UPDATE:
Getting Ahead Program
  
We have been closely monitoring the rapid spread of COVID-19 and have unfortunately been forced to suspend the in-person portion of this important and vital program. Instead, we have continued to stay in touch with the thirteen families by delivering meals to their homes, having conference calls allowing them to share concerns and for us to connect them with resources and emergency information.
 
In these troubled times, it is the poor who experience this pandemic in a much more devastating way. They have not only lost their support system because organizations they depend on, were forced to close down leaving just a skeleton crew of people to handle the vast numbers of people already in the system.  They are also among those who have lost their jobs. 
  
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Getting Ahead
​in the Valley

A Bridges Out of Poverty ​Program
This new initiative here in Lewisburg utilizes the work of Ruby Payne's "Bridges Out of Poverty."  Rather than give people enough to survive, we strive to provide programs and opportunities and relationships that will help people overcome the obstacles faced in poverty.  Instead of becoming dependent and beholden to the system, we strive to create a program that gives people the opportunity, the skills and the confidence to rise up out of morass that is poverty in this country.
We are excited to be offering two 16 week classes. The first one began in Milton and the second  will hopefully be in Lewisburg begin in August. 

Help Needed

In most cases, they were already living paycheck to paycheck with no reserve, and now they are in danger of not being able to provide for their families in the most basic ways. And now, as a result of people being furloughed these families are growing therefore the needs are growing as well. 

We are committed to helping these families and would appreciate monetary donations to help us provide food, household products and other basic needs at this time.  And if you are able, we are looking for folks willing to make deliveries to each home.  If you are able and are interested, please contact me at peltiercynthia4@gmail.com.
 
Sincerely,
Cynthia Peltier
Director

Current Needs 
Household items, non-perishable food items , Gift cards from Walmart, Giant and Weis Markets and Sheets
Over 17 weeks, our facilitators help participants develop their own plans for stability.  The process does not provide answers or make the argument for change.  The participants in this program bring the motivation, insight, and planning.  The initiative is offered at no cost to interested families who are ready to begin moving from poverty to stability.  We work on the micro and macro impacts of poverty and create a future story for their family.  Once the goals are set, the participants are matched with a volunteer ally who walks alongside them towards a stable life. 

What's Provided?

  • Childcare and meal
  • Workbook
  • Stipend
  • Transportation if needed

Our Goals

  • Move individuals to self-sufficiency
  • Reduce Social costs
  • Strengthen educational attainment and job skills
  • improve on-the-job productivity
  • revitalize neighborhoods
  • Build sustainable communities where everyone can live well.
For more information, check our getting ahead in the valley page by clicking the button below.
OUR MISSION: 
Empowering individuals and uniting community. 

​We envision a community where all individuals, organizations, businesses, share ideas, talents, and resources in order to contribute to a connected, caring, healthy, and vibrant community. 
The CommUnity Zone relies on contributions from people in our community.  Please consider a donation today so we can keep doing the work. Thank you!!!