ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An Allentown nonprofit serving Center City children is once again offering programming five days a week after a successful appeal for help.
The Neighborhood Center announced in March that it would cut one day of programming each week as it waited for its next round of grant funding.
But the nonprofit recently restored its full slate of programs, thanks to an online fundraiser and support from one of Allentown’s top businessmen.
“When we heard about their current situation, there was no hesitation that we wanted to help."Mark Jaindl, American Bank chairman/CEO and Jaindl Properties president
Laurie Fatta Cortright, a regular volunteer with The Neighborhood Center, launched a GoFundMe that’s raised more than $2,500 from dozens of donors.
Cortright said she “fell in love” with the organization and its mission after first volunteering there last spring. She urged others to join her in supporting a “cause that means so much to me.”
'Happy' to help
And Mark Jaindl — chairman and chief executive officer of American Bank and president of Jaindl Properties, a major Lehigh Valley developer — is answering that call.
Jaindl said he and American Bank employees are happy to be able to help The Neighborhood Center "in any way we are able” after raising money for the organization in the past.
“The services that they offer to the children of Allentown, particularly in the Jordan Heights community, [are] necessary and worthwhile.”Jaindl Properties President Mark Jaindl in a release
“When we heard about their current situation, there was no hesitation that we wanted to help,” Jaindl said in a release.
“The services that they offer to the children of Allentown, particularly in the Jordan Heights community, [are] necessary and worthwhile.”
Jaindl Properties is in charge of the ambitious redevelopment project at The Waterfront along the Lehigh River.
Neighborhood Center Executive Director Karen Berard said she is “absolutely thrilled at the outpouring of support.”
The nonprofit serves about 150 kids every year. Most weekdays, more than a dozen kids are at the center, which offers an early learner program for 4-year-olds, as well as afterschool programs for elementary students and teens.
Berard said she hopes the recent funding will help The Neighborhood Center reach more children in Center City.
