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Favors Forward Foundation
Favors Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to enrich the quality of life of children and families within our Lycoming County community.
Established in 2009, our Foundation was created to serve as both a bridge and a lifeline, connecting individuals and families facing life-changing hardships — job loss, reduced work hours, disability, illness, death of a loved one, domestic violence, separation or divorce, lack of a support system, natural disaster, house fire, military deployment, and more — with volunteers and community resources ready to help. We encourage our clients to complete a contract that states they will "Pay it Forward" once they are back on their feet and are able to do so.
Our focus is on children and adults who are not receiving ongoing assistance from other agencies and organizations. We encourage everyone to pay it forward, and help others when they are back on their feet, and able to do so.
Board of Directors
The key individuals involved with the Favors Forward Foundation are clearly our growing team of volunteers who freely share their time, talent and treasures. But we are also blessed with additional in-kind professional expertise within our board of directors.
Dr. Beth McMahon, President
Beth is the founder and president of the Favors Forward Foundation (FFF). Beyond traditional volunteer opportunities provided by FFF, Beth takes on responsibilities to collect data that tracks the process, impact and ultimate outcome of the activities of the organization.
Dr. Beth McMahon is an Emerita Professor, Department of Health Science, Lock Haven University (LHU). She is a Commissioned Officer at the Federal Food and Drug Administration, Office of Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Family Health Council of Pennsylvania.
She earned B.S. in Health and Physical Education and taught Health Education at East Orange New Jersey for two years.
She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, Primary Prevention & Wellness from East Stroudsburg University, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from Penn State University.
She served as the Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Administrative Director of Health Education and Promotion Department, Women’s Health Center and Senior Center at Williamsport Hospital (now UPMC) for 13 years, then as a Professor in Health Science at LHU for 22 years. Her research lines include: Women’s Health; Domestic Violence Fatality Review; Youth Risk and Protective Factors; Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs); Systematic Issues in Opioid Epidemic; and Community-based Mitigation Strategies of COVID-19 on University Campuses.
Barbara Irvin, Executive Director
Barbara holds a B.S. and M.Ed in Special Education, Reading Specialist Certification, and Supervisory Certification. She is a lifelong resident of Lycoming County, knows the community she serves as she had been a Learning Support teacher for the East Lycoming School District and the Montgomery Area School District.
She retired in 2012 from the Montoursville Area School District as Special Education Supervisor. After retirement she worked for AmeriCorps with STEP Office of the Aging within their Meals on Wheels Program, taught several summers in BLaST's IU #17 Extended School Year program, was a substitute teacher, and was previously the Executive Director for the Favors Forward Foundation.
Additionally, Barbara earned her Behavioral Specialist Certification while employed by Garner Behavior Services working with preschoolers identified as being within the Autism Spectrum. Her involvement with the community also includes holding several offices, currently President, with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #617 and is a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children within the foster care system. Barbara lives in South Williamsport with her husband. They have two grown sons and seven grandchildren.
Lori Solomon, Board Member
A lifelong resident of Lycoming County, Lori is deeply rooted in the community she loves. Since 2010, she's been a Realtor, helping people find their perfect home. She also spends her time at her family-owned business, The Potting Bench in South Williamsport.
Lori’s passion for giving back is reflected in her years of volunteer work and community involvement, lending her time and energy to several organizations. She's proudly served on the Favors Foundation Board since 2012 and previously served on many other boards.
Lori and her husband, Mark, make their home in South Williamsport, where they have raised their son, Dustin.She feels grateful for the many opportunities to serve and support the community that has always been home.
Lori Wannop, Board Member
A Lycoming County resident for over 25 years, Lori holds a B.S. in Communication, Marketing, and Design, with experience spanning over 40 years. She has dedicated her time and talents volunteering for numerous nonprofits, local businesses, and families. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, daughter-in-law, and precious grandchild.
Jill Wollet, Board Member
A lifelong Lycoming County resident, Jill has served a variety of human services organizations, including Hope Enterprises, Saint Boniface Elementary School, Saint Ann’s Church, Lycoming United Way Loaned Executive, and the American Cancer Society. In her past life she was a news reporter for WILK-AM, WLYC-AM, WILQ-FM, a shareholder/News Director for WSQV-FM, and Faculty Advisor for the Penn College radio station WPTC-FM. She earned a B.A. in English/Mass Communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, and M.Ed. In Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
She spent nearly 20 years promoting positive lifestyle choices at Freshlife health food store, and most recently retired from public education, serving as paraeducator and substitute teacher in several local school districts. Presently Jill has a cool part-time retirement job assisting patrons of the James V. Brown Library, she assists the Food Pantry at Saint Ann’s Church, and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She has two amazing sons, and two even-more amazing granddaughters.
Mary Calistri Geise, Board Member
Mary is a life long resident of Lycoming County. She retired after 36 years as a teacher from South Williamsport Area School District. She received her bachelor’s of education from Mansfield University and her master’s degree in Educational Strategies from Wilkes University.
Currently she serves on the Victorian Christmas Committee and its Executive Board.
Mary enjoys traveling with her husband, walking the Riverwalk daily, reading and spending time with her family, friends and her golden retriever Tupper.
Mary can also be found helping her husband with his business, The Sign Shop.
Consultants
Jim Wehr, Treasurer
As a Certified Public Accountant, Jim Wehr has generously served Favors Forward Foundation, overseeing the FFF finances and developed the 501(c)(3) application and ongoing justification.
Steve Wiser
A retired teacher, and Assistant Head Football Coach at Lycoming College for 50 years, Steve also runs the annual Favors Forward Foundation Spring Clean Up Partnership, involving over 125 Lycoming College students, helping Lycoming County homeowners with spring yard tasks.
