HONESDALE, PA — The Human Resources Foundation (HRF) voted in new president Stephen Fritz to the HRF board on April 2. Former president Brian Wilken received an honor plaque from HRF. 

Wilken has been an enthusiastic, engaging and helpful hand in Wayne County for many years, HRF said. He is the vice president of Honesdale National Bank, as well as the head of business development and relationship manager. Wilkens has been the president of the HRF board for 10 years, as well a member of other boards throughout Wayne County.

Fritz is an assistant vice president and loan officer of Honesdale National Bank. “He brings a young, enthusiastic and avid attitude to the table and HRF is looking forward to seeing the potential he brings to the board,” HRF said.

The mission of the HRF is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of individuals with disabilities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, including those over 55 who are seeking to independently age in place. HRF works to build communities that embrace accessibility and inclusive spaces so that everyone may live life to his/her fullest potential. To that end, it funds Hoyer lifts, portable lifts, stair glides, ramps, bathroom modifications and other adaptive equipment.

HRF serves Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Carbon, Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. The Aging in Place program assists people aged 55 and up who are living below HUD low-income levels and are experiencing difficulty staying in their homes due to physical limitations. Many can’t afford transportation for medical visits or other essential in-home adaptive equipment not covered by insurance. According to executive director Daniel Card, “Our goal is to provide these individuals not only with caring assistance, but with a sense of independence and dignity. Our grants cover all financial aspects of the project, from initial visit to estimates to installation.”