The Advocate Issue 02

SPRING 2025 • 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 helping us to support our community. 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!

Community Action Lehigh Valley’s

The Trump administration has clawed back billions in federal funds, affecting public health services, food banks, and many of the services we Advocacy Community Lehigh Valley’s provide. Action Several CALV programs are facing cuts.

For example, Harvest Food Bank, which Business Start-UpSecond and Development serves six counties and Rising Tide Community Loan Fund feeds about 100,000 people Advocacy a month, is experiencing reductions in funding the Commodity Foodfrom Access and NutritionSupplemental Food Program Business Start-Up Development Foodand Purchase Second(CSFP), Harvest Local Food Bank, The Seed FarmAssistance (LFPA), and Rising CommunityFood Loan Fund TheTide Emergency Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Housing Cuts in these programs mean less food for the Food Access and Nutrition Housing Counseling, Weatherization, people we serve, and the inability to help farmers Second Harvest Food Bank, The Seed Farm Community Action Homes sustain their businesses as well.

Housing Revitalization Neighborhood

Housing Counseling, Weatherization, Slate Belt Rising, Community Action Development Community Action Homes Allentown, Community Action Development Bethlehem

Neighborhood Revitalization Dawn Godshall Youth

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!

THE STORY OF GOBLIES............................. 2 CAROL’S HOUSING STORY.......................... 4 TERRI’S STORY.......................................... 5

Dawn Godshall THE FOODofBANK’S NEW REACH 6 Executive Director Community Action TRUCK. Lehigh....Valley

WELCOME GNAR GARDEN......................... 7 Slate BeltNext Rising, Community Action Development Executive Director of Community Action Lehigh Valley Generation Photography by Marco Calderon Dawn Godshall Allentown, Community Development Bethlehem Design/Editing: WorkingAction Dog Press 1 Photography by Marco Calderon Executive Director of Community Action Lehigh Valley Youth

Design/Editing: Working Dog Press

Design/Editing: Working Dog Press

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.

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

Founder/Creator: Briana Gardell

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.”

Briana and her Sister

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.

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“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 4

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. Terri Neifert CALV Front Desk

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.

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

Our Housing Programs Sixth Street Shelter

Community Housing Weatherization Action Homes Counseling 5

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.

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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.

T H E

SEED 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!

We recently welcomed a Q: What does business viability look like for new farmer to our incubator, a beginning farmer?

Taryn Hipp of The Gnar For me, business viability means being able Taryn Hipp Garden. Farmer Taryn grows to focus my time and energy on The Gnar @TheGnarGarden a wide variety of seasonal Garden full time. That means growing vegetables and herbs using organic quality produce for a dedicated customer base while practices on a productive half acre at caring for the land.

The Seed Farm. She is a first-generation farmer with a background in social Q: What’s something you are excited about growing this work, now pursuing her true passion for season? growing food and feeding her community.

Since it is my first season, I am excited to grow everything, Taryn launched her farm at The Seed but I think I am most excited to have the space to grow Farm after being part of the vegetable things I couldn’t when I was farming in my tiny backyard production crew for two seasons at a like various types of winter squash, onions, and potatoes! I local farm. also am looking forward to experimenting with things I’ve never grown.

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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.

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Scan here to donate!

@CommunityActionLV CommunityActionLV.org

Second Harvest Food Bank’s Second Harvest Food Bank’s Take Action Against Hunger Night Take Action Against Hunger Night

UPCOMING EVENTS MAIL A CHECK MAIL A CHECK

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

COMMUNITY ACTION LEHIGH VALLEY

Spring Plant Sale Farm-to-Table Dinner Farm-to-Table Dinner

Community Action Lehigh Valley Community Action Lehigh Valley Attn: Development Attn: Development 1337 East Street 1337 East 5th5th Street Bethlehem, 18015 Bethlehem, PAPA 18015

The Seed Farm | Saturday, May 10th • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMIf |you’d May 11th • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM program, IfSunday, you’d your donation support a specific program, Saturday, 10/5 • 4:30 - 7:00 likelike your donation to to support a specific Saturday, 10/5 • 4:30 - 7:00 PMPM please write that on the check memo or attach a note. please write that on the check memo or attach a note.

Sixth Street Shelter Day The Seed Farm Greenhouse The Seed Farm Greenhouse Sixth Street Shelter | Saturday, June 7th • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Register Event.Gives/FarmDinner2024 Register at:at: Event.Gives/FarmDinner2024

DONATE ONLINE DONATE ONLINE

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar (Spanish, in-person) Our online form makes it quick and easy donate.

Our online form makes it quick and easy to to donate.

First-Time Home Buyer’s Seminar

First-Time Home Buyer’s Seminar Learning Minds Education Center | June 7th & 14th • 8:15Please AM - 1:00 PM Please visit our website visit our website at at English: Saturday, November & 16th (Virtual) English: Saturday, November 9th9th & 16th (Virtual) CommunityActionLV.org/Donate.

