Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit organization based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, United States[1][2]. Founded in 2007, the organization aims to address intergenerational poverty[3] and improve educational outcomes[4] for children and families in underserved communities.[5]
The initiative is part of the broader Promise Neighborhoods movement, inspired by the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City.[6] Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley works collaboratively with local schools[7], community organizations[8], and government agencies[9] to provide a comprehensive range of services and support to residents.
Each neighborhood mobilizes its unique assets[10]—people, businesses, programs and services[11], resources, public policy—within self-governing bodies that practice shared decision-making, shared resources, shared accountability, and shared outcomes for the children living and learning in the neighborhood. Promise Neighborhoods view each community through the lens of its unique assets, aiming to vision a better future measured by how well these resources coordinate around clear results for children.
Key focus areas of Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley include early childhood education[12], youth development[13], family support services, health and wellness initiatives[14], and community engagement[15]. Through strategic partnerships[16] and evidence-based programs, the organization seeks to create a holistic and sustainable approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering upward mobility.
Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley has received funding from both public and private sources, including grants[17][18] from philanthropic foundations[19] and government agencies[20].
With a mission to create a pathway to success for all residents, regardless of background or circumstance[21], Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact through ongoing collaboration and community-driven initiatives[22].
Mission
editPromise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley's mission is to ensure that children have the resources and support they need to succeed, from cradle to career in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It is the mission of PNLV to foster cooperation among residents and with the greater Lehigh Valley to create safe, healthy, vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods, which expects children to suceed in school and where adults and familes thrive and want to live.
History
editPromise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is an organization founded in 2007. It was initiated by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The organization brings together residents and leaders from diverse sectors to support the success of children from infancy to their careers. Promise Neighborhoods achieves its objectives through place-based, collective impact initiatives. On January 1, 2015, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley transitioned to operating independently from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley[23]. It became an autonomous nonprofit organization, retaining the name Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley.
Region
editThe Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV) corporate office is located at 333 W. Union Street, Allentown, PA 18102. PNLV serves three neighborhoods from Old Allentown to South Bethlehem to Easton’s West Ward.[24][25]. The Allentown Promise Neighborbood encompasses the nine-square-block area bounded by Hall, 10th, Turner and Liberty streets and is home to roughly 5,200 people.[26] The Easton Promose Neighborhood emcompasses the city of Easton's West Ward from 10th to 15th streets.[27]. The Bethlehem Promise Neighborhood encompasses two areas of the Christmas City- Census tract 112 on the Southside and also the Northeast's Pembroke Village/Marvine area.[28][29][30]
Programs and Training
editZero Youth Violence- Zero Youth Violence is an anti-violence program in Allentown, Pennsylvania, operating as a city collaborative effort. It is a component of Promise Neighborhoods, an initiative dedicated to fostering hope, a sense of belonging, and agency among residents. Cure Violence is a violence prevention strategy that employs techniques akin to disease control methods. These include detecting and interrupting conflicts, identifying and providing support to individuals at the highest risk, and promoting changes in social norms.[31]
Leadership Without Limits- Leadership Without Limits (LWL) is an initiative introduced by Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV). It aims to cultivate leadership qualities such as courage, integrity, humility, curiosity, creativity, and an understanding of systemic issues, including those related to white supremacy. The goal of this initiative is to empower and support individuals to become leaders within their own communities by way of developing community cohorts, utilizing established leaders and resources within the community as a means of inspiring and cultivating future leaders.[32]
HEART- The HEART initiative aims to foster partnerships between communities and healthcare professionals, inviting collaboration and mutual support. Through HEART, new partnerships for inclusive health are being developed, with input from those who have historically been excluded from decision-making processes regarding their own care. Individuals grappling with addiction, homelessness, or prior incarceration often encounter significant stigma within healthcare institutions. When seeking assistance, they may face labeling and blame for their circumstances, leading to a loss of trust and disengagement from healthcare and social services. This exclusion exacerbates unmet needs, contributes to poor health outcomes, and increases the risk of premature mortality. [33]
Community Wellness- Community initiatives aimed at enhancing PNLV neighborhoods' surroundings, include programs such as the "Community Bike Works," urban gardening projects, block parties, and beautification efforts as well as home renovations facilitated through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.[34] [35] [36]
Training- The Parent T.R.E.E. film series is an educational resource designed to provide parents with information about trauma history and to help them develop trauma-informed skills. It aims to enhance knowledge about restorative practices, promote an understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence in both parents and children, recognize the need for equity, and encourage advocacy for systems change. The series consists of six modules, each covering different aspects of these topics.[37]
