Non-profit organization wants residents’ input on where to locate a new Easton Promise Neighborhood.

Easton, Pa. – October 8, 2014 – Regional non-profit organization Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is continuing its Easton Public Meetings this month as it continues to obtain the public’s input on where a new Easton Promise Neighborhood should be located within the city.

PNLV established its first neighborhood in the Old Allentown Historic District in the city’s downtown seven years ago. The success of Allentown Promise Neighborhood has lead the organization to expand its model to the valley’s other two cities in the coming years.

Easton Promise Neighborhood Manager Ammar Sharif has compiled data about residents of the city’s four neighborhoods, which is being presented to the public at Town Hall meetings.

Meetings will take place at:

Lafayette College
Pardee Hall, Room 102 A – 730 High Street
October 9 – 7-8:30 p.m.

Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation
1101 Northampton St., Suite 101
October 15 – 6:30-8 p.m.

Boys and Girls Club of Easton
508 Charles Street
October 21 – 6-7:30 p.m.

Third Street Alliance for Women and Children
41 N. Third Street
October 22 – 6-7:30 p.m.

Food and beverages will be provided to attendees, and giveaway items will also be handed out.

Examples of some of the data being reported at the public meetings include:

· Income – Median household income for property owners – $56,107; media household income for renters – $27,357
· Education – EASD grade 5 students at Basic or Below Basic on the 2012-2013 PSSA Exams – 31% math; 43% reading.
· Income & housing – 43% of Easton residents pay 35% or more of their income toward their gross rent each month. (30% is considered the maximum)
· Poverty – in 2012, 20.8% of all families fell below the poverty line within the last 12 months. 36% of families with single mother households fell below the poverty line.

Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, the U.S. Department of Education’s federal Promise Neighborhoods program is an initiative designed to break the cycle of generational poverty by wrapping children in a pipeline of health, social, and educational supports from birth through college. It utilizes efforts to mobilize residents, community partners, educational institutions, and business leaders to ensure the success of children from birth to career so they will thrive, succeed in school and become vital members in the community.

About Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley
Founded in 2007, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley unites residents and leaders from various sectors to ensure the success of children from birth through career. Promise Neighborhoods, a subsidiary of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, accomplishes its work through place-based, collective impact efforts, like Allentown Promise Neighborhood. Its office is located at 347 N. 8th Street in Downtown Allentown. For more information, visit www.PromiseNeighborhoodsLV.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Tracey Werner, Blabbermouth Communications
610-730-4515, tracey@blabbermouthcommunications.com