CommunityActionLV.org/Donate.

FallSábado, Plant Sale Español: Sábado, Octubre & 12 persona) Español: Octubre 5 &5 12 (En(En persona) The SeedAction Farm |Lehigh Saturday, August 16th • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Sunday, August 17th • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Community Valley Community Room Community Action Lehigh Valley Community Room RECURRING DONATION RECURRING DONATION Register CommunityActionLV.org/HousingCounseling First-Time Homebuyer Seminar (English, in-person) Your monthly helps continue offer programs Register at:at: CommunityActionLV.org/HousingCounseling Your monthly giftgift helps usus continue to to offer ourour programs and resources to the people who need it most.

Visit Saturday, September 6th & 13th and resources to the people who need it most. Visit

CALV’s 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting CALV’s 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting

CALV’s 11/20 Annual• Meeting Wednesday, 11:00 - 1:00 Wednesday, 11/20 • 11:00 AMAM - 1:00 PMPM Wind Creek Bethlehem | Wednesday, November 19th Wind Creek Bethlehem Wind Creek Bethlehem Register Event.Gives/24AnnualMeeting Register at:at: Event.Gives/24AnnualMeeting

COMMUNITY ACTION Community Action Lehigh Valley’s Second Harvest Food Bank’s Empty Bowls Second Harvest Food Bank’s Empty Bowls Friday, 4/4• ArtsQuest • ArtsQuest BETHLEHEM DEVELOPMENT Friday, 4/4 Yosko Summer Kick-Off Event Spring Plant Sale 2025 Spring Plant Sale 2025

Advocacy Saturday, May 31st Saturday + Sunday, 5/10 + 11• The • The Seed Farm Saturday + Sunday, 5/10 + 11 Seed Farm Yosko Festival & Movie Business Start-Up and Night Development Thursday, July 17th

Rising Tide Community Loan Fund Movie Night & Festival at Bayard Park

Food Access and Nutrition Monday, July 28th

Second Harvest Bank, The Seed Farm Holiday on theFood Southside Friday, December 5th Housing

Housing Counseling, Weatherization, Community Action Homes

Neighborhood Revitalization

Slate Belt Rising, Community Action Development Allentown, Community Action Development Bethlehem

Youth

Generation Next

1337 E 5th Bethlehem, 1337 E 5th St,St, Bethlehem, PAPA

CommunityActionLV.org/Donate and select ‘Recurring CommunityActionLV.org/Donate and select ‘Recurring Donation’to to your monthly, quarterly, annual gift.

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LEGACY GIVING LEGACY GIVING

You make your mark on Community Action You cancan make your mark onValley’s Community Action byby Community Action Lehigh planning a gift to us in your will.

We have partnered with planning a gift to us in your will. We have partnered with FreeWill, easy-to-use online tool that guides FreeWill, anan easy-to-use online tool that guides youyou through making your will, 100% cost-free.

Visit through making your will, 100% cost-free. Visit FreeWill.com/CommunityActionLV learn more.

Advocacy FreeWill.com/CommunityActionLV to to learn more.

BusinessGIFTS Start-Up MATCHING GIFTS and Development MATCHING Rising Tide Community Loan Fund

Your workplace may have a matching gifts program that Your workplace may have a matching gifts program that will double your donation!

To find out if you’re eligible, will double your donation! To find out if you’re eligible, Foodvisit Access and Nutrition please visit CommunityAction.org/MatchingGifts. please CommunityAction.org/MatchingGifts.

Second Harvest Food Bank, The Seed Farm

CREDIT TAXTAX CREDIT Housing

Receive up 90% credit your youth Receive upCounseling, to to 90% taxtax credit onon your giftgift to to ourour youth Housing Weatherization, programs Educational Improvement Credit programs viavia thethe Educational Improvement TaxTax Credit Community Action Homes program.

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Slate Belt Rising, Community Action Development Allentown, Community Action Development Bethlehem SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

learn how sponsor event program, To To learn how youyou cancan sponsor anan event or or program, Youth Dawn Godshall D please contact our Associate Executive Director please contact our Associate Executive Director of of Generation Next P ExecutiveBarbara Director of Community Action Lehig Development, Barbara Kochard, bkochard@caclv.org Development, Kochard, at at bkochard@caclv.org 484-893-1137.

Design/Editing: Working Dog Press or or 484-893-1137.

Photography by Marco Calderon

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@CommunityActionLV @CommunityActionLV

mission of Community Action Lehigh Valley is improve to improve quality of life in the Lehigh Valley TheThe mission of Community Action Lehigh Valley is to thethe quality of life in the Lehigh Valley surrounding areas building communities in which people have access to economic andand surrounding areas by by building communities in which all all people have access to economic opportunity, ability to pursue opportunity, a voice in the decisions affect their lives. opportunity, thethe ability to pursue thatthat opportunity, andand a voice in the decisions thatthat affect their lives.

CommunityActionLV.org CommunityActionLV.org