helping people
help themselves
rooted. resilient. rising.
transformative work in our community.
introduction
letter from leadership
what we do
Who we serve
our partnerships
Financials
our team
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Thank you to our donors
Save the Date!
introduction
letters from leadership
what we do
Who we serve
our partnerships
Financials
our team
Thank you to our donors
Save the Date!
Rooted in Community, Growing Together
a note from our board president
Since its founding in 1968, community has been at the heart of ProJeCt. When Protestant, Jewish and Catholic leaders came together, they ignited a movement rooted in caring and connection.
They built a strong foundation offering not only services, but also trust, dignity and hope.
For 57 years, our strong roots in our community have allowed us to continue to grow. It is what has carried us through times of challenge and continues to ground us as we expand our impact. Each volunteer hour, every act of generosity, and every partnership strengthens these roots and ensures that ProJeCt remains a vital source of support for thousands of people in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
As I reflect on the past year, I am inspired by how our roots have deepened. From long-standing partnerships with community organizations to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, ProJeCt is sustained by people who believe in the power of opportunity and education. These strong foundations are what enable us to be resilient in the face of obstacles and to rise toward a brighter future.
On behalf of the Board ofDirectors, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and community. You are the reason ProJeCt is not only rooted in Easton’s history, but also firmly planted in its future.
Together, we will continue to nurture hope, opportunity, and lasting change for generations to come.
With gratitude,
we are building a healthier, more resilient community for all.
a note from our executive director
For 57 years, ProJeCt has been deeply rooted in this community. From our earliest days, we have stood alongside families, students, and neighbors, offering a foundation of support, opportunity, and hope.
This year, our students showed us the meaning of resilience. Despite facing fear and uncertainty, they kept walking through our doors, choosing courage, perseverance, and hope as they worked to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
As an organization, we reflect that same resilience. ProJeCt has always adapted to change, listening closely to our community and responding to its evolving priorities. When we see barriers, we break them down. When we see opportunities, we rise to expand and ensure more people can access the tools they need to thrive.
Looking ahead, we are excited about ProJeCt’s bright future. The purchase of the 22,000-square-foot building on the South Side of Easton will allow us to expand our services and meet the growing needs of our community. This new space is a bold step forward, ensuring that ProJeCt will remain a place of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
By working side by side with community partners, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also creating pathways to long-term stability and empowerment. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient community for all.
Our history is strong. Our present is steadfast. Our future is rising.
With your support, we will continue to grow, adapt, and ensure that opportunity is always within reach for those who seek it.
With gratitude,
Our Mission
entire families.
a note from our DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
This past year has been one of growth, collaboration, and impact for ProJeCt’s programs.Through our core services: Adult Education, Family Literacy, Emergency Assistance, the Food Pantry, and School-Based Programs, we continue to stand with our families across the community while expanding our reach through bold new partnerships.
Adult Education remains at the heart of our mission. Each year, we provide free classes in literacy, math, and English as a Second Language - equipping adults with the skills they need for employment, higher education, and greater independence. From earning their GED® to gaining the confidence to help their children with schoolwork, our students show how education transforms not only individuals but entire families.
Family Literacy builds on this momentum, equipping parents and children with the tools to learn and grow together. These programs form the foundation for generational change—breaking cycles of low literacy, strengthening family bonds, and igniting long-term success across our community.
Emergency Assistance allows us to respond swiftly when crises strike, offering stability in moments of greatest need. This past year, we deepened our impact through new partnerships that extend our reach and compassion. With Psalm 34:6, we supported outreach to homeless encampments, providing nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for neighbors without access to cooking facilities. In partnership with Christ United Methodist Church, we shared food from our pantry to supply their soup kitchen, where hot meals nourish those experiencing homelessness. Recognizing the added strain of winter, we expanded relief efforts by distributing tents, sleeping bags, and blankets—helping vulnerable community members to stay safe and warm. Together, these efforts ensure that when emergencies arise, ProJeCt stands ready to meet urgent needs with dignity and care.Our
Food Pantry also innovated this year through a new collaboration with The Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Many families facing food insecurity also struggle to feed their pets. By launching a pet food pantry, we help keep families and their companion animals together.
Finally, our Adult Education and Family Literacy programs expanded in partnership with FamilyConnections. At Paxinosa Elementary School, we now offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for parents, empowering families to bolster communication, education, and opportunity.
Each of these initiatives reflects our belief that collaboration makes us stronger. Together, we are resilient in the face of growing needs and rising to meet new opportunities, changing lives, and one program at a time.
With deepest respect,
we are proud of the progress we’ve made and energized by what lies ahead
a note from the early education center
Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning, growth, and success. At our center, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to enter school ready to thrive. The first five years are critical in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social development, and our program is committed to giving children the strongest possible start.
Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that every child is unique. Through ongoing assessments, our teachers identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth, then tailor instruction to build skills in language, motor development, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning. This individualized approach ensures children are supported in the ways that matter most.
We also know that children learn best when families are engaged. That’s why family literacy is central to our program. When parents gain the skills and confidence to be their child’s first teacher, learning begins at home—and families grow stronger, more resilient, and ready to support success for years to come. Parent workshops, resources, and coaching sessions provide the tools and confidence families need to nurture a love of reading, curiosity, and discovery from the very beginning.