Favors Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to enrich the quality of life of children and families within our Lycoming County community.
Established in 2009, our Foundation was created to serve as both a bridge and a lifeline, connecting individuals and families facing life-changing hardships — job loss, reduced work hours, disability, illness, death of a loved one, domestic violence, separation or divorce, lack of a support system, natural disaster, house fire, military deployment, and more — with volunteers and community resources ready to help. We encourage our clients to complete a contract that states they will "Pay it Forward" once they are back on their feet and are able to do so.
Our focus is on children and adults who are not receiving ongoing assistance from other agencies and organizations. We encourage everyone to pay it forward, and help others when they are back on their feet, and able to do so.
Board of Directors
The key individuals involved with the Favors Forward Foundation are clearly our growing team of volunteers who freely share their time, talent and treasures. But we are also blessed with additional in-kind professional expertise within our board of directors.
Dr. Beth McMahon, President
Beth is the founder and president of the Favors Forward Foundation (FFF). Beyond traditional volunteer opportunities provided by FFF, Beth takes on responsibilities to collect data that tracks the process, impact and ultimate outcome of the activities of the organization.
Dr. Beth McMahon is an Emerita Professor, Department of Health Science, Lock Haven University (LHU). She is a Commissioned Officer at the Federal Food and Drug Administration, Office of Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Family Health Council of Pennsylvania.
She earned B.S. in Health and Physical Education and taught Health Education at East Orange New Jersey for two years.
She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, Primary Prevention & Wellness from East Stroudsburg University, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from Penn State University.
She served as the Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Administrative Director of Health Education and Promotion Department, Women’s Health Center and Senior Center at Williamsport Hospital (now UPMC) for 13 years, then as a Professor in Health Science at LHU for 22 years. Her research lines include: Women’s Health; Domestic Violence Fatality Review; Youth Risk and Protective Factors; Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs); Systematic Issues in Opioid Epidemic; and Community-based Mitigation Strategies of COVID-19 on University Campuses.
Barbara Irvin, Executive Director
Barbara holds a B.S. and M.Ed in Special Education, Reading Specialist Certification, and Supervisory Certification. She is a lifelong resident of Lycoming County, knows the community she serves as she had been a Learning Support teacher for the East Lycoming School District and the Montgomery Area School District.
She retired in 2012 from the Montoursville Area School District as Special Education Supervisor. After retirement she worked for AmeriCorps with STEP Office of the Aging within their Meals on Wheels Program, taught several summers in BLaST's IU #17 Extended School Year program, was a substitute teacher, and was previously the Executive Director for the Favors Forward Foundation.
Additionally, Barbara earned her Behavioral Specialist Certification while employed by Garner Behavior Services working with preschoolers identified as being within the Autism Spectrum. Her involvement with the community also includes holding several offices, currently President, with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #617 and is a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children within the foster care system. Barbara lives in South Williamsport with her husband. They have two grown sons and seven grandchildren.
Lori Solomon, Board Member
A lifelong resident of Lycoming County, Lori is deeply rooted in the community she loves. Since 2010, she's been a Realtor, helping people find their perfect home. She also spends her time at her family-owned business, The Potting Bench in South Williamsport.
Lori’s passion for giving back is reflected in her years of volunteer work and community involvement, lending her time and energy to several organizations. She's proudly served on the Favors Foundation Board since 2012 and previously served on many other boards.
Lori and her husband, Mark, make their home in South Williamsport, where they have raised their son, Dustin.She feels grateful for the many opportunities to serve and support the community that has always been home.
Lori Wannop, Board Member
A Lycoming County resident for over 25 years, Lori holds a B.S. in Communication, Marketing, and Design, with experience spanning over 40 years. She has dedicated her time and talents volunteering for numerous nonprofits, local businesses, and families. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, daughter-in-law, and precious grandchild.
Jill Wollet, Board Member
A lifelong Lycoming County resident, Jill has served a variety of human services organizations, including Hope Enterprises, Saint Boniface Elementary School, Saint Ann’s Church, Lycoming United Way Loaned Executive, and the American Cancer Society. In her past life she was a news reporter for WILK-AM, WLYC-AM, WILQ-FM, a shareholder/News Director for WSQV-FM, and Faculty Advisor for the Penn College radio station WPTC-FM. She earned a B.A. in English/Mass Communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, and M.Ed. In Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
She spent nearly 20 years promoting positive lifestyle choices at Freshlife health food store, and most recently retired from public education, serving as paraeducator and substitute teacher in several local school districts. Presently Jill has a cool part-time retirement job assisting patrons of the James V. Brown Library, she assists the Food Pantry at Saint Ann’s Church, and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She has two amazing sons, and two even-more amazing granddaughters.
Mary Calistri Geise, Board Member
Mary is a life long resident of Lycoming County. She retired after 36 years as a teacher from South Williamsport Area School District. She received her bachelor’s of education from Mansfield University and her master’s degree in Educational Strategies from Wilkes University.
Currently she serves on the Victorian Christmas Committee and its Executive Board.
Mary enjoys traveling with her husband, walking the Riverwalk daily, reading and spending time with her family, friends and her golden retriever Tupper.
Mary can also be found helping her husband with his business, The Sign Shop.
Consultants
Jim Wehr, Treasurer
As a Certified Public Accountant, Jim Wehr has generously served Favors Forward Foundation, overseeing the FFF finances and developed the 501(c)(3) application and ongoing justification.
Steve Wiser
A retired teacher, and Assistant Head Football Coach at Lycoming College for 50 years, Steve also runs the annual Favors Forward Foundation Spring Clean Up Partnership, involving over 125 Lycoming College students, helping Lycoming County homeowners with spring yard tasks.