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unity Action in community, we find unity ANNUAL report 2023 | 2024
ABOUT Community Action Lehigh Valley is an anti-poverty nonprofit serving the greater Lehigh Valley through programs focusing on Advocacy, Business Start-Up and Development, Food Access and Nutrition, Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Youth.
MISSION The mission of Community Action Lehigh Valley is to improve the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas by building communities in which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
HISTORY Community Action Agencies are private nonprofit or public organizations whose development was encouraged by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in their local communities. CALV is part of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania network
Our Programs & Subsidiaries
60 years of serving the region
Community Action Lehigh Valley is celebrating 60 years of serving the region and beyond. YES, 60! I am proud to serve as the Executive Director of an agency with such rich history and purpose.
Community Action was sparked out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” and from the advocacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created a network of what is now over 1,000 locally-focused Community Action Agencies across the country, serving mostly low-income populations, but we do so much more! We provide a range of programs and services, including advocacy, business start-up and development, food access and nutrition, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and youth programs. Our mission is to ensure that all people have access to economic opportunity and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
We recognize that our strength lies in our connections with other nonprofit partners within the region and the thousands of people to whom we’re able to provide services. These relationships are not just beneficial, they are vital for us, our partners, and the participants we serve across our 13 programs.
By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we are creating a cohesive network of support that is far stronger than the sum of its parts. This collaborative spirit allows us to share resources, insights, and strategies, creating a more resilient and innovative community Together, we can address the multifaceted challenges faced by our participants more effectively, ensuring that their needs are met with compassion and comprehensive care.
In this current climate of discord, unity seems like a foreign word, and its pursuit can feel daunting—yet it is essential. Nonprofit organizations, by nature, embody the spirit of community and collaboration. When they come together, they create a tapestry of support, compassion, and action that transcends individual efforts.
Harry Truman once said, ‘It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.’
This profound insight underscores the transformative power of selflessness and shared goals. Unity requires a collective commitment to a common purpose beyond personal accolades. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, organizations can maximize their impact, fostering innovation and tackling complex issues with creativity and resilience.
For example, one of our recent participants, a local man and his mother, both living with disabilities, needed about $50,000 in repairs to their home. Without it, they would not have been able to stay. CALV combined Whole Home funding, the City of Allentown’s Healthy Homes funding, and support from Habitat for Humanity to provide the assistance they needed. None of us could do it alone, but all of us were able to do it together.
As we celebrate 60 years of service, we are reminded that our strength lies in unity and collaboration. By working together with our partners and the community, we can continue to create a resilient and compassionate Lehigh Valley. Whether you're a funder, a nonprofit partner, or seeking assistance, we invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact, drive meaningful change, and overcome social challenges. In community, we find strength.
In community, we find unity.
Dawn Godshall Executive Director, Community Action Lehigh Valley
Board of Directors
2023 – 2024 Financial statement
e (dollar amount and percent)
(dollar amount and perc ent)
* In comparison to the previous fiscal year, our figures have declined due to higher revenues in previous years, a substantial increase in food costs, the expiration of COVID relief funds, and several additional factors. We are currently utilizing the surplus funds from earlier periods, as new revenue continues to come in.
These unaudited figures include revenues from Community Action’s subsidiary nonprofit community development corporations as well as the value of food we distribute through Second Harvest Food Bank. Our audit was conducted by Clifton Larson Allen. Our audited financial statements can be obtained at communityactionlv.org
A copy of the official registration and financial information for Community Action may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
neighborhood revitalization
Slate Belt Rising
SlateBeltRising.org, @SlateBeltRising
Provided Financial Assistance to Local Businesses:
Supported 4 businesses through our Commercial Lease Subsidy Program, helping them establish a lasting presence in the community.
Conducted the 2024 Slate Belt Annual Cleanup:
Organized 7 teams of volunteers across seven municipalities to collect litter, with over 100 volunteers participating in the event.
Completed a Mural Project in Pen Argyl:
Added a vibrant new mural to Pen Argyl, enhancing the town’s visual appeal and celebrating local culture.
Slate Belt Rising (SBR) is a neighborhood revitalization initiative designed to integrate and capitalize on the substantial assets of the individual Slate Belt communities.
