Nonprofit News

Two Allentown nonprofits petitioned the city to change its community-center definition, which they called an “unduly restrictive” and “ambiguous” regulation.

Capt. Matthew Griffin, a Bethlehem firefighter for more than 18 years, has been chosen to lead the department as its newest chief and emergency management coordinator. His first day will be July 4.

The center’s Board of Trustees said it will form a search committee this summer to begin the process of selecting Erickson’s successor, with the goal to announce a new CEO by spring 2026.

A public hearing is slated for 6 p.m. Wednesday, just before Allentown City Council considers changing the definition of a community center.

Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center has a new fawn hotline, where a fawn specialist will help callers quickly determine if a newly found fawn needs help, or needs to be left alone.

A rededication ceremony of the repaired Sacred Heart of Jesus statue damaged in 2023 was held at St. Luke' Sacred Heart campus in Allentown on Friday.

The 49th annual Boutique for Hope at St. Luke's SportsPlex is a clothing and household items shopping event, with proceeds benefiting three cancer-centric departments at St. Luke's Hospital.

The property on West Packer Avenue will be rehabbed by the city and operated by the Lehigh Conference of Churches using state funding allocated to help prevent and address homelessness for individuals and families.

The two-story, 6,000-square foot building will let New Bethany grow its programs as it marks its 40th anniversary, the nonprofit said.

More than a dozen volunteers on Tuesday committed their service to the community’s schoolchildren who find themselves at odds with the law for the first time.

Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced $52.5 million in grants intended to prevent suicide. Named for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, the suicide prevention grant program is now in its second year. Its goal is to fund community-based organizations that work with veterans and their families. Last year, the VA gave awards to three groups in Pennsylvania, including more than $530,000 to St. Luke’s Penn Foundation in Carbon County. Eighty recipients won awards nationwide in the program’s first year. Grant applications are due by May 19 with awards expected to be announced in September. Selected organizations will receive funding for 2024. More information on how to apply is available at mentalhealth.va.gov.

The current president and CEO of the Greater Valley YMCA is retiring after 36 years of service to the YMCA but will continue in a consulting role to ensure the completion of major projects.

Volunteers read to elementary school students across the Lehigh Valley for Read Across America Day on Thursday. The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Reads coordinated the effort.

Professional organizers will host a free drive-thru shredding event at Freedom High School on March 25.

Bradbury-Sullivan Center presented findings from the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment, focusing on responses from Lehigh Valley residents.

Emmaus native Ashley Coleman was named executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in January 2023.

A developing community center in Emmaus, JuxtaHub is beginning to offer workshops and digital experiences using what organizers believe to be the mass media of the near future.

About 900 people dipped into the Delaware River to raise money for the Lehigh Valley's chapter of the Special Olympics.

The extra payments that participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have been getting during the COVID-19 pandemic are ending this month in Pennsylvania, leaving food banks bracing for a surge in demand.

Liz Bradbury has been an LGBTQ activist in the Lehigh Valley for more than 30 years.

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

ArtsQuest is seeking photos of local "Hometown Heroes" for their Memorial Day exhibit.