On the darkest day of the year, a beacon of light now shines right at the fork of the Dyberry Creek and Lackwaxen River at 100 Park St. in Honesdale, PA. Overlooking both rivers and the new Sycamore Point river trail, the Center for Community Resources just cut the ribbon for the new Northeast Regional Crisis Stabilization Center on December 12, 2025.  Many community members came to see the new facility and enjoy the celebration on a chilly Friday morning and afternoon. 

This new facility is an example of all three of the sectors of society—public, private and philanthropic—working together toward a common goal. This project took government at every level, from the Honesdale Borough up to federal representatives; the philanthropic sector, with grant funding and health services; and the private sector, with competent and talented businesses doing the design and construction work to be successful. If we didn’t have one of them pushing for completion, it wouldn’t have happened.

We needed the skilled contractors, engineers and architects; we needed government funding; we needed a nonprofit provider of services and philanthropic grants; we needed collaborative partnerships; and we benefited greatly from the Wayne Tomorrow! network of committed stakeholders who row in the same direction, toward shared goals, when opportunities are presented. 

I live in the neighborhood of this new facility, and as I’m writing this article, I’m reflecting on the fact that I’ve had multiple friends and family members who, in the last few years, could’ve truly benefited from the services that this organization and reimagined building will offer our community. Family members who were deep in addiction without many resources to turn to. Friends experiencing depression who didn’t know where to go for support. This facility exemplifies what it means for society to work together to support one another. 

I have so much gratitude as we’re heading into the darkest part of the year—a year that was filled with many, many challenges—that we now have a building that literally and figuratively provides some light at this corner of this place we call home. 

For more information about the Center for Community Resources, visit www.ccrinfo.org/wayne-county.

For more information about the Wayne County Community Foundation, visit www.waynefoundation.org.

Ryanne Jennings is the president/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation.