ALLENTOWN, Pa. — State and local officials gathered Friday at a Center City church to celebrate a program that’s helped fund more than a dozen projects in the Lehigh Valley.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis led the plaudits for the “wildly successful” Neighborhood Assistance Program, which is set to funnel $72 million in tax credits this year to businesses that contribute to nonprofits and their initiatives.
"They need places where they can learn and dream, to see that the world is bigger than just their neighborhood where they come from.”Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
More than $2.7 million of that funding is earmarked to offset businesses’ contributions to organizations in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
That includes $617,500 for the Youth Police Academy and Lawson Freedom School at Resurrected Life Community Church on Hamilton Street, where officials spoke Friday morning.
Davis paid tribute to local organizations — such as Community Action Lehigh Valley, which runs those programs — for serving kids.
“I know firsthand how important it is for young people to have safe and supportive places to go after school and during those critical summer months,” Davis said.
“They need places where they can learn and dream, to see that the world is bigger than just their neighborhood where they come from.”
'Remarkably smart investment'
Dawn Godshall, Community Action’s chief executive officer, said the NAP program is “benefits local neighborhoods [and] also encourages sustained corporate engagement.”
Businesses’ contributions to nonprofits are “not only a catalyst for transformational community change, it is also a remarkably smart investment,” she said.
But an Allentown eight-grader stole the show from the group of high-profile officials.
“I want to encourage all elected officials to invest in youth programs like that, as they are beneficial to our youth in our community."Anaya Rivera, Allentown Police Athletic League mentor
Anaya Rivera said she’s had “life-changing opportunities and [gained] essential leadership skills” as a mentor with the Police Athletic League
The program “helps shape children into leaders within their community,” Rivera said.
She finished her speech with a plea to the many lawmakers behind her.
“I want to encourage all elected officials to invest in youth programs like that, as they are beneficial to our youth in our community,” Rivera said before receiving a standing ovation.
NAP funding also will support Community Action Lehigh Valley’s six-year “Southside’s Tomorrow” action plan and ArtsQuest’s $32 million new Creative Factory to replace the Banana Factory, as well as several initiatives in Easton and New Bethany’s efforts to prevent homelessness.
