2016-2017 Annual Report (19)

Celebrating 50 Years of
Helping People Help Themselves
Our History
1968
ProJeCt was founded by local clergy and
community leaders in response to the rising tide
of poverty and social unrest. Its purpose was to
advocate for action and to provide service to an
under-served poor population in Easton, PA. The
agency name reflects the Protestant, Jewish, and
Catholic inter-faith roots of the founding
leaders.
1979
1960s-1970s
ProJeCt's founders
Early accomplishments include the
establishment of a youth center, a dental clinic, a
well baby clinic, a drop-in center for the
disabled, a citywide weatherization and housing
program, a restitution program for juvenile
offenders, and a shelter program.
Literacy education services began with a
volunteer tutoring program for adults. In the
ensuing years, ProJeCt added classroom
instruction with professional teachers offering
instruction to every level learner.
1990s
ProJeCt assumed operation of Easton's Interfaith
Food Pantry. After school programs, a summer
literacy day camp, and the Student Success
Program were introduced to meet the needs of
school age children.
1985
ProJeCt established an emergency assistance
program that helped the poor meet their most
basic needs for food, shelter, and medicine.
Today
The agency provides assistance to more than
5,000 people a year, serving the greater Lehigh
Valley. Services include an emergency assistance
and food program, case management support
services that prepare people for success in work,
school, and life, and educational programs that
include adult basic literacy, English as
a Second Language, GED® preparation, family
literacy, and supplemental education programs
for school age children.
Workforce preparation