Draft:Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley

Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit organization based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, United States. . Founded in 2007, the organization aims to address intergenerational poverty and improve educational outcomes for children and families in underserved communities.

The initiative is part of the broader Promise Neighborhoods movement initiated by the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City. Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley collaborates with local schools, community organizations , and government agencies to provide services and support to residents.

Promise Neighborhoods mobilize their local resources —people, businesses, programs, and services, to develop self-governing bodies that practice shared decision-making, shared resources, shared accountability, and shared outcomes for the children living and learning in the neighborhood.

Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley focuses on early childhood education, youth development , family support services, health and wellness initiatives , and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based programs, the organization works to uphold their mission of breaking the cycle of poverty while fostering upward mobility.

Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley has received funding from both public and private sources, including grants from philanthropic foundations and government agencies to support communities regardless of background or circumstance.

Mission
Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley's mission is to ensure that children have the resources and support they need to succeed, from cradle to career in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It is the mission of PNLV to foster cooperation among residents and with the greater Lehigh Valley to create safe, healthy, vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods, which expects children to suceed in school and where adults and familes thrive and want to live.

History
Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is an organization founded in 2007. It was initiated by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The organization brings together residents and leaders from diverse sectors to support the success of children from infancy to their careers. On January 1, 2015, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley transitioned to operating independently from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. It became an autonomous nonprofit organization, retaining the name Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley.

Region
The Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV) corporate office is located at 333 W. Union Street, Allentown, PA 18102. PNLV serves three neighborhoods from Old Allentown to South Bethlehem to Easton’s West Ward. . The Allentown Promise Neighborbood encompasses the nine-square-block area bounded by Hall, 10th, Turner and Liberty streets and is home to roughly 5,200 people. The Easton Promose Neighborhood emcompasses the city of Easton's West Ward from 10th to 15th streets. . The Bethlehem Promise Neighborhood encompasses two areas of the Christmas City- Census tract 112 on the Southside and also the Northeast's Pembroke Village/Marvine area. Programs and Training.

Programs and Trainings
Zero Youth Violence- Zero Youth Violence is an anti-violence program in Allentown, Pennsylvania dedicated to fostering hope, a sense of belonging, and agency among residents. Cure Violence is a violence prevention strategy that employs techniques to detect and interrupt conflicts, and provide support to individuals at the highest risk and promote changes in social norms.

Leadership Without Limits- Leadership Without Limits (LWL) is an initiative introduced by Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV). It aims to cultivate leadership qualities such as courage, integrity, humility, curiosity, creativity, and an understanding of systemic issues, including those related to white supremacy. The goal of this initiative is to empower and support individuals to become leaders within their own communities by way of developing community cohorts, utilizing established leaders and resources within the community as a means of inspiring and cultivating future leaders.

HEART- The HEART is a partnership between communities and healthcare professionals for the purpose of iimproving health care by involving sectors of the community who have historically been excluded from the decision-making processes regarding their own care.

Community Wellness- Community initiatives aimed at enhancing PNLV neighborhoods' surroundings, include programs such as the "Community Bike Works," urban gardening projects, block parties, and beautification efforts as well as home renovations facilitated through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Training- The Parent T.R.E.E. is an educational resource designed to provide parents with information about trauma history and to help them develop trauma-informed skills, restorative practices, emotional intelligence, equity, and advocacy.

Board Members/Notable Members
Yamil Sanchez Rivera- Executive Director (Jan 2014- Oct 2016)

Dr. Cynthia Mota- Community Manager (DATES?)

Dr. Hasshan Batts- Executive Director (February 2017 - Present)

Pastor Gregory Edwards- Chair

Julie Thomases- Board Member

Sharon Fraser- Treasurer

Camilla Green- Board Member

Yuriko De La Cruz- Secretary

Milagros Canales- Board Member