HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne Highlands Education Association (WHEA) has a Community Outreach Program funded by teachers in the Wayne Highlands School District (WHSD), who participate in dress-down days throughout the year.

Through this program, WHEA is able to donate money to local nonprofits in our area and give two $1,000 scholarships to Honesdale High School seniors pursuing a career in education.

The first recipient of the WHEA Community Outreach Program grant for the 2025-2026 school year is It Takes A Village.

It Takes A Village (ITAV) was created by WHSD school counselors. School counselors throughout our district were quickly learning that community members had a unique need to acquire resources that were often only available through time.

They observed an increase in families struggling to get basic needs met while waiting for better solutions for their family. Immediate needs were often put by the wayside as families struggled to keep food in their homes; for example, they had to wait to acquire proper clothing, shoes or gas money for transportation to and from mental health or doctor appointments. Overdue utility bills, home repairs and vehicle maintenance are often not deemed a priority.

Although prevalent in our great community, at times resources require time to be acquired. The counselors recognized some needs simply must be met FAST.

The mission at It Takes a Village is to lean on their deep knowledge of family needs, providing students with critical resources, so they can learn and thrive.

For more information on ITAV, please visit their website at https://itavnow.org/. WHEA is proud to support such a great program in our district!