CAN DO Community Foundation

Our Mission:
The CAN DO Community Foundation is locally owned and sponsored. Originated in 1992 through the efforts of the Community Area New Development Organization “CAN DO, Inc.,”, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organization exempt for federal income tax under Section 501C(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is designated a public charity. Through this authority, the Foundation supports worthwhile community projects that can make a difference and improve the Greater Hazleton community. Consideration is given to projects that focus on civic and economic development; culture and the arts; education; and the general welfare of the community. 

The mission of the CAN DO Community Foundation is to:

• Nurture community organizations and programs that, through Foundation support, will effectively serve the economic, educational and general welfare of the community.
• Promote the creation of opportunities that, through Foundation support, will better meet the needs of the under-served in our community.
• Attract and manage funds from a broad spectrum of donors with the desire to have their gift applied to civic and economic development; culture and the arts; education; and the general welfare of the community with the ultimate goal of making a positive difference to the present and future well being of the Hazleton area.

Initiated with a start-up grant from CAN DO, Inc., the endowment has grown from numerous sources, including the donation of real estate property, individual and corporate gifts, memorial donations and investment income.

The CAN DO Community Foundation has played a role in numerous initiatives to improve the quality of life for the Greater Hazleton community. Penn State Hazleton was the recipient of a grant for the campus scholarship endowment campaign. MMI Preparatory School was awarded a grant to support its capital campaign. The Foundation supported the Greater Hazleton YM-YWCA campaign that will allow for the existing facility to be renovated and expanded to meet the growing needs and uses of all segments and age groups in the community. Numerous other grants have been made to organizations in Greater Hazleton.

The CAN DO Community Foundation will continue to flourish because of the generosity of individuals, businesses and other Foundations who share in the commitment to make a positive difference in creating a healthier community now and for future generations

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The Foundation Continues to Focus on its Mission
“CPR: CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION AND RECLAMATION
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO OUR COMMUNITY”

1. Ferrwood – The restoration of the facility is ongoing. Presently, Painters Union apprentices have started the restoration and painting of the exterior as well as 115 interior windows. They will complete this phase in the spring of 2007. Also to be completed is work on the band shell to include the sealing and coating of the roof and painting. Hazleton Painting (Hugh Shamany) is donating the materials. The Job Corps is preparing and painting the wooden clapboard siding with labor and materials donated. The funding process continues with over $500k committed through grants from foundations, businesses, government and individuals. The Hazleton Area School District has been asked to rebuild the pump house. Restoration work will continue in the spring of 2007. Jim Facinelli of Restoration Unlimited is assisting with the specifications.

PA Historic and Museum Commission architect Scott Doyle inspected Ferrwod and was impressed with the restoration work.

2. Strategic Planning Session – The Foundation conducted a facilitated SWOT analysis session at the Penn State Hazleton Campus. The Foundation reaffirmed its focus of CPR – conservation, preservation and reclamation and discussed prospective future initiatives.

3. I 81/SR 924 Site–This entranceway to the Greater Hazleton community is realizing the esthetic benefits from the reclamation of the site. Through the efforts of CAN DO, the sewer lines connecting the area have been relocated to better utilize the parcel once reclaimed.

4. F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts –The forensic restoration of this art deco theatre on its 70th anniversary was assisted by the Foundation with a contribution. The Foundation will have a seat named as recognition of its participation.

4. Contributions - The Foundation continues to fund its capital campaign commitments to the YMCA-YWCA and MMI. Also to Tri Area Recreation for the reclamation of a site named City View Park that will be used for recreation and open space at SR 309 and the Arthur Gardner Highway.

5. Carriage House –The Hazleton City-owned Pardee “Carriage House” was approved for demolition. The city agreed to have the property inspected and a determination made relative to the feasibility to restore. The inspection by Jim Facinelli of Restoration Unlimited resulted in the determination that the condition was too far beyond restoring.

6. Stockton General Store Restoration –The Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership, under their “Rails to Trails” program, was notified of the Foundation’s interest in the possible relocation and restoration of a building that would be located near the Stockton Mine Disaster on a trail.

7. Hazleton Area Public Library –Library representatives were contacted to determine interest in the exterior restoration of the original building located on West Green and North Church Streets. The library will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2007.

8. Cranberry Creek–The Foundation, in collaboration with the committee, CAN DO and the Chamber, completed the process to place the legal ownership of the site from the Foundation back to the respective parties.

9. Website – Discussions were initiated in connection with inclusion of the Foundation (mission, projects & accomplishments) as part of or a link to the CAN DO website.

10. ELDCSA - Went to five area high school juniors, scholarships to Junior Leadership of Hazleton and five graduates were recognized as ELDCSA scholars.

11. Scholarship - The CAN DO Foundation Scholarship at Penn State Hazleton was awarded to the second recipient at the annual Highacres Society Dinner.

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Upon the Shoulders of Giants
The Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award
”Mentoring the Next Generation”

In 1956, Volunteers from the communities of Greater Hazleton rallied together with Dr. Edgar L. Dessen to establish CAN DO, the Community Area Economic Development Organization. At that time, the future of Hazleton was bleak, and the need for new business and jobs was paramount. What seemed to be impossible turned to reality. Industry came to Hazleton. Jobs became available. And it was volunteers that made it possible: volunteers, a group of area residents, who banded together and turned the tide.

It was Dr. Dessen who quoted Sir Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further… it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Upon The Shoulders of Giants became the Hazleton Area moniker in describing the strength he received from community volunteers in his leadership role of establishing and growing CAN DO.

Today, the spirit of volunteerism thrives in this area. CAN DO, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the many agencies of The United Way, the Hazleton Area Public Library, hospital boards, schools, places of worship, telethons, community service groups and many, many other organizations all benefit from community volunteers.

The Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award

• Scholarship to Junior Leadership of Hazleton
• Awarded to sophomores from each of the area high schools
  • Hazleton Area High School
• Weatherly Area High School
• MMI Preparatory School
• Bishop Hafey High School

The program will commence during their junior year.

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CAN DO Community Foundation
Directors for the 2006 / 2007 year:
Paul Cerula
Joseph M. DeBias
Edgar L. Dessen, MD
Eugene M. Dougherty
Terrance M. Eyerly, DC
Arthur A. Krause
Gary F. Lamont
Robert J. Moisey
Herbert D. Nash
Donald M. Pachence
Henry A. Giuliani, Esq - at-large
Arthur D. Sweeney, AIA - at-large
E. Richard Moore - at-large
Matthew B. Bayzick - at-large
William Spear – immediate past Chairman, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
W. Kevin O'Donnell - CAN DO President
E. Thomas Sandrock - CAN DO Chairman
Earl Berger - ex officio
Hugh Campbell - ex officio
John H. Wright - ex officio

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