By leveraging the unique history, architecture, and culture of each municipality into a regional approach, SBR will use a Neighborhood Partnership Plan to foster comprehensive community and economic development. While SBR specifically targets the boroughs of Bangor, Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, and Portland, some initiatives promote development and the coordination of services for the entire region.
Launched the Lead-Free Homes Program:
In partnership with Northampton County and Community Action Homes, initiated the first-of-its-kind program in East Bangor Borough to test homes for lead hazards, including plumbing, paint, and other areas.
Awarded Scholarships:
Granted 6 scholarships to high school students in the Bangor and Pen Argyl School Districts, supporting the next generation of leaders in our community.
Sponsored Regional Events:
Provided financial support for several regional events throughout the Slate Belt, including the highly successful Quarry Bites & Brews events in Bangor Borough for the second consecutive year.
Meet John from Broadway Games:
Rebuilding with Determination
11 S Main Street, Bangor
Completed Commercial Facade Projects:
Finished a facade improvement project at the Slate Belt Heritage Center, with ongoing projects at the Bangor Public Library, 26 Market St. in Bangor, and the Portland Railroad Depot in Portland Borough.
Promoted Local Businesses:
Collaborated with the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce on Slate Belt Restaurant Week and a Slate Belt Gift Certificate Program to drive traffic to local businesses.
Developing the Slate Belt Heritage & Art Trail:
Currently working on the creation of this trail to boost tourism and help visitors and residents discover public art installations and local landmarks across the region.
John has been a board game enthusiast since childhood, and when he and his business partner found the chance to open Broadway Games in Bangor, they jumped at it. Their store became a community hub for board games, card games, and more. But after two years, disaster struck in 2023—a fire from an upstairs apartment caused massive damage, leaving the store condemned and destroying over $1,000,000 worth of inventory. Due to an insurance oversight, only a small portion of the damage was covered.
Despite this setback, John was determined to stay in the Slate Belt area. By chance, he found an abandoned American Legion building for lease. The owner agreed to renovate it, setting the stage for the new Broadway Games location. Soon after, John discovered the Slate Belt Rising Commercial Subsidy Lease program, which provided crucial financial support during the transition.
John stated the program was incredible for him. It granted him financial freedom as he set up his new store after the devastating loss and allowed him not to stress about paying his two employees that help greatly when it comes to running and setting up the store. John said, “It’s not just the money, it's having the help and the support from the town level. Brian was right in the local offices. So any questions you have, about signage or how to get permits and everything else, I found out about those processes from him.”
Broadway Games isn’t just about games; it’s about community. “It's great because we have kids who will come in and play a Disney game, and we have their parents coming in playing Magic, which is the same game they've been playing since the mid 90s. We’ll have teenagers at a table playing a game with 50 year olds, and everybody is getting along. It's really a beautiful thing; games cross generations and fosters interaction. You're sitting at a table with one to six people, and you're having conversations.”
@cadc_bethlehem
Since 1998, Community Action Development Bethlehem has advanced a neighborhood-based vision of community and economic development that builds on the strengths and assets of our diverse community. CADB’s signature program Southside Tomorrow focuses on promoting Housing Affordability and Quality, improving Communication and Connectivity, and supporting Public and Green Spaces in south Bethlehem. CADB is also a partner in the Pembroke Choice Neighborhoods planning process, the Alley House Project in west Bethlehem, and the Northside Alive neighborhood initiative.
Our successes and achievements from the last year:
• Connected over 128 Bethlehem residents to community resources
• Engaged 111 south Bethlehem residents in neighborhood meetings
• Completed 6 residential façade improvements
• Supported the launch of the Alley House pilot program
• Provided leadership training for the Pembroke Choice Neighborhood community ambassadors
• Supported the growth of 3 community gardens in south Bethlehem
• Engaged 98 residents through gardening and outdoor wellness activities
• Supported the ongoing work of the Southside Ambassadors in the Four Blocks International area
• Held 9 neighborhood cleanups that engaged 80 residents and business owners
• Installed a mural on the South Bethlehem Greenway in partnership with two local artists and Donegan Elementary School
• Engaged 800 residents at 4 community building events
• Supported the Kellyn Foundation’s ongoing produce distribution on the Greenway
• Engaged 56 youth through summer programming at the Lynfield Community Center, Shooting Stars Basketball, and Push Ahead Lehigh Valley
A native of south Bethlehem, Angela Mitchell
had spent years living and working in New York City, but a 2010 fire in her apartment building left her experiencing homelessness. Shortly afterward, she was diagnosed with a disability that prevented her from driving and working outside her home, and Angela moved back to south Bethlehem to start building a new life with support from family. In 2012, after taking Community Action’s First-Time Homebuyer Seminar, Angela purchased a historic home on Cherokee Street in south Bethlehem. But by August 2018, she was struggling to take care of her large Victorian home with the income from her disability check. A long list of home improvement projects had piled up, and the demands of the large house weighed on Angela’s mind.