Board Members/Notable Members
editYamil Sanchez Rivera- Executive Director (Jan 2014- Oct 2016)[38]
Dr. Cynthia Mota- Community Manager (DATES?)[39]
Dr. Hasshan Batts- Executive Director (February 2017 - Present)
Pastor Gregory Edwards- Chair
Julie Thomases- Board Member
Sharon Fraser- Treasurer
Camilla Green- Board Member
Yuriko De La Cruz- Secretary
Milagros Canales- Board Member
References
edit- ^ Ledger, The Valley (2014-10-08). "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY CONTINUES EASTON PUBLIC MEETINGS IN OCTOBER". The Valley Ledger | Its All About The Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Community Growth & Development". Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Ledger, The Valley (2015-07-13). "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY BEGINS 2015 NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEYS". The Valley Ledger | Its All About The Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Butz, Jeff (2013-04-22). "Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley". lehighvalleylive. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ https://www.allentownpa.gov/Portals/0/files/Planning_Zoning/CCI_StrategicPlan.pdf
- ^ "The Harlem Children's Zone, Promise Neighborhoods, and the Broader, Bolder Approach to Education". Brookings. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Allentown School District Awarded $2.5 Million Education Grant". unt.allentownsd.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Promise Food & Wellness Center provides community resources | PHOTOS". The Morning Call. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Lehigh Valley mayors form coalition". The Brown and White. 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Ledger, The Valley (2016-05-16). "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY SELECTS TWO AREAS FOR ITS NEW BETHLEHEM PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD". The Valley Ledger | Its All About The Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Santoro, Janine (March 25, 2024). "bethlehem-pa.gov/en/projects Violence Prevention". webuild.bethlehem-pa.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ Koltnow, Bo (2013-05-02). "Promise Neighborhoods works to give underprivileged kids access to preschool". WFMZ.com. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Allentown School District Awarded $2.5 Million Education Grant". rau.allentownsd.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "At Promise Center in Allentown, community's health needs met with more than food". The Morning Call. 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Reinhard, Jack (2023-12-31). "Promise Neighborhoods leads call to action after Allentown shootings". WFMZ.com. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Merlin, Michelle (2023-06-23). "'Help-people-heal'". The Morning Call. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Pa. awards Lehigh Valley religious organizations, nonprofit groups security funding". LehighValleyNews.com. 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "LVHN, Promise Neighborhoods Receive Over $1.9 Million for Cure Violence Program | WDIY Local News". WDIY | Lehigh Valley Public Radio. 2022-01-31. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Harry C. Trexler Estate | Allentown, PA | Cause IQ". www.causeiq.com. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ lehighvalleylive.com, Kurt Bresswein | For (2023-07-14). "Pa. Lt. Gov. Davis visits Allentown on tour to combat gun violence". lehighvalleylive. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Koltnow, Bo (2022-08-20). "Promise Neighborhood of the Lehigh Valley has cool day planned for kids". WFMZ.com. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "2021 LV". BTG. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley". United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Community Growth & Development". Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY BEGINS 2015 NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEYS IN DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN AND WEST WARD EASTON". Easton, PA Patch. 2015-07-13. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ Express-Times, Edward Sieger | The (2015-01-09). "Allentown Promise Neighborhood dramatically expands footprint for 2015". lehighvalleylive. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ lehighvalleylive.com, Rudy Miller | For (2015-03-30). "Easton Promise Neighborhood looks to make connections in West Ward". lehighvalleylive. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY HOLDING SERIES OF BETHLEHEM PUBLIC MEETINGS IN MARCH AND APRIL". Easton, PA Patch. 2015-03-05. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ Ledger, The Valley (2016-05-16). "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY SELECTS TWO AREAS FOR ITS NEW BETHLEHEM PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD". The Valley Ledger | Its All About The Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/CityOfBethlehem/media/COBfiles/oldbeth/pdf/BethCensusReport2010.pdf
- ^ "Zero Youth Violence". Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ "Lehigh Valley Initiatives for Equity". The Brown and White. 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ "Your View by St. Luke's Sacred Heart: How we are focused on the health of our Allentown neighborhood". www.slhn.org. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ lehighvalleylive.com, Melissa Reph | For (2016-07-29). "Promise Neighborhood to host South Bethlehem block party". lehighvalleylive. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ https://planningpa.org/wp-content/uploads/C1.-UpsideAllentownPlan.pdf
- ^ Ledger, The Valley (2016-05-16). "PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY SELECTS TWO AREAS FOR ITS NEW BETHLEHEM PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD". The Valley Ledger | Its All About The Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ Valley, Resilient Lehigh (2021-09-24). "Parent Workshop Equips Families with Tools to Manage Trauma and Build Resilience". Resilient Lehigh Valley. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ McHugh, Laura (2015-01-09). "Promise Neighborhoods of the LV delivers 2014 Status of the Promises". WFMZ.com. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ "Council Members". www.allentownpa.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-25.