The Advocate Issue 02

WHAT’S INSIDE?

AN UPDATE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE STORY OF GOBLIES

CAROL’S STORY WITH THE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM WELCOME THE GNAR GARDEN TO THE SEED FARM ...AND MORE!

@CommunityActionLV CommunityActionLV.org

LET’S KEEP FIGHTING!

Federal dollars have been the cornerstone in These funds are crucial for the services we provide, assisting anyone in the community regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, and other factors. It’s what we do!

However, several Community Action Lehigh Valley programs are now facing cuts due to changes in federal funding, and it’s important to understand the impact these cuts will have on our community. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds help us pay for salaries for almost all of our programs. All 12 programs are vital to helping our neighbors to not only survive, but also to thrive!

The Trump administration has clawed back billions in federal funds, affecting public health services, food banks, and many of the services we provide. Several CALV programs are facing cuts. For example, Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves six counties and feeds about 100,000 people a month, is experiencing reductions in funding from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA), and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Cuts in these programs mean less food for the people we serve, and the inability to help farmers sustain their businesses as well.

Dawn Godshal l Executiv eD irector of Community

Cuts in Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) funding will affect the Rising Tide. Small businesses are the foundation to economic stability and job creation in our neighborhoods.

The services provided by CALV are essential for many individuals and families. These programs not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the long-term well-being of our community. Cutting these funds would mean fewer resources for those who rely on our services, leading to increased hardship and instability.

It’s crucial to advocate for the continuation of federal funding for CALV programs. By doing so, we ensure that our community remains strong and resilient, with access to the support and resources needed to thrive. It is vital that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of these programs and the impact they have on the lives of many. It would be a very different community without us. Let’s keep fighting!

Rising Tide Community Loan Fund Helps Toy Entrepreneur Launch Her Thriving Business: The Story of Goblies

When Briana Gardell, founder of Mezzimatic LLC and creator of Goblies, first came up with the concept for her throwable paintballs, it was a fun idea sparked by a graduate school assignment. “I was in the technical entrepreneurship master’s program, and they gave a bunch of homework assignments to spark creativity. One of those was to take a manufacturing technique and do something with it. So, I used the technique to make balloons,” Briana explained. What started as a simple creative exercise evolved into Goblies—squishy, throwable paintballs made from a membrane of seaweed extract and filled with a colorful, easy-to-wash goo.

Bringing Goblies from concept to market was no easy feat. Briana went through 26 prototypes, testing different ingredients and materials in her home kitchen until she finally landed on a formula that worked. She started out by assembling DIY science kits that allowed customers to make their own paintballs. “I started selling the kits locally, launched a Kickstarter, and sold $9,000 worth of products. It seemed like a lot of money at the time,” Briana shared. However, as demand for her product grew, she quickly realized she needed more resources to scale her business.

That’s where Rising Tide came into play. “When I started to have interest from large retailers, I needed to get ready for all these orders and interests. Then I was referred to Rising Tide by my coworking space,” Briana said. “I applied. It was a very involved process, but it was a perfect spot in time and in my business to get that $15,000 loan and use it.”

“It’s incredibly hard to get funding when you’re such a small business,” Briana explained. “Even if you have millions of dollars worth of sales on the table, it doesn’t give you enough credibility to get a loan from a traditional bank or even get a line of credit.

I was 24 years old at that point - who was giving a 24-year-old with no assets a loan?”

The $15,000 loan not only provided much-needed capital, but also gave Briana the credibility she needed when working with major retailers. “The year after I received the loan, I was in Michaels stores. Rising Tide understood where my business was, but also saw where it could be.”

Briana’s business has since grown significantly. Goblies is now available through major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Michaels, and Briana runs her company full-time, working alongside her sister, who has been part of the business for six years, plus one other employee. Reflecting on the journey, Briana highlighted the importance of community-based support for small businesses. “I think they’re really unbelievable. People don’t really know what goes into the initial stages of a business. If there aren’t organizations like Rising Tide, people without family money or assets would have a much harder time getting started. It allows people to take that extra step forward in a way that’s supported by the community.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Briana has one key piece of advice: “Have your business idea, then ask yourself how you can start within 24 hours. Then go through that scenario and ask yourself how you can start this business in a week, how you can start in a month. Going through that exercise helps people eliminate tons of barriers. Once you get over that starting line, you gotta keep running the race.”

