The Faces Behind the System of Care
Cleveland Way, Program Director
Welcome to the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care, where community support meets compassionate leadership. We're thrilled to introduce Cleveland Way as our new Program Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience, a heart for service, and a dedication to empowering individuals and families.
Background and Education
Hailing from Philadelphia, Cleveland Joseph Way embodies the spirit of community and compassion. He is a devoted husband of 24 years and a proud father of five biological children, alongside three adopted children, showcasing his commitment to family and inclusion. Cleveland holds dual master's degrees from Liberty University, with a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling. His educational background reflects his deep-rooted understanding of the human condition and a fervent desire to uplift those in need.
Professional Journey
Cleveland's journey in the human service field spans over two decades, marked by unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of positive change. As the Pastor of Cogan House Community Church and the founder of a church in Williamsport, he has served as a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and families. Throughout his career, Cleveland has identified systemic gaps and challenges within communities, driving him to implement innovative solutions and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Vision and Impact
At the core of Cleveland's mission is the belief in the inherent dignity and potential of every individual. He is a visionary leader who recognizes the transformative power of community support and holistic care. Cleveland's initiatives have centered on enhancing community resource networks, advocating for marginalized populations, and promoting holistic well-being. His pioneering approach to resource mapping and individualized support has revolutionized the way we address complex social issues, from homelessness to incarceration.
Passion and Purpose
For Cleveland, this role is more than just a profession; it's a calling. His passion for serving others and his genuine empathy resonate in every interaction. He is committed to fostering a culture of empowerment, resilience, and hope, one life at a time. Cleveland's ultimate aspiration is to leave a lasting legacy of compassion and transformation, touching the hearts and lives of all those he encounters.
As we embark on this new chapter with Cleveland at the helm, we invite you to join us in our mission to build stronger, healthier communities where every individual thrives. Together, we can make a difference—one act of kindness, one moment of support, and one life transformed at a time.
Rebecca Foust, Lead Family Coordinator
We are thrilled to introduce Rebecca, the new Lead Family Coordinator for the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care. A lifelong local, Rebecca brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our team. With her deep-rooted commitment to the community and her passion for supporting families, Rebecca is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.
Background and Education
Rebecca has called Williamsport home her entire life. She lives here with her husband and their five children, and is deeply committed to the success of our local community. In 2023, she proudly graduated Cum Laude from Penn State University with a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies. This academic journey was more than just a degree for Rebecca; it was a stepping stone towards helping others in meaningful ways.
Professional Journey
For more than 18 years, Rebecca ran a state-licensed childcare center right from her home. This role allowed her to stay closely involved with her children's educational, medical, and emotional needs. Witnessing the challenges families face firsthand, Rebecca felt compelled to do more. In 2020, she made the courageous decision to close her daycare and return to college full time. After earning her degree, she worked as a case manager, supporting individuals with substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses. These experiences enriched her understanding of addiction and mental health, further fueling her passion for helping others.
Vision and Impact
Now, as the Lead Family Coordinator for the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care, Rebecca is ready to make a real difference. Her journey with her eldest daughter, who has special needs, gives her a unique perspective on the emotional, physical, and financial struggles families endure. Rebecca is committed to engaging, encouraging, and supporting families with children facing mental health issues, ensuring they feel seen and supported.
Passion and Purpose
Rebecca’s heart is set on helping others. She understands the feelings of isolation that families can experience and strives to ensure no one feels alone on their journey. Her genuine empathy and professional expertise make her a cornerstone of support within the System of Care. Rebecca is excited about this new chapter and is eager to bring her passion for community support to life.
Rebecca’s deep community ties and unwavering dedication to supporting families make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her personal and professional experiences equip her with the empathy and knowledge to truly make a difference. Welcome, Rebecca!
Tara Longenberger, Training Specialist
We are excited to welcome Tara Longenberger as the new Training Specialist for the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care. With a rich background in Child Welfare and Mental Health, Tara brings more than 28 years of experience in human services. Her passion for helping at-risk youth and families, along with her dedication to providing education and support, makes her a valuable addition to our team. Tara looks forward to making a positive impact in our community through her commitment to collaboration and mental health advocacy.
Background and Education
Tara was born and raised in a small town located between Lock Haven and State College, PA. She moved to the Williamsport area about 25 years ago. Tara graduated from the former Lock Haven University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She obtained a State Certification in Child and Family-Based Therapy through OMHSAS during her time as a Family Based Therapist for the Clinton and Lycoming County areas. Tara comes to our team with diverse and extensive experience and education surrounding Child Welfare as well as Mental Health. Tara has always had a passion for helping others and working to support at risk youth and families.
Professional Journey
Tara has always known from a young age that she wanted to pursue human services to provide support and assistance to others. For the past 28+ years, Tara has worked in a variety of capacities in the Child Welfare and Children’s Mental Health serving systems. Throughout her many years in human services, Tara has had the privilege of being able to provide her experience and expertise to a diverse audience of individuals on a variety of topics.
Vision and Impact
Tara is excited to join the Lycoming-Clinton System of Care program that supports mental health and promotes collaborative efforts to empower youth and families in being able to have their voices heard, achieve health equity and move forward in a positive direction for their futures. In this new journey, Tara will be the Training Specialist providing training and support to community partners as well as families. She is committed to being able to provide information and education to others to improve the quality of others’ lives and experiences.
Passion and Purpose
Tara has dedicated her life to helping and supporting others. Along with lived experiences, and her personal and professional expertise, she brings with her an intrinsic approach of empathy and trauma-informed engagement skills. Throughout her many years in human services, Tara has established many positive relationships with community partners that will be advantageous in collaboration to improve the lives and experiences of those individuals in the serving systems covering Clinton and Lycoming Counties. Tara has a compelling level of commitment and passion for improving the lives of children, youth and families in our communities.
Tara’s extensive experience and passion for supporting youth and families make her an incredible asset to our team. Her expertise, empathy, and commitment to education will help strengthen our community and empower those she serves. Welcome, Tara!