MILFORD, PA – A diverse array of programs—from portable lighting that will improve nighttime rescues, therapeutic equipment for children and adults with developmental disabilities, local theatre productions that illustrate our area’s history, and improvements to parks and playing fields—are among the 31 initiatives that will receive funding from Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Richard L. Snyder Fund. 

These projects by area nonprofit organizations will address health and wellness initiatives, enhance and beautify public spaces, and support local arts and cultural events and programs. 

Greater Pike Chair Gail Shuttleworth expressed gratitude for the generosity and foresight of Dick Snyder, who set up the Richard L. Snyder Fund before his death. “With this funding, Greater Pike can positively impact the community and reach all corners of our region.”

Greater Pike executive director Jess Zufall noted that 2023 saw an increase in health and wellness initiatives. “We saw growth in funding requests within our Health portfolio, which continues to demonstrate the good work our nonprofit partners are doing to help marginalized populations,” she said. “It also highlights the continued need for funding to address social determinants of health of Pike County residents.”

Programs addressing such health issues as epilepsy, autism, developmental disabilities, therapeutic programs, homelessness and more will receive more than $35,000 in grants.

Jeannemarie Passaro, director of Pike Autism Support Services of NEPA, described the new program—Tabletop Role Playing through Gaming—that will be supported by the grant. “This well-researched program, which involved extensive training for our facilitators, is offered in other counties, and now this grant has made it possible to offer it here in Pike.” 

The program “opens doors on how to better navigate the social world for those who struggle with those skills,” she said.

Public space improvements include sports fields, park beautification and decorative trash can containers.

“The Delaware Valley Youth Sports League and Milford Borough are thrilled to be able to use this grant funding to make the much-needed changes that will improve the structural integrity, safety, and appearance of the Catharine Street ballfield and its surrounding area,” said Maria Farrell, vice president of Milford Borough Council and chair of the Milford Borough Parks and Recreation Committee.

The League serves more than 350 players per year and draws large crowds to the Catharine Street Field, which has been a hub of baseball activity in town since 1915. However, the dugouts, surrounding fence, and overall curb appeal have diminished over time, Farrell said. 

Additionally, 18 cultural programs will receive grants to support musical performances, living history programs, wildlife and environmental programs, literary and film events, dance programs and more.

Following is a complete list of the grantees and their projects funded by the 2023 Richard L Snyder Fund:

Delaware Vally Youth Sports League

Veterans Memorial Park

Milford Enhancement Committee

Center for Developmental Disabilities

Central Volunteer Fire Department

Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA

Family Promise

GAIT

Pike Autism Support Services

Special Olympics PA

Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding

Westfall Township Fire Department

SERO Project

Barryville Area Arts Association

Black Bear Film Festival

Delaware Dancers

Dingmans Ferry Theatre

Green Trees Early Learning Center

Grey Towers Heritage Association

Milford Musicfest

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Peters Valley School of Craft

Milford Readers and Writers Festival

Pike County Public Library

Pike Historical Society

Pike Opera

Pocono Arts Council

Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation

Tri-State Chorale

Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition

Kindred Spirits Arts Programs.

For more information on specific grants, visit www.greaterpike.org.

Online donations to the Richard L. Snyder Fund can be made at greaterpike.org/fund_list/. 

Scroll down to the fund name for the link.

Greater Pike helps individuals, families, and local businesses to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. 

For more information, call Jess Zufall, executive director, at 973/580-3091, email jesszufall@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org, Facebook.com/GreaterPike and Instagram.com/GreaterPikeCF.