From left to right: William Westhafer, NORR, Jim Hoolehan, PE, Penntex Construction Co., Inc, Richard Brooks, Brooks Development Group, Tammy L. Carter who made the Lead Gift in memory of her husband, Nelson M. Carter, Christina J. Schoemaker, MBA, CFRE, Senior Vice President of Advancement, Valley Youth House, Shannon Cawley, Kay Builders, Betsy and Patrick Schamber who named the STEM Lab, Philip C. Jackson, Chair, Valley Youth House Board of Directors and Jackson Financial Strategies, LLC, and Thomas R. Harrington, President and Executive Director of Valley Youth House. (image provided courtesy of Valley Youth House)
Orefield, PA (4/21/2025) – Valley Youth House celebrated the Grand Opening of the Carter Family Center at Camp Fowler on April 16th, providing a much-needed space for year-round recreation, learning, and community gatherings.
The event welcomed legislators, donors, and community partners to tour the new facility, enjoy a lunch reception, and hear remarks about the Carter Family Center’s role in expanding programs at Camp Fowler. Philip C. Jackson, Chair of Valley Youth House’s Board of Governors, opened the program by recognizing those in attendance, and President and Executive Director Tom Harrington reflected on Camp Fowler’s mission to offer young people experiences that build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Pennsylvania State Representatives Josh Siegel and Milou Mackenzie highlighted the importance of spaces that encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.
The vision for the Carter Family Center, started with a lead gift from Tammy L. Carter in memory of her late husband Nelson M. Carter. Through the generous donation of her home in South Carolina, Valley Youth House started the campaign to build the Carter Family Center. Tammy became interested in helping Valley Youth House provide recreational spaces for campers during times of inclement weather. Over the last three years of planning and raising the necessary funds, the vision for the building evolved into a space for indoor recreation and educational programming to compliment Camp Fowler’s enrichment programs.
Christina Schoemaker, Senior Vice President of Advancement at Valley Youth House, recognized the many generous supporters whose contributions brought the Carter Family Center to life, including Jim Hoolehan, PE, President of Penntex Construction, Rick Koze of Kay Builders, Inc., Patrick and Betsy Schamberger, Muschlitz Excavating, BEI Electrical, Patrick Schaible, The Salvaggio Family, M.A. Yeakel Sons, Inc., and other key donors.
“Delivering our life changing programs and services at Valley Youth House is only possible through community partnerships and philanthropic support. As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Camp Fowler, the Carter Family Center stands as a reminder to what is possible when a community comes together,” said Schoemaker. “Collectively through financial contributions and donations of goods and services, this $2.3 million dollar building will serve young people and families in our community for generations to come. This space reflects the strong commitment of our dozens of donors to helping young people thrive.”
For more information about Camp Fowler and the Carter Family Center, click here.
About Valley Youth House
Valley Youth House (valleyyouthhouse.org) does more than just provide homes for vulnerable young people in Pennsylvania experiencing abuse or homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.
Information provided to TVL by:
Sarah Pammer
