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!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Nov 19, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 13, 2025 in partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. This commemorated the foundation’s purchase and relocation to 250 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.
Casey Leonard, Michael George, CJ Callahan, Ron Gabriel, David Hughes, Renee Couser, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Jim Higinbotham, Larry Kiefer, Terry Burden, Josh Ellsworth, Ed Balling
This strategic move, funded through the foundation’s operating reserve, marks a significant milestone in CFFC’s evolution. Until now, CFFC has operated out of leased spaces, most recently at 5 South Mt. Vernon Avenue in Uniontown. The new facility offers a substantial increase in square footage, allowing for expanded staffing and more opportunities to host events and presentations on-site. The first floor features a large conference room area with mobile desks and chairs, a kitchen, multiple restrooms, three offices, and two additional work stations. The lower level has a large office and storage rooms. The foundation requests that you park in the lot at the rear of the building and enter through the back door when visiting the office.
The large conference room enables CFFC to host events and convenings on-site.
Before the ribbon cutting, guests gathered at the front of the building for special remarks.
Muriel Nuttall, Fayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, welcomed everyone and highlighted that this milestone sparks a renewed energy and increased visibility to the foundation’s work as they continue in their mission. Local elected officials also shared remarks about the foundation’s philanthropic work and the excitement of seeing the organization grow. Remarks were shared by Senator Pat Stefano, Debbie Hoone from the office of Representative Charity Grimm Krupa, County Commissioner Scott Dunn, County Commissioner Vince Vicites, and County Commissioner Dutch Kaufman.
Debbie Hoone, Senator Pat Stefano, Commissioner Dutch Kaufman, Ron Gabriel, Renee Couser, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Commissioner Vince Vicites, Commissioner Scott Dunn
Renee Couser, CFFC retiring Executive Director, shared that the 250 West Main Street purchase and relocation helps to achieve the three goals of the foundation’s strategic plan: growth and impact; awareness and engagement; organization and operations. “This facility gives the foundation the infrastructure to grow, the visibility to engage our community more effectively, and the operational foundation it needs to succeed,” said Couser.
Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer, said, “This ribbon cutting is not just about a building; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and a stronger Fayette County.” She recognized the efforts of the foundation board members and staff to make this milestone possible, and she thanked Fairchance Construction Company for their support throughout the building’s renovation.
Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors, also shared gratitude to the late Robert and Elouise Eberly, whose investment in the foundation decades ago made the purchase and renovation of the building possible. He credited Renee Couser for encouraging the vision of the foundation having its own home in this building. Gabriel underscored the importance of this new location being a home for not just the foundation board and staff, but also the community, with new opportunities for growth, impact, and inclusion with on-site events and programs.
Board members in attendance joined Couser and Hajek-Bates for the ribbon cutting, followed by refreshments and mingling throughout the new office.
Customized hats were created at the Stahls hat bar to showcase CFFC’s new logo
Stahls’ provided a “hat bar” with a selection of baseball hats, CFFC logo patches, and additional fun patches that guests picked and saw come to life as their customized hat was heat pressed and presented to them. With CFFC’s recent launch of a new logo, this special experience helped kick off CFFC’s new branding efforts to increase visibility of the foundation throughout Fayette County.
The foundation’s mission is to build a stronger Fayette County by inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and nurturing positive community impact. “To scale that impact and meet our goals, we need space to grow and a strong identity that reflects our mission, vision, and values,” said Gabriel.
To learn more about the foundation’s philanthropy and how you can get involved, call our office at 724-437-8600.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 14, 2023 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Do your canned food items at home have pull tabs that can be opened by hand, or do they require a can opener? You may not notice this feature when purchasing a can of soup at the grocery store, but the opening mechanism can be a hurdle for certain populations who don’t have access to kitchen equipment. Captain Erin Rischawy, Commanding Officer, gave the example of a can opener when explaining why The Salvation Army – Uniontown Corps wanted to expand their services for Sally’s Café soup kitchen and food pantry.
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded a Building a Stronger Fayette Fund grant for Sally’s Café Household & Hygiene Pantry, to help provide items that would address unique needs, in particular for transient and homeless individuals. The grant was used to purchase ready-to-eat meals, houseware items like reusable utensils, personal care products in travel-sized containers, and warming kits. These items require minimal preparation for those with limited supplies, and they are easily portable for individuals who carry their belongings on the move.
“This generous grant from the Community Foundation of Fayette County in support of this project has allowed us to always be prepared to help especially vulnerable homeless and transient populations in our community, and people struggling to afford the rising costs of non-food essentials,” said Captain Rischawy.
“We’re happy to support The Salvation Army in addressing this un-met need for those they serve. The direct services and referrals they provide are an asset to the community,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.