Community Progress Council celebrates 60 years of impact with inaugural Self-Sufficiency Celebration
On Thursday, September 25, Community Progress Council (CPC) hosted its first-ever Self-Sufficiency Celebration at the Yorktowne Hotel, commemorating 60 years of empowering York County residents toward economic stability.
Presented by The Arthur J. & Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation, the event honored coaching participants who have made remarkable strides on their journey out of poverty — and the community that supports them.
The evening welcomed elected officials, community leaders, Community Progress Council team members, and families to reflect on CPC’s legacy and celebrate the transformative power of relationship-based coaching. Board Chair Joe Iandolo opened the program by acknowledging CPC’s founding in 1964 as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty and its evolution into one of nearly 1,000 community action agencies nationwide.
“We work to create long-term economic stability for people across York County,” said Iandolo. “Progress toward economic self-sufficiency requires comprehensive, integrated services.”
Honoring Progress and Self-Sufficiency
The event recognized two groups of honorees: Progress Honorees, who have made significant steps toward stability, and Self-Sufficiency Honorees, who have achieved long-term economic independence.
Progress Honorees included Anayancy Gutierrez, AJhona KiaJalay Jones, Brittany Pabis, Jennifer Giboyeaux, and Juan G-Sanchez. Their accomplishments ranged from launching businesses and securing housing to advancing education and financial literacy.
Self-Sufficiency Honorees Fayona Thompson, Christine Smith, and Lunda Gilles shared powerful personal stories of overcoming barriers and building sustainable futures.
“I came to CPC broken… Now, I can boldly say to anyone: I am proof that if you stick with it and have incredible support… you can make your dreams a reality,” said Christine.
Hear More From Self-Sufficiency Honoree Fayona
Attendee Response
Community members, business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and generous sponsors came together to support Community Progress Council for the event, sharing positive feedback and messages of gratitude:
“I wanted to thank you for inviting me to last night’s celebration. It was spectacular! You’re achieving break throughs that are overcoming obstacles that have vexed our community for years. Be proud. And keep moving forward.”
“Last night‘s Self-Sufficiency celebration was truly wonderful to witness. It was an honor to hear the participant stories, and see the results of such hard work.”
“I found the stories being told by clients very inspirational and impactful. Seeing the impact coaches have on clients and how important support is in the lives of people.”
A Call to Action
Community Progress Council President & CEO Robin Rohrbaugh closed the evening with a call for continued public-private partnerships to expand CPC’s impact.
“Tonight we celebrate stories of individual success, and the greater impact for a more prosperous community as a whole,” she said.
Rohrbaugh shared that CPC’s Self-Sufficiency Honorees have collectively increased their income by more than $72,000 — an investment back into the local economy. With nearly 100 people currently on a waiting list for coaching, CPC emphasized the need for increased philanthropic support to meet growing demand.
“Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and create a stronger York County,” said Rohrbaugh.