Angela reached out to Community Action Development Bethlehem for assistance, hoping she wouldn’t have to sell the home that she had worked so hard to buy. Staff helped Angela transform her extra bedrooms into an AirBnb, registering her business, learning to navigate software platforms, and establishing operations procedures and norms for guests. As revenue started to come in, Angela reinvested in making the home improvements she had put off. She installed new doors, electrical upgrades, and improved security, and the additional income covered all her monthly bills.
By 2022, with her income and housing situation stabilized, Angela decided to take a more active role in her neighborhood and community. She began attending City Council meetings and joined the Southside Tomorrow Public and Green Space committee. She started organizing neighbors to advocate for traffic calming measures, more street trees, and better enforcement of trash policies in her neighborhood. In December 2023, Angela organized her first community meeting with the support of CADB staff. Dozens of neighbors attended the meeting, sharing homemade food and neighborhood stories. New friendships among neighbors led to trips to the CADB-supported Martin Luther King, Jr. community garden together, neighborhood cleanups, and plans to plant trees in empty tree wells along Cherokee Street.
Following Angela’s lead, the neighborhood has come alive with civic engagement. Angela is proud of her new role as a Southside neighborhood leader, and through the connections she has made as a part of Southside Tomorrow. We look forward to continuing our work with Angela and her neighbors in the coming year!
The mission of Community Action Development Allentown is to elevate and empower residents by actively promoting neighborhood revitalization, which strengthens the neighborhood economy, improves the quality of life and is inclusive of all residents.
In 2023-2024 we...
y Completed the fourth year of the Allentown’s Core Neighborhood Partnership Program in collaboration with multiple “youth serving” community partners
y Completed the purchase of the Cleveland School building from the Allentown School District, designating it as the future site of the new Youth Center. Formed a Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Dr. Brian Nestor (President of Lehigh Valley Health Network), to lead fundraising efforts
Created the initial Youth Center design in collaboration with Meyer Architects to support the capital campaign. Selected Alvin H. Butz as the Construction Manager, with a focus on demolition, and MKSD Architects to finalize the facility design and oversee the demolition process
Awarded $1,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by the City of Allentown for development of the proposed Youth Center
y Identified three growing nonprofits—Allentown Public Theatre, Cohesion Network, and Fine Feather Foundation—as potential program partners. Supported their contributions to After Zone programming at Allentown School District schools within the target NPP footprint area
Collaborated with the Freedom School Partnership to continue the James Lawson Freedom School at 2 sites which collectively enrolled 68 youth and served to mitigate the “summer slide” by utilizing a researched, multicultural, activity-based curriculum
y Continued supporting innovative anti-violence efforts led by Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, with staff responding to over 50 incidents of violence and providing follow-up services and referrals to victims and their families
y Partnered with Allentown law enforcement for the 10th year of the Youth Academy, engaging 63 middle school students from the Allentown School District in a 5-week program exploring law enforcement careers, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the Allentown Police Academy
y Continued the After Zone initiative in the Allentown School District with programs at various schools:
Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary: Podcasting (13 students)
Central Elementary School: Cheerleading (45 students)
Bldg21: Flag Football Camp and Tournament (10 students)
Trexler Middle School (in collaboration with Fine Feather Foundation): An 8-week afterschool program featuring arts, dance, poetry, podcasting, music, and video production, culminating in a public recital with 65 students participating
y Provided technical assistance to 12 student entrepreneurs to help develop their business ideas and secure necessary resources, with support from adult business mentors
y Supported 8 youth entrepreneurs at “pop-up” shops to showcase their businesses and provide the opportunity for “revenue” generation
y Dedicated “Spirit of Freedom” mural at 31 South 9th Street in collaboration with the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance. The mural concept was created by students from the 2023 summer camp
y Organized a college tour for 25 potential first-generation college students visiting the University of Maryland – Baltimore, Morgan State, and Howard University. Each tour was led by current students at the respective campuses
y Sponsored multiple “college readiness” offerings for high school students, including
Summer Bridge Academic Reset Workshop (22 students)
College Application & Essay Bootcamp (16 students)
SAT Prep for the Gen Next William High School cohort (13 students)
College engagement event for first-year matriculating students (50 students)
y Partnered with the Fine Feather Foundation and Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance to conduct an 8-week summer camp for 65 youth which featured arts, dance, vocal workshops, field trips, podcasting, music and video production and activities at Camp Fowler
y Assisted multiple community partners to provide community events and youth activities reaching over 5,000 residents. Events included: High School Basketball Tournaments; Brown, Black and Beyond Teen Summit; 3rd Annual Career Exploration Workshop and the Annual “High Notes Gala” at Americus Hotel which featured musical performances by Allentown School District students
housing
Community Action Homes
Weatherization
The Weatherization Program has a team of 10 staff members, including the Director. Among them are four BPI-certified Energy Auditors, three of whom are also certified as BPI Quality Control Inspectors. Additionally, there are two PAcertified Energy Auditors. The office team includes a Weatherization Specialist and three Weatherization Representatives.
