The award, presented by The Preventive Measures Foundation, honors individuals whose work has created meaningful, measurable change in the community.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (February 17, 2026) – The Preventive Measures Foundation (The PM Foundation) named New Bethany Inc’s Executive Director, John Marc Rittle, the recipient of this year’s Community Impact Award at the third annual Fire & Ice Gala, which took place at the Centennial at Homewood Suites in Center Valley on Friday, Feb. 13.
“We can’t house people without access to mental and behavioral health services. It’s an area that touches so many of the neighbors New Bethany serves every day,” said Rittle. “This award reflects the collective work of New Bethany’s staff, partners and community members who show up with compassion and urgency. I’m grateful to The PM Foundation for its continued commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities across the Lehigh Valley.”
The Community Impact Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong community presence and outreach to diverse communities, and whose work has created tangible change in the community.
Rittle has served as the executive director of New Bethany since 2018, guiding the organization through substantial growth and rising community need. Under his leadership, New Bethany has significantly expanded its services and reach. The organization has tripled in size since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing from a $1 million to a $3 million operation.
In 2025, New Bethany received the Excellent Nonprofit Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council, and the nonprofit was recognized for its 40 years in the community through the Chamber’s Milestone Award at its 2025 Annual Meeting.
Rittle actively advocates for housing at both the regional and state levels. He sits on the Bethlehem Housing Authority Board, the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board’s Governance Board and the Pennsylvania Interagency Coordinating Council, where he was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro.
Rittle was one of four champions honored at the gala for their commitment to enhancing wellness and quality of life for individuals in the Lehigh Valley community. Additional honorees include:
‒ Darian Colbert, executive director of Cohesion Network: Champion Award
‒ Veronica Gonzales, CEO of Valley Health Partners: Circle of Excellence Award
‒ Linda Vega, district judge for Lehigh County: Courage Award
The PM Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed as the philanthropic extension of Preventive Measures, a trusted provider of mental health and supportive services for over 15 years. The organization serves to build a foundation of mental wellness and prevention to promote abundant living in underserved communities through essential education, investment and support. The PM Foundation plays a vital role in addressing health challenges, promoting awareness, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to mental wellness and ensuring that individuals have access to resources that foster thriving communities.
Learn more about the Fire & Ice Awards Gala by visiting www.thepmfoundation.org/awards-gala.
About New Bethany Inc.
New Bethany Inc. offers hope and support to neighbors who experience poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. They believe that all people, regardless of circumstances, should be treated with dignity and care without judgment. No one who seeks help is turned away. New Bethany meets people where they are by offering wraparound services designed to remove barriers and assist individuals and families in reaching self-sufficiency. It starts with a meal and other
street-level human services, including showers, laundry services, mailing address, and access to their Choice Food Pantry, and continues with housing assistance, job search support and tools, and case management. To learn more about New Bethany, find them on Facebook @NewBethanyLV or visit them on the web at www.newbethany.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Amiee Goldy
