A donation of more than $135,000 one day before the end of its fiscal year will help Hope Enterprises, the city-based nonprofit organization that provides services for developmentally disabled residents, add additional resources for its clients.
Park Home's board of directors presented a check for $136,440 to Hope Enterprises Friday, which will be used to purchase a vehicle, computer software, new accessible lifts and other items to enhance residential and business services provided by the organization.
"We're extremely grateful and we think it's a godsend, really," said Frank Forsha, Hope vice president. "We often don't get an opportunity to get extra things."
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RASHELLE CAREY/Sun-Gazette
Hope Enterprises received a check for more than $135,000 from Park Home Friday afternoon. Pictured are Tom Bixler, chairman of the board of directors for Hope Enterprises, speaking with board members from Park Home, George Golden and Mary Gibbs-Smith.
Forsha said the computer software will reduce the time it takes for data entry and information retrieval for Hope's production program. Many Hope Enterprises clients work in its industrial services division that offers area businesses a workforce for light manufacturing, packaging and assembly.
More modern assistive devices such as chairs, recliners and changing beds will be purchased, he added.
As part of its mission, the Park Home, which operated as a retirement facility on West Fourth Street for elderly women from the late 1930s to the early 1990s, donates money yearly to local nonprofit organizations, according to Jeff Sims, board president.
"Our board was excited to make the donation" to Hope Enterprises, Sims said.
He added that the Park Home board of directors donated about $825,000 last year, and will do so again this year.
Previous donations have been to STEP, Inc., Susquehanna Health Foundation, Williamsport Home and Saint Anthony's Center, Sims said.
James F. Campbell, Hope's president, said the need is always there.
"Government funds do not cover everything you need," he said. "Things wear out. We're obviously very thankful."
Thomas W. Bixler, Hope's board chairman, said the donation comes at a good time.
"This has been a pretty tough fiscal year. On behalf of the board, we really appreciate it," he said.
