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Brighter Journeys surpasses $500,000 in special needs aid

Brighter Journeys holds a special needs egg hunt each spring at Mohegan Pennsylvania. SUBMITTED

By Submitted To The Citizens Voice | community@citizensvoice.com

PUBLISHED: September 1, 2026 at 6:56 PM EDT

Brighter Journeys, a Luzerne County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, announced it has awarded over $500,000 in essential items, therapies, and sponsorships to local special needs individuals and families since 2017. The milestone highlights the organization’s ongoing impact in Luzerne and surrounding counties, providing vital resources that health insurance typically will not cover.

Elijah Merenda is one of the children that Brighter Journeys has helped over the years.

Brighter Journeys has helped kids like Joey Leggo since 2017. SUBMITTED

The funded items directly improve daily life and safety for individuals with special needs. Major allocations include safety fencing for elopement concerns, specialized wheelchairs, adaptive strollers, tricycles, adaptive seating options as well as specialized adaptive car safety items. Additionally, the nonprofit bridges financial gaps by funding critical, non-insured programs like music and equine therapies.

Brighter Journeys was founded by two mothers of special needs children, Lisa Urbanski and Bernice Sando, to support families facing similar life paths. Following the passing of President Lisa Urbanski in 2025 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Kathy Bufalino assumed the role of executive director. Alongside Lisa’s family and the board of directors, Bufalino maintains the organization’s steadfast mission.

“Our growth relies entirely on the generosity of our community partners,” said Bufalino. “Local grants and corporate business sponsorships allow us to provide items that families drastically need but simply cannot afford on their own.”

Major community support stems from regional organizations including the AllOne Foundation, Allied Services Integrated Health System, The William G. McGowan Foundation, and the First Federal Charitable Foundation. Key corporate partners include Mohegan Pennsylvania, Snyder and Clemente, and FenceOne Fence Solutions.

Beyond direct financial aid, the nonprofit hosts the region’s largest special needs egg hunt each spring at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Now entering its ninth year, the Event welcomes over 1,200 attendees from local school districts.

Brighter Journeys is proud to be hosting its 11th annual fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 23, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. For event details, to donate, or for information, visit www.brighterjourneys.net or email info@brighterjourneys.net.