• The Weatherization Program repaired 10 homes with DOE Readiness funds. These 10 homes were deferred from weatherization due to issues ranging from leaking roofs and uncontrolled water infiltration in the basement, to knob and tube wiring that prevented installing insulation due to fire hazard. Once these homes were repaired, they were weatherized using DOE funding
• During the LIHEAP Crisis season, CALV’s HVAC subcontractors restored heat to 194 homes in the Lehigh Valley. They also completed clean and tunes on heating systems in 125 area homes, preventing a “no-heat” situation that would trigger a Crisis referral during the Winter months
Sold one home in Slatington, and one for sale during Summer 2024
Currently managing the renovation of two additional properties that will be sold upon completion; one in South Bethlehem and one in Allentown
Coordinated rehabilitation for 40 homes through the Whole Home Repair Program, Lead Abatement, mobility and energy efficiency as well as roofing and HVAC improvements
Completed 11 façade improvements: five in Allentown, three in Bethlehem and three in the slate belt
Leigh Valley Community Land Trust is in the process of reverting land leases back to the homeowners
• We completed 42 weatherization jobs with our DOE funding. These homes had a comprehensive audit completed by one of our Energy Auditors and passed a Quality Control Inspection after the weatherization work was completed
• Using UGI LIURP funds, we completed 19 weatherization jobs on area homes
• With our First Energy WARM funds, CALV’s subcontractors completed 24 weatherization jobs
• The LIHEAP Cooling Program is in it’s third year and has grown in popularity every year, helping 73 families during the 2021 season and 159 families during the 2022 season. This fiscal year which includes some jobs from last Summer and only part of the jobs from this program year, CALV helped 189 families. This includes installing up to 2 Energy Star rated window air conditioners per home, or if the participant has central air conditioning or a heat pump, we can repair or replace the air conditioners if they qualify under the program guidelines. CALV’s HVAC subcontractors installed window air conditioners in 128 homes and repaired or replaced central air conditioners or heat pumps in 61 homes
Best housing counseling Specialist award
Our employee Jeanette Velez Rivera, HUD Certified Housing Counselor, received a Best Housing Counseling Specialist Award at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Housing Counseling Awards Ceremony on October 18, 2023. This is a state-wide award recognizing excellence in Housing Counseling.
Housing Counseling
The mission of Community Action’s Housing Counseling Program is to provide low-to-moderate income families with a continuum of coordinated services in one location to better meet their housing and consumer credit needs and to build individual and community wealth.
43 families who utilized services through the Housing Counseling Program indicated in Fiscal Year 2024 that they purchased their first home.
