About Michael Hanley

Michael Hanley began his career with United Neighborhood Centers in 1988 as the Director of Youth Programs and quickly moved up the ranks to lead the agency. He became Director of Aging Services in 1992, Assistant Executive Director in 1994, and Executive Director in 1995. During his 30-year tenure, Mike has been driven by his passion for helping the disadvantaged and underserved individuals of all ages throughout our community. With the expansion of its housing, community services and crisis programs, UNC has since tripled in size and assists more than 20,000 people annually.

Anyone who knows Mike understands that he has a deep commitment to improving the lives of those in need, and he does so with humility. Through his work and partnerships with other local nonprofits and government agencies, he has brought UNC’s new programs and neighborhood development to the forefront.

He instituted a One Stop Shop Housing Counseling Program serving over 1,000 households annually with a variety of housing needs including: first time home buyers education, foreclosure prevention counseling, and transitional as well as permanent supportive housing programs for homeless individuals and families. Building on this concept, the United Neighborhood Community Development Corporation (UNCDC) was formed in 2008, with Hanley serving as the Chief Executive Officer. A subsidiary of UNC, the UNCDC’s mission is to develop affordable rental housing for low income seniors and families, as well as addressing the comprehensive community development needs of struggling neighborhoods.

Also under Mike’s leadership, UNC initiated a Community Health Department five years ago, realizing that social factors often play a role in health. Staffed by community health professionals, nurses and social workers, the program has grown to manage the care of over 500 uninsured or underinsured individuals with chronic medical and behavioral needs.

In 2011, UNC merged with the Scranton Council of Literacy Advance (SCOLA) which provides free adult literacy and English as a Second Language programs. Now, UNC’s Community Revitalization and Education Department runs this program, as well as improving our community’s physical appearance, economic vitality, and social connections.

Recognizing the important factors that shape the life of a child and adolescent, UNC has expanded its youth programming over the last few years. The Oppenheim Center for the Arts opened in 2015, and UNC acquired Camp Kelly (formerly Camp St. Andrew) in 2017.

Mike has clearly made a significant impact on UNC, the community and the clients we serve. We honor his special legacy and move forward in the same spirit and dedication that he has shown to us throughout his time at UNC.