WSFS CARES Foundation Supports Community Organizations with $105K in Third Quarter Grants

The WSFS CARES Foundation, the charitable giving arm of WSFS Bank, announced it has provided grants to two organizations as part of its continuing series of philanthropic activities by WSFS and the Foundation. The grants, approved in the third quarter by the WSFS CARES Foundation board, will support:

Pathways to Success ($160,000 Grant to be paid over two years)

Pathways to Success, based in Georgetown, Del., was established in 2006 to prepare youth, adults, and their families for successful lives. Their programs use innovative and creative approaches to mentor and educate individuals to become healthy, productive, contributing, and responsible citizens through in-school and after-school programs, Powering the Workforce, Work Experience Program (WEX), fair housing, Grow Your Own Teacher, and Microsoft Office training. The WSFS funds will assist with the hiring of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to manage the Pathways to Wellbeing Program to support students that are affected with Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).

“The generosity of this grant is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing mental health concerns. We look forward to working with our partners to create lasting change and foster a thriving community,” said Fay Blake, Founder and Executive Director, Pathways to Success. “With this grant, we can provide essential support and resources to students and families struggling with trauma. Our commitment to serving our students’ and communities’ well-being has never been more vital to making a positive difference in their lives.”

Trust for Public Land ($75,000 Grant to be paid over three years)

Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit that creates parks and protects land ensuring people have healthy livable communities for generations to come. The Trust for Public Land is committed to creating more places that bring people outside, such as parks, trails, playgrounds, and schoolyards, making them accessible and welcoming to everyone. The WSFS funds will support the next phase of the Philadelphia Community Schoolyards Program as well as help design and develop three new community schoolyard projects in neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

“Trust for Public Land is grateful for WSFS’ support of our Philadelphia Community Schoolyards Program. With their partnership in the years ahead, we look forward to transforming more of Philadelphia’s schoolyards from asphalt lots that bake in the summer and flood during rainstorms into high-quality outdoor spaces that improve student education outcomes, community health, and climate resiliency,” said Owen Franklin, Vice President, Great Lakes Region and Pennsylvania State Director, Trust for Public Land. “Thank you to our partners at WSFS for sharing in TPL’s commitment to connect people to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.”

“Through our ongoing support of local nonprofit partners, we strive to create lasting change and enhance the lives of those around us,” said Patrick J. Ward, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Market President at WSFS Bank and Chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation. “It’s our goal to continue to empower these groups to innovate and adapt to changing needs within the community. As we look to the future, we are confident that these partnerships will lead to even more transformative outcomes for the communities we proudly serve.”