PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY ANNOUNCES TWO NEW MANAGERS



PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY ANNOUNCES TWO NEW MANAGERS

Allentown, Pa. – September 19, 2014 – Allentown-based non-profit organization Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley has announced two new hires to its staff.

Amanda Raudenbush of Kutztown joined the organization as its new Manager of the Allentown Promise Neighborhood.

A graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, she holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in American Studies and Urban Studies, as well as a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers. She’s also earned certificates in Geomatics and Urban Planning from Rutgers.

Most recently a Mathematics Teacher at the I-LEAD Charter School in Reading, she’s also worked as Director of Planning and Building for Palmer Township; as a Senior Planner for Somerset County Planning Board in Somerville, NJ; and owned her own business, Jensen Planning, for two years in Kutztown.

As the organization continues to grow and expand the Promise Neighborhood model across the region, it has also promoted Ammar Sharif of Whitehall to Manager of the new Easton Promise Neighborhood. He originally joined PNLV earlier this year as a research analyst.

A graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, he previously completed internships with RenewLV and the Amy Biehl Foundation in South Africa.

Both Raudenbush and Sharif’s responsibilities include: developing, leading, and facilitating cross-sector networks related to early learning, youth development, health, housing networks; developing outcome-based network and project plans; assisting with supervising Resident and Youth Liaisons; aligning measurement and accountability of early learning network goals, strategies, and activities to Promise Neighborhoods Impact Framework Goals and Metrics; and working collaboratively with Promise Neighborhoods leadership, residents, and community stakeholders to build and sustain a culture of student success and resident ownership.

“PNLV is in the midst of a very exciting time, a time of growth and development with our work and staff,” said Executive Director Dr. Yamil Sanchez Rivera. “Amanda and Ammar will play a vital role in delivering on our promises to help children and families succeed.”

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