y 7 first-time homebuyer seminars were conducted, providing 8 hours of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved education. 214 prospective homebuyers earned a certificate of completion by attending a seminar. 3 seminars were conducted in Spanish and 4 in English. 3 seminars were held virtually, 2 seminars were held in Allentown, and 2 seminars were held in Bethlehem
y 55 prospective homebuyers received pre-purchase counseling
y 39 homebuyers received pre-settlement counseling
y 1 Home Ownership Savings Account Program participant saved over $2,000, earned the $2,000 savings match, and purchased a home. ESSA Bank and Trust partners with HCP on this initiative, which helps families purchase their first home
y 2 participants completed a 6-hour Financial Education course that is taught with curriculum developed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
y 4 participants utilized the Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program to purchase their first home. In partnership with the City of Bethlehem, this program provides down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a deferred payment loan to first-time homebuyers who purchase in the City of
Bethlehem and are at 80% median income or below. The loan is completely forgiven if the homebuyer lives in the home for 10 years. There are 19 participating lenders for the program
y 42 financially distressed homeowners received default and delinquency counseling (27 homeowners through Northampton County’s Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program and 15 homeowners through Lehigh County’s Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program); 18 households were saved from foreclosure through a loan modification, repayment plan, or rescue funds. Out of the 42 homeowners served through the diversion programs, 12 cases remain under review for potential modifications
y 6 delinquent homeowners received Loss Mitigation services. Our Housing Counselors provided counseling and assisted homeowners in submitting a workout packet to their lender for a loan modification or repayment plan
y 37 homeowners received assistance in applying to the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP). Our Housing Counselors provided counseling and assisted homeowners in submitting an application to HEMAP
y 4 residents of the Ferry Street Transitional Housing Program received rental/financial counseling
total demographics
sixth street shelter
SixthStreetShelter.org, @SixthStreetShelter
The Sixth Street Shelter
s a 60- to 90-day short-term transitional housing and supportive services program for families with children experiencing homelessness.
The Sixth Street Shelter advocates that affordable housing is a human right while helping families secure safe housing through family-centered services, in-house programming, and referrals to community resources.
The Sixth Street Shelter is the largest family shelter in the Lehigh Valley region, accepting families of any configuration including those with adult children, single fathers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
The Shelter continues to collaborate with essential resources such as Color Outside the Lines, Valley Health Partners
Community Health Center, Provident Bank, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, First Northern Bank and Neighborhood Health Center. Participants in the Shelter are encouraged to prioritize employment training, with an option to focus on
Hi-Set - a high school equivalency initiative. In 2025, The Shelter will celebrate forty (40) years of service for families who are unhoused.
209 Female
(61% of residents identified as female)
32 Male (39% of residents identified as male)
83 Female (91% of families had female head of household)
8 Male (9% of families had male head of household)
from annual scorecard
91 families resided at the Shelter and developed Family Service Plans based on their housing, educational and financial goals
50% of families saved money toward rent or a security deposit upon leaving the Shelter
75% of families achieved their Family Service Plan goals (i.e., resident meetings, case management meetings, life skills, basic needs, referrals)
100% of families created a written budget to understand credit and money management as a part of their goal plan
15% of families were referred to CareerLink and obtained services to assist with vocational development and job search
75% of families achieved their Benchmark Family Care goals
Through landlord engagement, we developed a roster of 30 local landlords willing to work with our program participants
The Shelter developed relationships with 30 community landlords
Rising Tide has financed 260+ small, local businesses with a total of $12.75 million in loans across the Lehigh Valley and beyond!
business start - up and development
Lizzy of Bubbly Hills Farm, Rising Tide Participant and Seed Farm Incubator Farmer
Rising Tide Community Loan Fund
TheRisingTide.org, @RisingTideCLF
We made loans to 14 different businesses in 2023-2024. Of these:
8 were made to womanowned businesses 7 loans were made to businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and other communities of color
10 were to businesses owned by low-to moderate-income individuals and/or located in low-to moderate–income census tracts
Rising Tide’s mission is to identify small business and community development credit needs that may stifle the creation of economic opportunities for growth and to meet those needs with affordable business loans. The Rising Tide Community Loan Fund is a separately incorporated subsidiary of Community Action Lehigh Valley.
As a Community Development Financial Institution, Rising Tide has provided over $625,000 in funding, bringing the total amount disbursed to more than $12.75 million to date.
Businesses that received loans in 2023-2024 were 3 personal care salons, a manufacturer of horse products, a brewery, a cleaning business, a coffee roaster, an event planner, an auto detailer, a childcare center, a restaurant, a paving company, an art retail store and an insurance broker.
