strengthen their capacity, with technology equipment and staff expansion, they have been awarded grants from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund at the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
Touchstone’s mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression. The nonprofit offers a variety of programs for people of all experience levels, with opportunities customized for youth, arts educators, veterans, and resident artists. Those who visit their campus for workshops can learn blacksmithing, ceramics, jewelry-making, and more.
Throughout daily operations, staff was facing challenges with their outdated phone system, describing it as cumbersome and inefficient. Implementing a new phone system, with grant funding, has had a positive effect.
“It is important for employees of our organization to be able to conduct business seamlessly, whether they are working remotely or in our offices. Support from a CFFC grant allowed us to move from an outdated phone system to a more responsive and flexible platform that works from our computers and phones,” said Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Executive Director.
Touchstone also received funding to support their staff expansion and the computer equipment needed for new team members. Lindsay explained the impact of hiring strong talent to enhance the organization’s mission: “We’ve strengthened our fundraising capacity, expanded our programming season, and increased off-season visibility.”
CFFC is happy to support Touchstone’s capacity to inspire, teach, and serve the community.
Photos courtesy of Touchstone Center for Crafts
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 14, 2026 | CFFC News
Families are invited to Fayette 250 Kids Fest on Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the South Union Recreation Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. This free event is designed to celebrate Fayette County’s 250th anniversary by investing in our future — our kids — and making it easy for families to connect with the programs, services, and opportunities that help them thrive.
Fayette 250 Kids Fest will feature fun educational demonstrations that spark curiosity, theatrical performances that bring stories to life, and community nonprofit booths that share information about available services. Families can also look forward to activities for all ages, including games, crafts, and interactive stations. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at no cost.
The event is co-sponsored by A Child’s Place, Parents as Teachers, PA Senator Pat Stefano’s office, and the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC).
“The 250th anniversary is more than a celebration of our history. It’s a celebration of the people that fueled that history and continue to make our country, our commonwealth and our county strong,” said Senator Pat Stefano. “Events like this bring neighbors together in a way that reflects the pride and sense of community that have defined Fayette County for generations, and it’s important that we share that pride with our youngest residents.”
Registration is not needed for families to attend this event. Nonprofits that are interested in hosting a table must register by June 5 with an email to info@cffayettepa.org. Nonprofits will be expected to coordinate an activity at their table for children and/or their families and to bring a basket for an attendee raffle. A table and two (2) chairs will be provided, and set up begins at 9:15 a.m. inside the Rec Center.
“We’re excited to bring families together for an afternoon of fun, learning, and community connection,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
To learn more, call 724-550-4037.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 11, 2026 | CFFC News
Elevate NP of SWPA is hosting a series of Scenario Planning Clinics for nonprofits across the region – free of charge. CFFC is happy to host a session at our office on June 18.
Scenario Planning Clinic
Thursday, June 18
12:00 – 3:00
Community Foundation of Fayette County
250 West Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
Facilitated by Jake Seltman and Will Tolliver of Procopia, this dynamic workshop includes group discussion with expert facilitators, peer connections, and applied exercises to:
- Get clear on the major drivers of uncertainty and risk for their organization – and what some potential scenarios might be
- Develop an action plan to address near-term risks/opportunities and plant seeds for the future
- Get advice and share ideas with peers and colleagues
This session is intended for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a paid Executive Director and annual budgets between $100,000 and $5 million. Space is limited to 20 nonprofit organizations. This workshop is intended for Executive Directors, and participants are encouraged to bring an additional member of their leadership team or Board. A light lunch will be included.
Nonprofits must register to attend. Reserve your spot!