NeighborWorks is excited to announce that Holly Ord has joined the team as our new Community Development Specialist. In this role, she will be coordinating all of our West Scranton activities.
Holly first became familiar with NeighborWorks through her work advocating for the Whole-Home Repairs program. In her previous role, she worked with legislators on the advocacy side of getting the program passed and later organized an information session to help residents understand what Whole-Home Repairs was, how to apply for funding and what types of work were covered. During that event, she invited NeighborWorks staff members Pamela Anslinger and Mary Endrusick to speak as experts, and their knowledge, patience and commitment to residents made a lasting impression. Since then, Holly has continued to follow the work of NeighborWorks and has been consistently impressed by the breadth and impact of what one nonprofit is able to accomplish.
When the Community Development Specialist position opened, Holly knew it was a role she was uniquely qualified to fill. With a background in grassroots organizing and a deep knowledge and appreciation of the community, the work felt like a natural fit. Born and raised in West Scranton, Holly has a strong connection to the neighborhood and the people who live there. As she steps into this role, Holly is most excited to meet volunteers and build new relationships. She believes relationships are at the heart of this work and that communities can accomplish so much when people come together. She is eager to work alongside fellow West Scranton residents on the improvements and events they want to see in their neighborhood.
What Holly loves most about West Side is the pride people have in where they live. Whether they were born and raised there or chose to make it home later, West Siders share a strong sense of identity and pride that she feels is truly unique. And of course, she cannot talk about West Side without mentioning the square pepperoni from Maroni’s Pizza.
Holly is especially drawn to the NeighborWorks value of meeting people where they are. She believes everyone is an expert in their own community and already has what they need to make a difference. Getting to know people, learning their stories and supporting them in the work they want to do is something she takes very seriously.
Outside of work, Holly works with the Scranton Solidarity Project, a mutual aid effort that serves a hot meal outside of the V-Spot in Scranton from 5pm to 7pm every Saturday, and provides basic necessities and survival items to unhoused neighbors living in Scranton.
Please join us in welcoming Holly to the team!
