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Moving to an area where you know few people your own age can be a daunting experience for a young professional, something that Geisinger employees Monica McCarthy and Bryanna Merrill learned firsthand when they relocated to Pennsylvania and began working here.

“Relocating is difficult enough, but without a local support group of family or friends, it can be even harder,” said Ms. McCarthy, who came to central Pennsylvania from Kansas to work in Geisinger’s Administrative Fellow program.

Ms. Merrill, a digital marketing strategist at Geisinger, had lived all over the United States before moving to an area where her husband’s family had been settled for six generations. “I had an immediate built-in extended family, which was fantastic, but knew from my experience that I would have to reach out on my own to find more people my age who shared some of my interests.”

Both women were also interested in getting involved with community service in their new home state.

That’s where the Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals (GSVYP) came in.
A previous Geisinger administrative fellow told Ms. McCarthy about GSVYP. Ms. Merrill found the group through their Facebook page.

Both women joined, and in a very short time were on the board of directors, continuing efforts to revitalize the group, one whose membership had fallen off in recent years. With current and former Geisinger employees and many others from the area, they have helped create a thriving group of 60 that is making Danville more welcoming for new residents.

“Finding GSVYP made the transition easier and the people in it have become friends,” said Ms. McCarthy.

GSVYP is also an organization that enables young professionals to give back.

“Community service is definitely important to us,” said Ms. Merrill, a point echoed by Ms. McCarthy. Both pointed out that Geisinger actively supports and encourages a culture of volunteering.

While GSVYP members enjoy many social and professional development opportunities, community service is at the heart of the group’s mission. A portion of proceeds from events with a cover charge goes to support local food drives, community organizations and charitable efforts. The group has collected donations for the Ronald McDonald House and books for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way. It helps to maintain a portion of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and works with local school districts and food banks, such as during the recent Milton Panther Pack event, where food items were collected for families in need.
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