SEDA-COG – Page 5 – SEDA Council of Governments

CPF – Digital Connectivity Technology Program Round Two

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by DNS Admin

In June 2024, the PBDA opened the Capital Projects Fund – Digital Connectivity Technology (Technology) Program. This program utilized $20 million of the $279 million in the Capital Projects Fund that were allocated to Pennsylvania through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.

In November 2024, the PBDA Board of Directors approved 117 applications for the distribution of over 9,000 laptops across 42 counties. These entities included libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, other community anchor institutions, in areas where affordability is a barrier. For details on the first round of approved applicants, please visit the Digital Connectivity Technology Program page.

The PBDA will open a second round of the Technology Program beginning April 1, 2025, to distribute the remaining laptops. The PBDA wanted to reach out specifically to Economic Development Organizations across the Commonwealth. The intricate knowledge you have of your community member organizations and their needs, can really help to alert those entities that could benefit from this program.

There are a number of barriers that make access to high-speed internet connectivity difficult for many. More so, numerous Pennsylvanians do not have access to the devices needed to be successful in our digital economy. This program will aim to close that piece of the digital divide by allowing public-facing entities to acquire devices that will be made free and publicly available to community members.

Additionally, in preparation for this second round, there will be two webinars which will provide an overview of the program, review FAQs, and outline any updates to the guidelines. Additional information for these webinars is provided in the attached flyer.

Should you have additional questions or needs, please contact the PBDA at pbda_capitalprojectsfund@pa.gov.

Thank You,
The PBDA Team

Download: DCTP Round 2 Webinar Flyer

Webinar 1: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Webinar 2: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

SEDA-COG Assists New Perry County Business

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Business Finance Program recently assisted Albright Wellness Center LLC with a SEDA-COG Team loan to purchase a property for the newly established practice in Loysville, Perry County.

Albright Wellness Center LLC aims to establish itself as a leading medical spa in Perry County, offering innovative solutions for weight loss and overall wellness. With a focus on cutting-edge medications and holistic approaches, Albright Wellness Center is well-positioned to cater to the needs of their patients while providing a unique experience that sets them apart from traditional spas.

Carolyn Albright, owner of Albright Wellness Center, has built an impressive career in healthcare, beginning as an EMT in 1996. Over the years, she has earned multiple certifications and licenses and holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

For the past nine years, she has worked as a nurse practitioner, bringing extensive experience and a deep commitment to patient care to every aspect of her work at Albright Wellness Center.

SEDA-COG and Pennian Bank partnered on the financing for this project.

“SEDA-COG is pleased to be able to assist Carolyn and Pennian Bank with the financing needed to start her wellness center that will benefit the citizens of Loysville and Perry County,” said SEDA-COG Business Finance Relationship Manager John Reichard. “The 25-year fixed rate loan from SEDA-COG will help to reduce and stabilize her monthly payments and create jobs in the local community.”

The Center provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support health and wellness, including medical weight loss programs, IV hydration, wellness injections, and red light therapy. Clients can also benefit from wellness consultations and assessments, lifestyle coaching, and nutritional counseling, as well as medical-grade skin care treatments. Additional offerings include school and sports physicals, express appointments, and personalized treatment plans to meet individual needs.

You can call 717-789-9077 to schedule an appointment. While their website is coming soon, you can connect with them now on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans and financing options, contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Brooks Luzier at bluzier@seda-cog.org.

Oasis Recovery Club Receives $712K to Expand Services and Meet Growing Community Needs

Posted on December 19, 2024December 23, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Oasis Recovery Club has been awarded $712,690 to expand its services and better meet the needs of individuals seeking recovery support. With this grant, Oasis will be fully equipped to serve all individuals in need, with the necessary personnel, systems, and resources in place.

Since 2019, Oasis has provided a safe, inclusive space for individuals to access education, support, and resources to continue their recovery journey. However, Oasis has identified a growing need within the community that exceeds its current resources, recognizing that expanding services is essential to fully support those in recovery.

To address the need for additional resources, Oasis reached out to Betsy Kramer, CEcD, EDP, program manager at SEDA-Council of Governments, to seek funding to expand its services. With Kramer’s assistance, Oasis applied for funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs earlier this year and successfully secured the grant in December. These funds will enable Oasis to expand its substance use disorder drop-in center services.

These funds are part of a nearly $20M investment by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to fund and support life-saving resources for people battling substance use disorders.

The expansion of Oasis includes offering more group meetings, such as 12-step programs, and extending drop-in support hours to provide greater flexibility in meeting community needs. Services will include daily AA and NA meetings, harm reduction initiatives, peer support groups, and resources like food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

Another key component of this expansion is increasing staffing to ensure consistent and comprehensive support at all stages of recovery and allow Oasis to increase its operating hours to 40 hours per week. It will enable more one-on-one support, additional group sessions, and increased access to resources, significantly enhancing Oasis’ impact on individuals in recovery. Staff changes include transitioning from a part-time to a full-time certified recovery specialist and hiring a community resource coordinator.

Additionally, Oasis plans to purchase a passenger van to enhance its ability to serve the community. This van will provide crucial transportation for individuals who face barriers accessing Oasis’ services, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. It will also support outreach efforts by expanding Oasis’ reach to remote communities, delivering resources such as food and clothing, and facilitating transportation to treatment appointments or recovery-related activities. This addition will ensure that more individuals can benefit from Oasis’ services.

With these enhanced resources, Oasis will be better equipped to meet the growing needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder in the City of Shamokin and Northumberland County. By doing so, the center will play a pivotal role in promoting broader social and economic improvements, supporting individuals in maintaining employment, stabilizing housing, and reducing the strain on healthcare services. Additionally, Oasis will contribute to addressing the opioid crisis and strengthening community resilience.

For individuals in need of support, those who know someone who could benefit, or anyone interested in learning more about Oasis Recovery Club’s services, please visit oasis4recovery.com or call 570-500-0759.

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SEDA-COG Assists Snyder County Business with Loan

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Business Finance Program recently helped Fly II, Incorporated., doing business as McFly’s Diner, with a State Small Business Credit initiative (SSBCI) loan to purchase the property formerly known as Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant in Port Trevorton.

The loan was completed in partnership with Turbotville National Bank and bank Vice President Matt Carson.

“SEDA-COG was pleased to assist the owners of McFly’s Diner in securing the property for their restaurant,” said John Reichard, senior relationship manager at SEDA-COG. “By purchasing the property, they can ensure that they will be able to serve the people of Port Trevorton, Snyder County, and travelers along Route 15 for years to come.”

Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant closed in July 2022. McFly’s Diner began operating in November 2022 and is run by brothers Larry and Frank Yearick, who have owned and operated Larry’s Pizza & Subs in Mifflinburg since 2005. Mandy Cotner, the diner’s manager, is another key member of the team and is known for her excellent cooking.

McFly’s Diner offers fresh menu items, including classic pizzas and sandwiches, making it one of the most popular restaurants in Port Trevorton. The restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with both dine-in and takeout options available. Customers can view the menu and order online at McFlysDinerMenu.com or call 570-374-2840 to place an order.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans and financing options, contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Brooks Luzier at bluzier@seda-cog.org.