This year, our early childhood center underwent a complete transformation. Bright, welcoming classrooms were redesigned to be more conducive to exploration, creativity, and motor skill development. From interactive learning centers to play-based environments, every detail was crafted to help children grow. At the same time, we invested in our teachers, training staff to become Child Development Associates (CDAs) and launching a new curriculum designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth. Supporting our teachers elevates the entire program and allows us to deliver the highest quality care and education.
As we reflect this year, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and energized by what lies ahead. By investing in children through individualized education, engaged families, and nurturing environments, we are rising to prepare the next generation for kindergarten—and a lifetime of learning and success.
Sincerely,
our programs
who we served
impact report
our students come from 36 different countries
in our programs:
sizzle! program
helping people
help themselves
A NOTE FROM OUR DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Last year was a record-breaking one for ProJeCt of Easton. Simply Savory, our most successful fundraiser in history, raised more than six figures to directly support our programs and brought together hundreds of friends, neighbors, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of food, connection, and impact. We also introduced Harvest Heroes, an exciting new friend-raiser that created another joyful way for the community to rally around our mission. And through the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, our teams came together to champion wellness and education—further strengthening the ties that root us deeply in the Lehigh Valley.
We are deeply grateful to our partners, donors, and sponsors whose generosity makes this work possible. Your support keeps us rooted in our long-standing commitment to helping people help themselves, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors receives the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need.
This past year brought challenges, growing demand for education programs, limited classroom space, and rising food insecurity. Yet our team, volunteers, and supporters showed extraordinary resilience, finding innovative ways to overcome barriers and meet the needs of those we serve.
Now, we are rising to new heights. The purchase of our new building will expand our capacity, creating welcoming spaces for learning, family support, and community programs. New partnerships are deepening our impact, and increased donor engagement is fueling opportunities that will transform lives across the Lehigh Valley.
Thank you for standing with us—rooted, resilient, and rising. Your support is an investment in hope, opportunity, and a stronger community for years to come.
Words from
our volunteers
“I am impressed by the people who are associated with ProJeCt Easton as well as with the many varied programs that are available. It is wonderful to hear the stories of those taking advantage of the help available. Many of those in the GED® program are working not only on their education but also are raising families and working.
ProJeCt Easton is an amazing place, and I am blessed to be associated with it.”
it is about impact.
a note from our DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
This past year has been one of both growth and responsibility for ProJeCt. The Finance Department has remained focused on safeguarding the organization’s financial health while supporting the mission-driven work that transforms lives every day.
We provided timely and transparent financial reporting so our Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and leadership team can make informed decisions and provide responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. Whether through grants, donations, or community support, our priority is to maximize impact and honor the trust of our supporters.
Over the past year, we strengthened internal controls, streamlined processes, and implemented best practices to protect ProJeCt’s financial stability. This included updating policies, enhancing financial monitoring, and equipping program managers with budget and forecasting tools. By building strong systems, we ensure accountability and create a solid foundation for future growth.
We also kept a clear focus on long-term sustainability. Careful planning and fiscal discipline enabled us to meet the rising needs of our community while preparing for tomorrow. At the same time, we actively explored new funding opportunities and partnerships aligned with our mission and vision.
Our financial health is not just about numbers, it is about impact. Each investment represents lives touched, opportunities created, and a stronger community built together.
Rooted in accountability, resilient in our stewardship, and rising with a vision for sustainability, the Finance Department is committed to ensuring that ProJeCt’s resources continue to fuel opportunity, stability, and hope for years to come.Sincerely,
moving forward
As we look ahead, ProJeCt of Easton will build on a strong foundation to expand opportunities for growth and impact. With deep roots in Easton and a vision for a brighter future, we are creating innovative pathways that meet the needs of students, families, and our community.
In the coming year, we will strengthen the Cheston Afterschool Program, offering 1st and 2nd graders a safe, structured, and enriching environment where they can build literacy, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. With small group instruction and dedicated staff, each child receives the personalized support needed to thrive.
We are also proud to launch the updated Student Success Program, introducing a new initiative for at-risk Easton Area Middle School students.
Through mentorship, life-skills training, and connections to resources, this program will empower students to stay on track, overcome barriers, and prepare for bright futures in academics and life.
Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to being rooted in community, resilient in purpose, and rising toward new possibilities. ProJeCt of Easton will continue to adapt, innovate, and serve—helping individuals and families chart a path toward lasting success.
The project team
We are immensely grateful to all donors, as each contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in making a significant impact on our community.
$250-$499 Donors
$500-$999 Donors
$1,000-$2,499 donors
$2,500-$4,999 donors
$5,000-$9,999 donors
$10,000-$14,999 donors
$15,000-$24,999 donors
$25,000 and above donors
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
UPDATE
Thanks to your generosity, our new building will serve as a welcoming resource center for the community.
With minor renovations complete, our Capital Campaign is now underway to fund the next phase of improvements, bringing us one step closer to opening our new building as a vibrant hub for the community. This investment—made possible by your support—will strengthen our programs, expand our reach, and ensure that ProJeCt continues to create a lasting impact for generations to come.
proudly presents
now available!
Sponsorships for Simply Savory are now open! This presents a wonderful chance to promote your business while supporting our cause. Every contribution from this event directly fuels our programs, breaking down barriers and empowering our clients toward success.
Project of Easton is
help themselves