• The 14 funded businesses reported the creation or retention of 43 jobs
• Secured a 5-year contract with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to provide funding and technical assistance to the artistic community within our service area
• Provided free of cost marketing services to 47 businesses Services provided included, but were not limited to, web design, logo design, social media assistance, and the creation of marketing materials
• Administered the Lehigh and Northampton Counties Revolving Loan Fund
youth
Brows by Sandra Muñoz
Shām Skin Care Magic Mobile Detailing J Garden
GENERATION NEXT
Generation Next is a college readiness, access, and completion program created to correct disparities in education. Our program ensures that students of color, first-generation college students, and/or low-income students have increased access to opportunities that will further their education. The program works with students to achieve college admission, integrate into college life, and complete a post-secondary program or trade focus.
345 students have participated in the Generation Next Program
100% of seniors graduated High School
Partnered with 4 schools in the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton Area School Districts
12 post High School graduates received Generation Next Tuition Scholarships ranging from $500-$2,000
Curriculum included college application assistance, FAFSA events, SAT Prep, Networking opportunities, resume development, and college exploration
Community Guest Speakers from Turning Point discussed healthy relationships to Liberty and Easton students
6 trips were organized during the 2023-2024 academic year including:
• Villanova University
• Kutztown University
• DeSales University
Maxine S., 17 years old
2024 Easton Area High School graduate
@SHELehighValley
SHE, an acronym for “self-esteem, health, and education” is a strength-based empowerment program of Community Action Lehigh Valley. The mission of SHE is to create an educational and inspirational environment in which 4th-to-8th grade girls build confidence, are empowered to change the dynamics in their personal relationships and the greater community, and seize control of their futures, ensuring healthy, fulfilling, and self-sufficient lives.
Students Served: 180
Middle School students = 140
Elementary students = 40
Students Served by District:
Allentown School District = 77
Harrison-Morton Middle School
6th grade = 25 | 7th grade = 32 | 8th grade = 20
• Lehigh University
• East Stroudsburg University
• Lafayette University
24 students were accepted into college and are attending in Fall of 2024. Some diverse colleges/universities Generation Next alumni will be attending:
• Howard University
• University of Vermont
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Temple University
• Moravian University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Townson University
• New York University
• Northampton Community College
Bethlehem Area School District = 103
Broughal Middle School = 63
6th grade = 25 | 7th grade = 20 | 8th grade = 18
Donegan Elementary School = 18
3rd grade = 3 | 4th grade = 7 | 5th grade = 8
Fountain Hill Elementary School = 11 5th grade = 11
Lincoln Elementary School = 11 3rd grade = 1 | 4th grade = 8 | 5th grade = 2
School year review:
Curriculum Highlights
• Women in STEAM
• Environmental Science
• Healthy & unhealthy relationship resources
• Cooking healthy meals/snacks & kitchen safety
• Body positivity & self-esteem
• Mental health awareness & coping skills
Guest Speakers from:
• CIS Community In Schools
• LUAG Lehigh University Art Galleries
• Wildlands Conservancy
• Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley
• Second Harvest Food Bank-Cooking Matters
• Whispering Beauty Salon
• Community Voices Mental Health Clinic
• Girl’s Unstoppable Founder
Student Trips
• Wildlands Conservancy nature walk & environmental activities
• SHE’s Unstoppable Assembly
• Lehigh University
• 8th grade Hair Love Workshop
Over one year, we distributed 13 million+ meals across our six county service area.
food access and nutrition
SHFBLV.org, @SecondHarvestLV
Second Harvest Food Bank works to eliminate food insecurity by providing nutritious food to those in need, dismantling access barriers, and advocating for health and racial equity. Our programs provide children, seniors and families with fresh and nutritious groceries. We also provide training and access to land for new and emerging farmers at The Seed Farm, help people enroll to receive SNAP benefits and administer supplemental nutrition programs for seniors and military families. It is our mission to obtain food and distribute it to people in need through area non-profits, and to provide resources for education and advocacy to end hunger.
impact stats:
15.9 million pounds of food distributed
29,100+ boxes of nutritious food distributed to low-income seniors through the PA Senior Food Box Program
13,219,733 meals distributed across the service area
6 counties serving residents in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne
6.8 million pounds fresh produce, perishable protein, and fresh dairy products distributed
The Seed Farm
TheSeedFarm.org, @TheSeedFarm
impact stats:
As a program of Second Harvest Food Bank, The Seed Farm works to support food production at all levels, from home gardeners to community gardens to local farmers. Strong local food systems equal food security.
