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20 years of Southside Vision celebrated

Published February 08. 2022 11:55AM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Bethlehem Press

Christmas came early for Bethlehem’s Southside at a reception held at Northampton Community College Fowler Southside Center at 511 E. Third St, Dec. 14.

Community and neighborhood leaders, business proprietors, Bethlehem city officials, along with area foundations, and nonprofits celebrated 20 years of Southside Vision and announced “Southside’s Tomorrow,” a new Neighborhood Partnership Program.

Housing affordability and quality, investing in public and green spaces, and creating a collective community identity are targeted goals.

Mike Keim from Univest Bank and Trust presented Community Action Lehigh Valley Executive Director Dawn Godshall with a $600,000 check that represents the total funding Univest is committed to provide over the next six years.

“We are honored to contribute to this important initiative. We look forward to the positive impact that will be made through this focused community development,” said Keim.

Other corporate investors pledging annual funding commitments include Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley for $75,000, People’s Security and Trust for $50,000, PPL Electric Utilities for $50,000 and Provident Bank for $50,000.

ArtsQuest is another major community partner and key stakeholder on the Southside.

“Our partners help us to offer business development, community development and housing advocacy,” Godshall said as she expressed gratitude for the support.

Bethlehem Mayor-Elect William Reynolds praised the organization for developing a model for other entities to follow for community improvement.

“Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB) seeks to improve the quality of life in South Bethlehem and Northside 2027 neighborhoods by empowering residents and expanding economic opportunity through entrepreneurship training, housing rehabilitation and advocacy, and community development projects,” stated board member Donna Taggart.

“It has brought great pride and joy to me,” remarked CADCB Director Yadira Colon-Lopez as she looked back at two decades of community progress. “As we’re looking at to the next six years, I know that we are not building from scratch. We are building upon the things that have been laid out in the last 20 years.”

Southside businesses Hero’s Kafe, Jenny’s Kuali, Lupita and Dunkin Donuts provided refreshments.

Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB) is a subsidiary of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.

For more information, visit www.cadcb.org

Press photos by Ed Courrier In front, left, Mike Keim from Univest presents Community Action Lehigh Valley Executive Director Dawn Godshall with a $600,000 check for a new Neighborhood Partnership Program. Behind them, from left, are Elizabeth Roush, Marcus Pereira, Pete Reinke and Steve Patterson from Univest, Mayor-elect William Reynolds and CADCB Director Yadira Colon-Lopez.
Community Action Lehigh Valley Executive Director Dawn Godshall describes the need for affordable housing for the South Side.
Irene Torres from South Side Lofts and Janine Santoro. Formerly from the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side Branch, Santoro began her new job at City Hall as Director of Equity and Inclusion in January.
Anne and Craig Evans sample the ethnic fare at the Southside Vision anniversary event Dec. 14. Anne serves as a CADCB board member and her husband volunteers with the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission.
Evelyn Leon and her daughter Councilwoman Rachel Leon, receive empanadas from Xavier Martinez and Daniela Torres from Hero's Kafe on Research Drive. Hero's Kafe specializes in South American fare.
Michalina Modzelewska and Jenny Lim from Jenny's Kuali on Fourth Street are ready to serve up samples of steamed pork dumpling and other Malaysian and vegetarian cuisine.
Michelle Nuñez and her mom Rafaela Nuñez from Lupita provided beef tacos for the evening's celebration. The Mexican restaurant is located on West Fourth Street.
CADCB Community Organizer Delia Marrero staffs the information table.
“We are building upon the things that have been laid out in the last 20 years.” says CADCB Director Yadira Colon-Lopez.