Thanks to her determination and the support from Rising Tide, Briana was able to turn her creative idea into a thriving independent business. Goblies brings joy to countless families and children and is also a shining example of how community-driven programs can help local entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.

Founder/Creator: Briana Gardell

Briana and her Sister

“Like Hitting the Lotto” – Carol’s Story with the Whole-Home Repairs Program

Carol has lived in her 1905 home in Allentown for many years, making improvements where she could—new windows, refinished floors—everything she thought needed to be done. But as a retired senior on a fixed income, battling stage 4 cancer, some repairs became simply out of reach.

“I called Community Action Homes and said my roof is broken. I can’t afford to fix it. Can you come take a look?” Carol recalls. “They did, and they assessed what needed to be done. Certain things I knew needed to be done, but then they found all these other things.”

Through the Whole-Home Repairs Program, Carol received far more than just a roof repair. The plumbing was faulty, and she never thought she’d be able to afford to fix it. Her electrical system was outdated, and she’d often lose power if she plugged in too many things at once.

“I always thought about it, but I figured, I’ll never be able to get that done because of how expensive it is.”

Community Action Homes also discovered other issues—we rerouted downspouts to stop water from leaking into her basement, stabilized her outdoor steps, replaced worn-out siding, and even installed new, standard-sized low-flow toilets that are more

accessible. “They came in and updated things that I would never have been able to fix at this point.”

For Carol, receiving this support was life-changing— not just financially, but for her peace of mind. “This program made a huge difference for my financial situation and peace of mind,” she says. “This program has been a blessing. I feel like I’ve hit the lotto.” A lifelong activist, Carol had even advocated for the Whole-Home Repairs Program before applying. The Whole-Home Repairs Program is a Pennsylvania state-funded initiative designed to help low- and middle-income homeowners make critical home repairs, improve energy efficiency, and address accessibility needs. The program provides grants of up to $50,000 for eligible homeowners and loans for small landlords renting to low-income tenants.

The day applications opened, a friend called her. “When I heard that I was one of the ones that got it…Oh my God. I’ve been an activist since I was a teenager—this is the first time in my life that anything I advocated for worked out for me. Because normally, I’m never eligible.”

Now, she hopes to see continued funding for the program so more seniors and low-income homeowners can get the help they need.

“We really need to get out and advocate for more money so that more people can take advantage of this program. I know lots of seniors that could benefit from it, in fact, that really wanted it, but didn’t know, and applied too late. We definitely have to keep this program going because it’s been a blessing.”

The Whole-Home Repairs Program in Pennsylvania is state-funded. Counties apply for funding and partner with local organizations—often nonprofits or housing authorities—to distribute grants or loans to eligible residents. Recently, the program has faced challenges in securing additional state funding, as proposed allocations totaling millions of dollars have stalled due to legislative disagreements.

From Receiving Support to Offering Hope: Terri’s Story

Terri Neifert knows firsthand the profound impact CALV can have on a person’s life. Growing up in Bethlehem with a single father and siblings, Terri experienced periods of financial hardship, during which her family frequently turned to CALV’s essential services, including food pantry assistance, mortgage help, weatherization, and heating support through LIHEAP.

Reflecting on these experiences, Terri shared, “CALV helped us with stability. We knew they were there if we needed them. I try not to rely on Human Services unless my back’s against the wall, but it’s always been a good thing.”

Terri’s connection to CALV deepened even further when her daughter found shelter and support at our Sixth Street Shelter during a difficult time, escaping an abusive relationship. Today, Terri has come full circle—she’s now a Front Desk Administrator at CALV, directly supporting others facing similar struggles. “I feel even more supported since working here, I can help out and it’s reciprocal,” Terri explains.

