WSFS CARES Foundation Fuels Community Growth with Strategic Grants

WSFS CARES Foundation

WILMINGTON, DE — The WSFS CARES Foundation, the philanthropic arm of WSFS Bank, has announced significant grants to two organizations, Pathways to Success and Trust for Public Land, as part of its ongoing commitment to community enrichment. These grants, approved by the Foundation’s board in the third quarter, mark another step in WSFS’s mission to support transformative local initiatives.

Pathways to Success, a Georgetown-based organization, has been awarded $160,000 over two years. Founded in 2006, Pathways to Success focuses on preparing youth, adults, and families for productive lives through innovative education and mentoring programs. The grant will facilitate the hiring of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the Pathways to Wellbeing Program, which supports students experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “The generosity of this grant is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing mental health concerns,” said Fay Blake, Founder and Executive Director of Pathways to Success. “With this grant, we can provide essential support and resources to students and families struggling with trauma.”

Meanwhile, Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating accessible outdoor spaces, will receive a $75,000 grant over three years. The funds will advance the Philadelphia Community Schoolyards Program, transforming urban schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that benefit education, community health, and climate resilience. “Trust for Public Land is grateful for WSFS’ support of our Philadelphia Community Schoolyards Program,” said Owen Franklin, Vice President, Great Lakes Region and Pennsylvania State Director for the Trust for Public Land. “With their partnership in the years ahead, we look forward to transforming more of Philadelphia’s schoolyards.”

Patrick J. Ward, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Market President at WSFS Bank, and Chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s dedication to fostering community development. “Through our ongoing support of local nonprofit partners, we strive to create lasting change and enhance the lives of those around us,” Ward stated. “As we look to the future, we are confident that these partnerships will lead to even more transformative outcomes for the communities we proudly serve.”

These grants exemplify the WSFS CARES Foundation’s strategic approach to philanthropy, addressing both immediate needs and long-term community health and development goals. By investing in these impactful projects, WSFS continues to play a crucial role in shaping resilient, thriving communities.

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