{"id":148632,"date":"2026-04-14T20:54:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T00:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148632"},"modified":"2026-04-14T20:54:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T00:54:41","slug":"new-bethany-inc-receives-18000-through-trusted-respond-fund-at-lehigh-valley-community-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148632","title":{"rendered":"New Bethany Inc. Receives $18,000 Through Trusted Respond Fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The funding will support New Bethany\u2019s Southside Drop-in Center Digital Inclusion Project.<\/em><\/p>\n

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (April 13, 2026) \u2013\u00a0New Bethany Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing food access, housing and social services to those experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness, received $18,000 from the 2025-26 Trusted Response Fund (TRF). Part of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation\u2019s Capacity Building Leadership Grantmaking, the funds from the grant will support New Bethany\u2019s Southside Drop-in Center Digital Inclusion Project.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccess to technology is no longer a luxury; it\u2019s essential for navigating daily life,\u201d said Veronne Demesyeux, associate executive director of New Bethany. \u201cThis funding allows us to better support our neighbors as they apply for jobs, connect with health care and access critical resources. We\u2019re grateful to the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and its fundholders for recognizing the importance of digital equity and investing in solutions that promote dignity and opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Further supported by research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, a\u00a02022 report<\/a>\u00a0found that reliable digital technology is not only essential for remote work or learning but also for everyday basic tasks, such as scheduling doctors’ appointments. The analysis also found that counties with lower rates of device access tend to have greater percentages of people of color, higher shares of people with disabilities, and lower median household incomes.<\/p>\n

Following the loss of a Bethlehem Area Public Library grant, community members have reduced access to digital technology, creating challenges to those who rely on the library\u2019s services. New Bethany\u2019s Southside Drop-in Center will improve access to digital technology, including computers, tablets and phones, as well as internet and phone service. The nonprofit plans to purchase tablets and internet-enabled phones for the community to use.<\/p>\n

The TRF grant is made possible through contributions from the following fundholders, who contribute to foundation-directed grantmaking:<\/p>\n