Through her role, Terri has witnessed countless lives transformed. “I just opened a thank you letter this morning addressed to Weatherization. The lady thanked them for coming to replace her furnace. They gave her a hot water heater because hers was broken, and smoke detectors. She was so happy,” Terri says proudly. “A lot of elderly people are out there that need help.”

Terri emphasizes the critical importance of CALV’s services: “People should know that you may be just an illness or job loss away from being homeless in a month or two.”

To those considering supporting CALV, Terri encourages action. “People can donate their time. Donate their money. They could support community agriculture through The Seed Farm so everybody can grow and share food,” she urges. Thanks to supporters, volunteers, and dedicated staff members like Terri, CALV continues to provide hope, resources, and lasting change to those who need it most.

Terri Neifert

CALV Front Desk

“People should know that you may be just an illness or job loss away from being homeless in a month or two.”

THE FOOD BANK’S NEW REACH TRUCK!

Community Action’s Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse recently acquired a brand-new Reach Truck, thanks to funding from the TEFAP Reach & Resiliency – Round 2 grant. This initiative helps food assistance organizations meet The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) requirements, enhance infrastructure, and extend TEFAP’s reach into underserved communities.

This incredible piece of equipment allows our warehouse team to safely store and move food products, ensuring we can continue providing our six-county community with high-quality, nutritious food. We’re incredibly grateful for this support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a federally funded agency.

Our Top Requested Food Donations

• Peanut Butter & Jellies

• Canned Chicken & Tuna

• Pasta & Pasta Sauces

• Low-Sugar Cereal

• Low-Sodium Soups

• Shelf-Stable Milks

• Cooking Oils

• Rice

Welcoming Spring and The Gnar Garden to The Seed Farm!

The Seed Farm, a program of Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Action Lehigh Valley, is dedicated to growing new farmers. Since 2010, its 42 acres of preserved farmland have supported food production at all levels, from home gardeners and community gardens to local farmers. One of The Seed Farm’s key initiatives is the Farm Business Incubator Program, which provides new farmers with access to land, equipment, and infrastructure on-site. These critical resources are especially vital during the risky and costly early years of starting a farm business, particularly for those without their own land or family/business partners in farming.

We recently welcomed a new farmer to our incubator, Taryn Hipp of The Gnar Garden. Farmer Taryn grows a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs using organic practices on a productive half acre at The Seed Farm. She is a first-generation farmer with a background in social work, now pursuing her true passion for growing food and feeding her community. Taryn launched her farm at The Seed Farm after being part of the vegetable production crew for two seasons at a local farm.

Q: Why did you start farming?

As someone who identifies as a “helper” I’ve always found joy in serving my community. After leaving a career in social work, I knew I wanted to continue to serve my community, but at the same time, I wanted to make sure I was nourishing my soul. That is what brought me to farming. I love being outside, hands in the soil, sun and smile on my face, growing nutritious food for my community.

Q: Why do you choose to make CSA/subscriptions part of your farm?

CSA was a no-brainer when deciding how I wanted my farm to operate. My goal with The Gnar Garden is to create community. To me, that means having a relationship with the people buying the food I am growing. I want to know their names, their families, what they are excited to eat. I want conversations and connection!

Taryn Hipp @TheGnarGarden

Q: What does business viability look like for a beginning farmer?

For me, business viability means being able to focus my time and energy on The Gnar Garden full time. That means growing quality produce for a dedicated customer base while caring for the land.

Q: What’s something you are excited about growing this season?

Since it is my first season, I am excited to grow everything, but I think I am most excited to have the space to grow things I couldn’t when I was farming in my tiny backyard like various types of winter squash, onions, and potatoes! I also am looking forward to experimenting with things I’ve never grown.

HOW TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ACTION LEHIGH VALLEY

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.

