As part of the 2026 STARS of the Valley Awards, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize our non-profit friends across NEPA celebrating major milestone anniversaries this year. Collectively representing more than 790 years of service, these organizations have helped shape the lives of countless individuals across Luzerne County and the larger Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) is celebrating 60 years of promoting self-sufficiency among low-income and vulnerable populations by confronting the causes and reducing the effects of poverty. Since its founding in 1966, CEO has provided essential resources and support services to working families, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others throughout the region.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) hits the 30 year mark this year. For three decades, the organization has encouraged the reclamation and redevelopment of land affected by past mining practices while working to reduce hazards to health and safety, eliminate soil erosion, improve water quality, and return formerly mined lands to productive use through environmental restoration and community partnerships.

Maternal and Family Health Services celebrates 55 years of empowering women, children, and families to achieve their fullest potential through compassionate, evidence-based reproductive and maternal health care, nutrition support, and education. The organization continues to provide critical health services and family support programs throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

King's College commemorates 80 years of Catholic higher education in Wilkes-Barre. Animated and guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, King's pursues excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship while fostering student formation through a rigorous liberal arts education and nationally accredited professional programs.

Dinners for Kids celebrates 15 years of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals outside of school. Through the dedication of volunteers and community partners, the organization continues to mobilize resources to combat childhood hunger across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania marks an incredible 130 years of empowering vulnerable communities, families, and individuals through support and resources that lead to health and stability. Its ministry of service continues to provide housing, behavioral health, veteran services, reentry support, and assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness and older adults.

The Fine Arts Fiesta celebrates 70 years as Pennsylvania's oldest multi-day outdoor arts festival. For seven decades, the festival has promoted appreciation of the arts, provided opportunities for artists, educated the community, and made the arts accessible to everyone.

The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating 40 years of fostering appreciation of the arts through theatrical productions, performances, exhibits, and entertainment that benefit the community. Today, the Kirby Center continues its focus on People, Performance, and Preservation while welcoming audiences from across the region.

This year also marks the 240th anniversary of Luzerne County. Established in 1786, the county has grown from its agricultural and anthracite mining roots into a regional center for government, education, health care, business, manufacturing, and the arts. For nearly two and a half centuries, Luzerne County has been home to communities whose resilience, innovation, and civic spirit continue to shape Northeastern Pennsylvania.

WVIA celebrates 60 years of educating, inspiring, entertaining, and fostering citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community. Through trusted public media, local journalism, educational programming, and community engagement, WVIA continues to serve audiences throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education celebrates 50 years of improving the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. The organization remains committed to caring for underserved populations while educating the next generation of primary care physicians.

Each of these milestone anniversaries reflects decades of dedication to our communities and we are humbled to recognize these organizations for their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania and elevating the Valley.

Make sure to join us as we celebrate these organizations and all of our award recipients at the STARS of the Valley Awards on Friday, July 17, at the Westmoreland Club's Grand Hall!

Tickets are on sale now at: https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/chambercalendar/Details/2026-stars-of-the-valley-awards-1621058?sourceTypeId=Website