STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every year, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser supports non-profits doing life-changing work in Monroe County. Now in its 22nd year, the event has raised more than $3,000,000 for our neighbors in need, and this year, four organizations were selected to receive funding.
Brianna Strunk with the Pocono Television Network introduces us to the third recipient.
Tiffany Destefano found the strength to leave what she calls a toxic home situation.
After securing stable housing for her kids, Tiffany found herself couch surfing at friends' houses, then living in a car.
"You gotta stay hopeful, you definitely do. Can't give up," Destefano told 28/22 News.
She found a safe place to stay and got connected to important resources thanks to Metamorphosis Women's Empowerment Initiative in Stroudsburg, which provides a variety of in-house and referral services to women from all walks of life.
For founder Charece Sanders, a sexual assault and domestic abuse survivor, the mission is personal.
"I was looking for resources to help get me out of that place, and really didn't find any here in Monroe County that could speak to me being a middle-aged, African American woman. So I said, 'You know what, if I can't find it, then I'll create it,'" Sanders said.
Monroe County fundraiser support local organizations
Metamorphosis offers several programs, including The Everybody Eats Project, an emergency food service, and The Rebirth Project of the Poconos, which supports formerly incarcerated women.
Yolana Stewart is part of that reentry initiative. After serving 90 days in jail for a non-violent crime, which she says was a misunderstanding, Yoland needed emotional support.
"When I came home, I ended up here. When I walked through that door, all I could say was 'I'm home.' Because that's the way she greeted me," Stewart explained.
From broken to brave, helping women achieve their personal metamorphosis.
With funding from this year's Pocono Mountains community fundraiser, Metamorphosis Women's Empowerment Initiative will continue supporting formerly incarcerated women through re-entry services.
28/22 News is a proud sponsor of the 22nd Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser being held on Wednesday at Mount Airy Casino Resort.”
28/22 News Evening Anchor Candice Kelly has the honor, once again, to emcee this year’s big event. That’s when we’ll find out just how much each organization is receiving.
