Grassroots Growth at Coal Cracker
Coal Cracker youth-led news is experiencing some exciting growth. The newspaper is now a project of Coal Cracker Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower young people of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region through youth-led projects that explore sense of place and promote professional development.
Leslie Richardson
The nonprofit’s volunteer Board of Directors include Krista Gromalski, President; Jim Rhoades, Jr., Treasurer; and Peg Grigalonis, Secretary. As a first order of business, the board hired community journalist Leslie Richardson as Project Coordinator for the newspaper.
Richardson will be working with young reporters on story ideas, writing and editing. Read reporter Meredith Rhoades’ interview with Richardson for more information.
Serena Bennett
As well, reporter Serena Bennett has been named Coal Cracker’s Editor. Serena has written for the newspaper since its first issue.
On deck for Coal Cracker Kids is acquisition of the Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Company, at 435 West Centre Street in the Borough. Its current owner, Frank Pedriani, is gifting the property, and some funding, to Coal Cracker Kids.
Coal Cracker Kids plans to renovate the building for use as its base of operations. Look for more details in our spring 2017 issue.
You have the power to make a difference!
It’s easy to complain about the challenges young people in the Coal Region face––such as neighborhood blight, opioid abuse or crime––but it’s a lot more difficult to take action and make a tax-deductible donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization like Coal Cracker Kids that is creating alternatives and opportunities. To continue our work, Coal Cracker Kids needs your help.