More than 500 military families participating in our MilitaryShare food box program per month Volunteer hours: 4,639
On average, we provided food to 89,300+ individuals monthly during the fiscal year, including 24,100+ children and 14,000+ seniors
6 beginning farmers continued in the Farm Business Incubator 8.3 acres leased to Incubator farmers
1 beginning farmer launched a new farm business at The Seed Farm Incubator farmers spent 86 hours using our tractors and equipment
At our agricultural business incubator, we provide beginning farmers with affordable access to land, infrastructure, equipment, technical assistance, and more, so that they can start their farm businesses. Our Growing Partners raised bed program increases access to nutritious, fresh foods for neighbors in low-income urban environments and provides opportunities to grow food and gain gardening confidence. Through our Farm to Pantry program, The Seed Farm grows and harvests high-demand produce for the Food Bank.
18,000+ organicallygrown transplants sold at our Fall & Spring Plant Sales 2700+ transplants given to 14 community groups who provide fresh food to those in need
5 educational workshops with 6 guest trainers and 75 total attendees
24 technical assistance visits to 6 food pantry gardens
Sistah Seeds
Blackbird Farms
advocacy
Mental Health Initiative
In January 2024, Community Action Lehigh Valley launched an initiative to combat the stigma around mental health services in communities of color. With support from ESSA Bank, we partnered with six therapists—most of whom are therapists of color serving the Lehigh Valley—to provide seven therapy sessions to residents in need, at no cost to them.
what we did:
With moderate promotion, over 35+ residents applied for services. We supported therapists in evaluating, scheduling, and delivering both in-person and virtual sessions for convenience.
what we learned:
• For many participants, this was their first experience with mental health care, and they found it invaluable
• Providers suggest 12 sessions, not seven, to have a greater impact
• Clients sought help with family issues, work/school stress, racial dynamics, and financial pressures
• Many participants kept their therapy a secret due to fear of stigma, but most reported a positive shift in their perception of mental health services
• At the conclusion of their sessions, clients expressed a need for continued support
thank you to our providers:
what we need:
To expand this program, we need additional funding. Therapy access disparities are significant: while nearly half of White Americans have access, only 33% of Hispanics, 31% of African-Americans, and 25% of Asian-Americans do. More support is essential. As we conclude this initiative for the fiscal year, it’s clear that accessible mental health services for marginalized communities are crucial and impactful.
Jonathan Asayag
Wellness
how to support
MAIL A CHECK
Community Action Lehigh Valley | Attn: Development 1337 East 5th Street | Bethlehem, PA 18015
If you’d like your donation to support a specific program, please write that on the check memo or attach a note.
DONATE ONLINE
Our online form makes it quick and easy to donate. Please visit our website at CommunityActionLV.org/Donate.
RECURRING DONATION
Your monthly gift helps us continue to offer our programs and resources to the people who need it most. Visit CommunityActionLV.org/Donate and select ‘Recurring Donation’ to set up your monthly, quarterly, or annual gift.
MATCHING GIFTS
Your workplace may have a matching gifts program that will double your donation! To find out if you’re eligible, please visit CommunityAction.org/MatchingGifts.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
To learn how you can sponsor an event or program, please contact our Associate Executive Director of Development, Barbara Kochard, at bkochard@caclv.org or 484-893-1137.
Our Locations
Community Action Lehigh Valley 1337 East 5th Street | Bethlehem, PA 18015 communityactionlv.org
Community Action Development Allentown 523-525 North 7th Street | Allentown, PA 18102
Community Action Development Bethlehem 409 East 4th Street | Bethlehem, PA 18015
Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania 6969 Silver Crest Road | Nazareth, PA 18064 shfblv.org
Sixth Street Shelter 219 North 6th Street | Allentown, PA 18102 sixthstreetshelter.org
Slate Belt Rising 197 Pennsylvania Avenue | Bangor, PA 18013 slatebeltrising.org
The Seed Farm 5854 Vera Cruz Road | Emmaus, PA 18049 theseedfarm.org
1337 East 5th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Fighting For Good Society members are friends who have chosen to join us in the fight to change the lives of people in the Lehigh Valley by including a planned gift in their will or estate. By naming Community Action Lehigh Valley in your will, donating assets, or establishing an endowment fund, you help ensure that our programs and services will be available for many years to come. Visit our donation page under Legacy Giving to learn more.