Social Services Landscape in Northeastern Pennsylvania: An SDG-Focused Analysis

Executive Summary

A review of the social services landscape in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties reveals significant challenges and areas of progress directly related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a report by The Institute, high demand from vulnerable populations places increasing strain on support systems. This analysis highlights the region’s efforts and persistent needs in the context of SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

SDG 1 & SDG 8: Combating Poverty and Promoting Economic Stability

Efforts to achieve No Poverty (SDG 1) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) are central to the region’s social service needs. Many families with limited incomes struggle with rising costs for housing, utilities, and food, as wages often fail to cover basic living expenses.

• Childhood Poverty: This remains a primary concern, contributing to long-term cycles of poverty that impact educational access and future employment. Luzerne County reports the highest percentage of children living below the poverty level.
• Cash Assistance: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) provides a critical safety net. In 2023, trends varied by county, with Wayne County’s share of recipients dropping to 2.8%, Lackawanna County seeing a slight increase, and Luzerne County a minor decline.
• Tax Credits: Functioning as social assistance, tax credits bolster household financial stability. In 2022, approximately 15% of regional tax returns claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), supporting local economies and family budgets.

SDG 2: Progress Toward Zero Hunger

Addressing food insecurity is a key component of regional social services, aligning with the goal of Zero Hunger (SDG 2). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a cornerstone of this effort.

1. From 2020 to 2022, the number of SNAP recipients remained steady across the tri-county area.
2. In 2023, a slight increase in recipients was observed in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
3. Luzerne County consistently has the largest share of households receiving food stamp assistance.

SDG 3: Ensuring Good Health and Well-being

The region’s demographic profile underscores the importance of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly for older adults and individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

• Aging Population: Older adults comprise over 20% of the region’s population, a share that continues to grow. This demographic trend will increase the demand for dedicated services.
• Support Networks: A significant support network exists for these individuals. As of 2023, there were 27 active senior centers in the tri-county area providing essential social and wellness programming.

SDG 4 & SDG 10: Advancing Quality Education and Reducing Inequalities

Progress toward Quality Education (SDG 4) is evident, though challenges in accessibility and equity persist, reflecting the goals of Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

• Childcare Access: A major barrier for working parents is the struggle to access affordable childcare. High costs, lengthy wait-lists, and a shortage of providers are significant challenges.
• Educational Quality: Despite access issues, the quality of early childhood education appears strong. The number of high-rated (STAR 3 and STAR 4) childcare centers under the Keystone STARS program increased in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties from 2020 to 2024.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Path Forward (SDG 17)

The combined efforts of government programs, nonprofit organizations, and private donors exemplify a commitment to Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). While these indicators paint a detailed picture of ongoing needs, and trends show some progress, challenges related to affordability, accessibility, and equity remain central to the region’s social service agenda.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • The article directly addresses poverty by discussing “childhood poverty” as a major concern, particularly in Luzerne County. It also highlights the struggles of “families with limited incomes” and the role of social assistance programs like Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and tax credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit) in providing a safety net and bolstering financial stability.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • This goal is relevant through the discussion of food assistance programs. The article specifically mentions the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), stating it “supports over two million Pennsylvanians” and provides data on the number of recipients and households receiving food stamps in the tri-county area.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article connects to this goal by mentioning that social services benefit individuals “managing disabilities or chronic health conditions.” Furthermore, it points out that senior centers provide “social and wellness programming,” which is crucial for the well-being of the growing older adult population.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • This goal is addressed in the context of early childhood education. The article discusses the challenges parents face in accessing childcare due to “high costs and lengthy wait-lists.” It also evaluates the quality of existing services, citing the “Keystone STARS program” which rates childcare centers and notes an increase in high-rated (STAR 3 and STAR 4) centers.

5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article touches upon this goal by highlighting the economic challenges faced by working families. It states that although wages have improved, they “often fall short of covering basic living expenses.” It also notes that the inability to access childcare is a barrier for parents “seeking employment.”

6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article highlights inequalities by focusing on vulnerable groups such as “older adults, living on fixed incomes, or managing disabilities.” It also points out geographic disparities, noting that “Luzerne reports the highest percentage of children living below the poverty level” and “consistently has the largest share of households receiving food stamps” compared to the other counties.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions

   • The article’s focus on the percentage of children living below the poverty level in the tri-county area and the mention of a “gradual decline since 2020” statewide directly relate to efforts to reduce poverty according to national definitions.

2. Target 1.3: Implement social protection systems

   • The article explicitly details the implementation of social protection systems. It discusses SNAP, TANF, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and the Child Tax Credit as “vital safety nets” and forms of “social assistance” for the poor and vulnerable.

3. Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to food

   • The discussion of the SNAP program, which provides “nutrition assistance” to millions, directly aligns with the goal of ensuring access to food for people in vulnerable situations. The article tracks the number of recipients as a measure of this access.

4. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being

   • The mention of “wellness programming” at senior centers and support for people with “chronic health conditions” relates to the promotion of well-being and the management of non-communicable diseases.

5. Target 4.2: Ensure access to quality early childhood development and care

   • This target is directly addressed through the article’s discussion of early childhood education. It highlights the challenges in access (“high costs and lengthy wait-lists”) and measures quality through the “Keystone STARS program,” which rates childcare centers.

6. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic inclusion of all

   • The article’s entire premise, focusing on social services for “older adults,” those “managing disabilities,” and “families with limited incomes,” is about ensuring the social and economic inclusion of these vulnerable groups.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Poverty and Social Protection (SDG 1)

   • Percentage of children living below the poverty level: The article states, “Luzerne reports the highest percentage of children living below the poverty level.”
   • Proportion of households receiving cash assistance (TANF): The article notes that in Wayne County, this share “dropped from 5.4% in 2020 to 2.8% in 2023.”
   • Proportion of tax returns claiming the EITC: The article mentions that “around 15% of tax returns in the region claimed the EITC in 2022.”

2. Indicators for Hunger (SDG 2)

   • Number of SNAP recipients: The article states that from 2020 to 2022, the number of recipients “remained steady across the region,” with a slight increase in 2023.
   • Share of households receiving food stamps: It is noted that “Luzerne consistently has the largest share of households receiving food stamps.”

3. Indicators for Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

   • Number of active senior centers: The article specifies there were “27 active centers in the tri-county area as of 2023.”
   • Proportion of the population that are older adults: The article states that “Older adults comprise more than 20 percent of the region’s population.”

4. Indicators for Quality Education (SDG 4)

   • Number of high-quality childcare centers: The article reports that “From 2020 to 2024, the number of STAR 3 and STAR 4 centers increased in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: timesleader.com