CFFC’s Largest Grant Awarded for Reentry Support 

by | 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.

 

Garden Project to Grow Fresh Produce

Garden Project to Grow Fresh Produce

by | Mar 18, 2022 | Building a Stronger Fayette

As spring approaches, we look forward to blooming begonias and varying vegetables in our gardens. Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. (FCCAA) supports multiple gardens here in Fayette County to involve community members in growing fresh produce. In 2021, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded a Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund grant to support FCCAA’s gardening efforts.

“Through our grant we were able to provide 60 gardeners with tools of their own to use while gardening, such as hand tillers, shovels, and gloves,” said FCCAA’s Rita Masi. They worked on raised beds in Uniontown, Lemont Furnace, and Connellsville.

FCCAA partners with organizations such as East End United Community Center, and provided materials and tools for a rain water collection barrel to be used at the gardens across the street from the Center. They also provided water hoses to some sites, adding to the necessary tools to keep these gardens going for multiple seasons.

“The experiences throughout the spring, summer and early fall were firsts for many of the participants and they are looking forward to the 2022 growing season. Many have shared their desire to return and help in these beds again,” said Masi. “But we feel the greatest accomplishment of this grant is the community-building and positive changes in mental health. The gentlemen who worked in the gardens [at FCCAA’s permanent housing sites] loved doing this and took such pride in their achievements,” she explained.

In addition to community garden projects, FCCAA addresses nutrition through the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program, the Republic Food Enterprise Center (RFEC), the FCCAA Food Bank, and more. CFFC is happy to support organizations and programs, like these, that are building a stronger Fayette.

Photo submitted by FCCAA