Our Founder

A decade of vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

Maureen Maher-Gray

In 2014–2015, while working with Equality Pennsylvania, Maureen Maher-Gray traveled across eastern Pennsylvania sharing the urgent need for constitutional protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Along the way, she met teens who feared coming out because they risked being kicked out of their homes. Many had nowhere safe to go.

Her research revealed a devastating gap: no crisis shelters or dedicated services for young adults experiencing homelessness in our region, especially in Scranton. Determined to change that, Maureen met with local human service agencies, mental health professionals, and community leaders.

By 2017, she founded the NEPA Youth Shelter.

“It has become Maureen’s life mission to help youth experiencing homelessness or unstable home situations. I’m proud to have witnessed her become a pillar of this community.”
— John W. Rosengrant

Challenges & Achievements

Maureen’s earliest challenge was fundraising. With no prior fundraising experience, she initially felt uncomfortable asking for support. But as the community embraced the mission, donations grew—from just $2,000 in the first year to nearly $300,000 in subsequent years.

Opening the Teen Center

Launching the Teen Center was one of her proudest achievements.
The first four days brought no visitors — but teens eventually arrived.

  • 120 registered teens in the first year

  • 190 teens by year three

  • 30–40 teens attending daily today

Over time, the shelter expanded further, adding:

  • A Housing Program for young adults ages 18–21 experiencing homelessness

  • Mental health and reproductive health services

  • A safe, welcoming place where teens explore art, music, games, identity, friendships, and belonging

I want to thank everyone who believed in me and in the concept of the NEPA Youth Shelter. Every donation, every shared post, every item dropped off — none of this is possible without you. I hope the community continues supporting the shelter with the same generosity you have shown me.

— Maureen Maher-Gray