PROVIDE IN-KIND DONATIONS

Interested in making a material donation or starting a drive? At Sixth Street Shelter, we’re always in need of new, unused housing and toiletry items to help residents settle into their new homes with comfort and dignity. Visit SixthStreetShelter.org/Donate-Supplies to see our full list of needed items and learn how to donate a Welcome Home Kit.

You can also support local families by donating food to Second Harvest Food Bank—our most requested items are listed on page 6.

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.

TAX CREDIT

Receive up to 90% tax credit on your gift to our youth programming via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Contact our Chief Philanthropy Officer for more information.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

To learn how you can sponsor an event or program, please contact our Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Scan here to donate!

@CommunityActionLV CommunityActionLV.org

Second Harvest Food Bank’s Take Action Against Hunger Night

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, 9/26 • 5:00 - 8:00 PM • Black River Farms Register at: Event.Gives/TakeAction2024

Farm-to-Table Dinner

Attn: Development

The Seed Farm | Saturday, May 10th • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Sunday, May 11th • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday, 10/5 • 4:30 - 7:00 PM

Sixth Street Shelter Day

The Seed Farm Greenhouse Register at: Event.Gives/FarmDinner2024

If you’d like your donation to support a speciﬁc program, please write that on the check memo or attach a note.

Sixth Street Shelter | Saturday, June 7th • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

DONATE ONLINE

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar (Spanish, in-person)

First-Time Home Buyer’s Seminar

Learning Minds Education Center | June 7th & 14th • 8:15 AM - 1:00 PM

English: Saturday, November 9th & 16th (Virtual)

Fall Plant Sale

Español: Sábado, Octubre 5 & 12 (En persona)

Our online form makes it quick and easy to donate. Please visit our website at CommunityActionLV.org/Donate.

The Seed Farm | Saturday, August 16th • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Sunday, August 17th • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Community Action Lehigh Valley Community Room Register at: CommunityActionLV.org/HousingCounseling

RECURRING DONATION

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar (English, in-person)

Saturday, September 6th & 13th

CALV’s 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting

CALV’s Annual Meeting

Wednesday, 11/20 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Wind Creek Bethlehem Register at: Event.Gives/24AnnualMeeting

Wednesday, 11/20 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Wind Creek Bethlehem Register at: Event.Gives/24AnnualMeeting

Wind Creek Bethlehem | Wednesday, November 19th

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.

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

LEGACY GIVING

Action Lehigh Valley’s

Community Action Lehigh Valley’s

Friday, 4/4 • ArtsQuest

Second Harvest Food Bank’s Empty Bowls

Second Harvest Food Bank’s Empty Bowls Friday, 4/4 • ArtsQuest

COMMUNITY ACTION DEVELOPMENT BETHLEHEM

Yosko Summer Kick-Off Event

Spring Plant Sale 2025

You can make your mark on Community Action by planning a gift to us in your will. We have partnered with FreeWill, an easy-to-use online tool that guides you through making your will, 100% cost-free. Visit FreeWill.com/CommunityActionLV to learn more.

Advocacy

You can make your mark on Community Action by planning a gift to us in your will. We have partnered with FreeWill, an easy-to-use online tool that guides you through making your will, 100% cost-free. Visit FreeWill.com/CommunityActionLV to learn more.

Spring Plant Sale 2025

Saturday, May 31st

Advocacy

Saturday + Sunday, 5/10 + 11 • The Seed Farm

Yosko Festival & Movie Night

Business Start-Up and Development

Thursday, July 17th

MATCHING GIFTS

Business Start-Up and Development

MATCHING GIFTS

Access and Nutrition

Movie Night & Festival at Bayard Park

Monday, July 28th

Food Access and Nutrition

Community Loan Fund Second

Holiday on the Southside

Friday, December 5th

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.

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

TAX CREDIT

Receive up to 90% tax credit on your gift to our youth programs via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Please contact Barbara at bkochard@caclv.org for more information about how to participate as a business or individual.

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.

Receive up to 90% tax credit on your gift to our youth programs via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Please contact Barbara at bkochard@caclv.org for more information about how to participate as a CommunityActionLV.org

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