Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Unite in Partnership for the Common Good

Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center have merged to expand services for vulnerable families and create stronger programming for NEPA residents.

These two faith-based organizations dedicated to serving individuals and families in need, have officially merged, combining their missions, resources, and staff under one unified entity: Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley
Center (FOTP/CMC).

The merger brings together the complementary strengths of both organizations, sponsored by The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and The Sisters of
Mercy of the Americas, respectively.

“Our sponsoring organizations recognized that we share deep similarities in our Catholic
missions, values, and service approaches,” said Sister Mary Ellen Fuhrman, RSM, Chair of the Corporate Members. “By combining our efforts, we can significantly expand our reach to the most vulnerable members of our community.”

After more than a year of collaborative operations at the Catherine McAuley Center’s administrative offices at 430 Pittston Avenue in Scranton, both organizations determined that a formal merger would best serve their shared mission.

“While working side by side, we discovered we were stronger together,” said Lee Termini, Board Chair.

“We were already delivering a unified effort for our funders, partners, and the people
we serve—formalizing that relationship was the natural next step.”

Under the merged organization, programs including emergency shelter, clothing assistance, food distribution, furniture provision, and other family-sustaining services now operate under one umbrella, streamlining access for those in need.

“This consolidation allows us to expand our outreach and alleviate the impacts of poverty while fostering human dignity and self-sufficiency for more of our neighbors,” said Meghan Loftus, President & CEO. The organization is already demonstrating its increased capacity through expanded partnerships for this year’s 49th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program. Through new collaborations with Meals on Wheels NEPA, Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, FOTP/CMC will distribute 5,500 meals—an increase of 1,500 from previous years.

“For 39 years, our Food Basket Program has reached thousands of families during the holidays,” said Linda Robeson, Family to Family Food Basket Program Director. “Last Thanksgiving, we served more than 4,000 local families, and with the community’s continued generosity, we hope to meet that goal again this year. From our families to yours—thank you.”

Now united, we are all together in Partnership for the Common Good.