“You really can’t beat this place.” - Mike Kenny
Jennifer Powell grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, and describes herself as an introvert who found confidence through running. After following her brother into cross country, she became a standout track athlete, earning a scholarship to the University of Arizona before relocating to Scranton in 2006. She later earned a degree in sport and recreation management from Keystone College and is now raising her two children, Zuri, 13, and Hassani, 9, as a single mom.
Mike Kenny was born and raised in Dunmore and graduated from Scranton Prep. He earned his undergraduate degree from Marywood University before attending law school at The Catholic University of America. His career took him around the world, studying in places like Geneva and Hong Kong, before bringing him back home to practice civil litigation. Today, he’s raising three daughters—Veronica, 20, Rachel, 18, and Lily, 12—on his own.
Jennifer and Mike met in 2022 through their children, Zuri and Lily, who were best friends. The idea for JaM’s Delights came from a moment that hit close to home: Jen’s son has multiple food allergies, and after being unable to enjoy a treat at a birthday party, she wanted to create something inclusive. Together, they began making cookies free from dairy, egg, soy, dyes, nuts and gluten—so no one has to feel left out, just as their tagline promises.
Today, JaM’s Delights operates out of the Gather Community Space in Wilkes-Barre and can be found at Electric City Roasting, The Retro Cafe Scranton, Black Watch Café and Abide Coffeehouse.
We met Jennifer and Mike at Retro Cafe in Scranton to learn more about their story and sample the cookies bringing inclusive treats to NEPA. And we had to know, Why NEPA?
How long have you lived in NEPA?
Jen: Since 2006
Mike: 1966
What do you love about your town?
Jen: Scranton is my home. It took a long time for me to accept that, just because it really was a huge cultural difference for me. A few years ago, I was doing a podcast and some intuitive work, and I was explaining the cultural differences. She (Janene, the host) said, ‘But there are so many things out here for you to explore now.’ And I understand—you’re coming from a different place, maybe a different racial background or demographics. It’s completely different. In that moment, she really opened my eyes. I realized that I create my community. If I want to see change, if I want to be a part of it, I have to actually be in it.
Now, I do feel like I have a community and that I’m a part of it. I’m not just taking from it—I’m actually contributing to it. So yeah, I would definitely say this is my home.
Mike: The people. I always tell everybody that. The people in this area are incredibly helpful. If you need something, there’s always somebody who’s willing to help you. And if they can’t, they know somebody who can.
What’s your favorite NEPA restaurant?
Mike: I’m going to go with La Cucina in Dunmore. I worked there when I was 12 or 13 with Bobby Ruddy when the restaurant was up behind St. Mary’s on Chestnut Street. We were dishwashers, and at the end of the night, Paolo Lepri would always give us a free meal. You couldn’t get the filet mignon or the lobster, but they’d cook you anything you wanted.
The food was off the charts then, and it still. It’s a great family, great food, and they’ve been doing it for a long time. If you go, tell them Mike Kenny sent you.
Jen: I’m going to shout out Retro—they have beautiful, delicious soup. When I go out, I tend to eat pescatarian, fish, or vegan, so I’m still exploring restaurants. Café Classico on Mulberry Street also has delicious Italian food. It’s not gluten-free, but it’s delicious.
What’s your favorite thing to do in NEPA?
Jen: I love, love, love exploring the rivers and the scenery. There’s this little man-made beach—Sweeney’s Beach—that I used to go to meditate and reset. Anywhere you can find rivers and paths, that’s what I love about Northeast PA. The scenery is just so beautiful.
Mike: I love Nay Aug Park. I just moved to that area, about a block away, so I’d have to say walking around Nay Aug.
What’s next for you?
Jen: I have my hand in a few things. I’m an employee, and I also host ‘I Love Myself’ workshops in the community which are centered on bringing it back to you and learning how to love yourself in different ways. I’m also creating journals to support that, along with the cookies, and being a mom full time. I hope what’s next is just me continuing to pour out positivity, no matter what that looks like.
Mike: Mainly, I’ve been focused on my kids for the last 10 years. Everything I do is to keep things going for me mentally, but also to help them in the long term. Whatever it is, it’s for them. Veronica is at Marywood, Rachel is heading to college—she just got accepted to Duquesne—and Lily is turning 13, so I still have a ways to go. Who knows what’s next? I’m always open to new adventures.
Where do you see NEPA heading in the future?
Jen: With all the diversity coming into the city, my hope and aspiration—first of all—is that I love it. When I first came here, I didn’t see many people who looked like me, and that was uncomfortable for a while. I grew up in Montclair, in a very diverse community, so it was an adjustment.
I understand that change can be uncomfortable for a lot of people—seeing different faces and cultures—but it can also be a great opportunity to create unity while accepting individuality. It’s like our cookies: people have different allergies, different needs, or just want something healthier. Being your individual self and bringing that into your community can help transform it into a beautiful place.
Mike: I honestly see us being even better than we are now. I say that because this area is great. When you’re a kid, it might not feel that way—my kids sometimes say there’s nothing to do or that we’re behind the times—but I actually think that’s a good thing. This area moves slow and steady, nice and methodical. Everyone else can rush ahead and screw things up, and it never quite gets here. We take our time. And the people here are always willing to come together and help each other. No matter what happens, people are always there for one another.
Why NEPA?
Jen: I think it’s a combination of what Mike just said. Compared to what’s going on in other states, it feels like a safe place to raise children. It’s slower, and I’m more of an introvert, so I don’t like city life—I’m not a city girl. It’s a great opportunity for me to create and grow.
Mike: I was born and raised here, and I’ve been all over. You really can’t beat this place. It’s great for kids and for raising a family. I want my girls to go out, get some experience, see what things are like—and then come back someday.
