During the Nov. 28, 2023, Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting, Pastor Brian Riedy, from Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, shared information about the church’s efforts in the community and the Catasauqua Area School District.

This presentation is part of the coalition’s efforts to raise more awareness of the various programs and activities in the district.

“We at Holy Trinity are just trying to live, so we’ve had to redefine what it means to live,” Riedy said.

He said the church shifted its focus away from statistics, including congregation numbers and financials, and refocused on lifting each other up and “allowing ourselves to just breathe.”

He noted the pastor’s discretionary fund is used to help neighbors in need. This fund, plus tithing and other donations, has allowed the church to give thousands of dollars to Catasauqua residents in need.

Holy Trinity also gives out free food, such as chili and hot dogs, on trick-or-treat night, at the school Turkey Day game and at other community events. They also started a community chorus and bell choir to spread and share music with the community.

He also noted the church partners with a number of organizations and businesses within the district, as well as Elevate Foundation for charitable drives and events. The congregation does regular collections for Catasauqua Community Cares Program.

The FAST program (Fun After School at Trinity) helps teach music, dance, art and more to local youth. Additionally, organizers added social-emotional teachers to the program to work with students on a different level.

One of the CTC’s priorities is addressing food disparity in the borough. Holy Trinity shares free soup during the winter months and keeps a food shelf stocked at the church. The church also holds free dinner events and partners with Suburban North Family YMCA to provide lunches for youth during the summer months.

It had been discussed at a previous CTC meeting that there was a growing issue of bullying, particularly at the middle school. Riedy had a simple, yet effective, theory of how to combat bullying - be there. He believed a positive presence could lessen the opportunity or impulse for youth to bully.

Riedy and the congregation started the after-school snack program. They set up a stand and offered sweet and salty treats and Gatorade to youth at the park each day, until the winter weather forced them to stop. Snacks resumed once the weather warmed up.

“We do this out of love,” Riedy said regarding the large number of community and district outreach efforts at the church.

He noted his service in the district started by asking the administration to reach out if they need anything, and it grew from there.

“You are a vital part of this community,” Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC moderator, said of Riedy and his congregation.

His presentation was recorded and is expected to be shared on the CASD website soon to help promote the efforts in the community.

In other business, there was discussion of the Strengthening Families Program in the district. This seven-week, evidenced-based program helps families and students grow and connect with each other.

It was mentioned the district might be able to partner with Whitehall-Coplay School District to be able to hold a more community-based model this year. Denise Continenza, Penn State Extension educator and CTC coordinator, said they need to get the details so they have plenty of time for recruiting families.

Dymond-Jones noted they are planning to hold a vaping presentation for seventh- and eighth-grade students.

Salisbury Behavioral Health, which provides services in the district, is adding an additional person in the CASD. This increase in mental health services is meant to help support the students and meet the demand for referrals.

Additionally, Olweus Bullying Prevention training is underway at Catasauqua High School. They are extending the program to span grades K-12. Some CASD counselors and staff are also being trained in restorative practices and trauma-informed responses.

Continenza noted this was her final meeting as the Catasauqua CTC coordinator. Her phased retirement starts Jan. 8, but she hopes to remain around the table as a member if able.

“This has just been so great, watching this coalition flourish,” Continenza said.

She noted the process is underway for her replacement.