In the News
WILLOW Foundation Featured on The Food Diginity Podcast
Kristen Topolski, co-founder and CEO of New Roots, Inc. and the Willow Foundation, shared her journey of providing peer-based recovery support to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Locals and leaders luncheon to help homeless
WNEP covered our first-of-its-kind event on Oct. 18, 2023 when we invited locals and leaders in Hazelton to a luncheon at our Heartwood Center.
Life changing: Heartwood Center in Hazleton offers opportunity for homelesS
The Standard Speaker covered the opening of our new Heartwood Center location in the former Boyle Funeral Home on South Wyoming Street in an article published June 27, 2022.
Featured Updates
Shower Shuttle Coming Soon!
We are so excited to announce the humble beginnings of our newest innovative initiative --- our Shower Shuttle!
This mobile unit aims to provide a fundamental service that has been identified as a critical need by individuals receiving services: access to a shower. The importance of this basic amenity extends beyond mere cleanliness. Research indicates that regular access to shower facilities can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases and improve overall community health.
Moreover, the Shower Shuttle is not just about physical well-being; it addresses mental health too. Showering has been linked to reduced levels of anxiety and depression and an increase in self-esteem. These psychological benefits are potent catalysts for personal development, enhancing individuals' ability to secure housing, gain employment, and maintain crucial medical and mental health appointments. By meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively, the Shower Shuttle offers a dignified way for community members to tend to their personal care needs.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project, as the Heartwood Center continues to make strides in serving and uplifting the community!
Keep America Beautiful: Great American Cleanup Pennsylvania
On April 20th, 2024, our dedicated staff and enthusiastic members took to the streets of Hazleton as part of the "Keep America Beautiful: Great American Cleanup Pennsylvania." Our focus was on revitalizing the areas around South Wyoming Street, West Chapel Street, and South Manhattan Street, aiming to foster a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful environment for all residents to enjoy.
We donned our gloves and safety vests, grabbed our trash bags, and set about our mission with vigor and determination. The transformation achieved in just a few hours was nothing short of remarkable! In a little over an hour’s time, we had not only removed heaps of trash from these key locations but also instilled a sense of pride and community spirit among all who participated.
Luzerne Foundation Nonprofit Forum
We are thrilled to announce that Willow Foundation’s Heartwood Center has been selected as a recipient of the Luzerne Foundation Nonprofit Forum. This remarkable opportunity not only shines a light on the impactful work we do, but also empowers us further in our mission to serve our community.
We are incredibly grateful to the Luzerne Foundation for recognizing the value of our work here at The Heartwood Center!