Lori Ryan's Education for Life Campaign

Hey friend!

I had the privilege of sitting down with Melissa and hearing her story firsthand. Getting to use my creative skills to help amplify voices like hers — that's what makes this job meaningful to me! 

Outreach's programs truly change lives and help to make our community stronger.

View Melissa's testimonial above (and see my video handiwork) or read below. It's worth it!

Melissa Sullo walked into Lackawanna County Prison with a bachelor's degree, a background in corrections, and a life derailed by addiction. Thirty days later, she walked out with something new: a connection to Outreach.

After release, Melissa worked with Outreach case manager Stephanie to update her resume and navigate job searching with pending criminal charges, no childcare, and the demands of single motherhood. Outreach also connected her to housing support, educational guidance, and the Family Engagement Program — which helped her reunite with her children and learn to parent in recovery.

Today, Melissa is pursuing her MBA while working full-time at Providence Pregnancy Center, helping other women through the same crisis she once faced. Her 15-year-old daughter just landed her first job.

"My life has just grown into such a beautiful thing. I'm meeting all my goals and objectives. I'm achieving dreams. I'm not ashamed of my past any longer." — Melissa Sullo

Outreach's programs only exist because of community support. If Melissa's story resonated with you, please consider making a gift this NEPA Gives. It means more than you know.

Thank you!!!

Lori Ryan