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.

 

CFFC Awards Grant for CACTC’s Career Cafe

CFFC Awards Grant for CACTC’s Career Cafe

by | Aug 16, 2019 | Building a Stronger Fayette

Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) opened the Career Café, a student-run store that sells food items, clothing, and supplies in May 2019. Following CACTC’s mission and vision to prepare every student with academic, technical, and career skills needed to enter the workforce and to pursue continuing education, the Career Café provides unique opportunities to build skills.

The CFFC awarded CACTC a Fall 2018 grant for the Career Café, which is operated by the Building and Trades Program students under the supervision of their teacher, Mr. Bill Guess. The goal is to help improve secondary transition opportunities that will prepare students for life after high school, including post-secondary education or training, employment, and community living.

Dr. Shawna Little, Workforce Development Coordinator, noted the importance of soft skills in the workforce, such as customer service, communication, and conflict resolution. The Career Café provides students with real-world work experience in the popular, and in-demand, industry of retail. Particularly for students with disabilities, these opportunities help develop transferable skills that target goals set in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Before the Career Café opened for business, there were ten students who put their vocational skills to work by organizing the space. They built the counter area and helped transform the classroom, which was brought to life with the Appalachian Creativity Center’s full-room mural. “The students worked as a team, communicated and collaborated effectively, and created a finished project from scratch,” said Dr. Little. To learn more about CACTC, visit their website!