I'd like to welcome the YWCA of Bethlehem, one of our newest members of the network! Check out their web site and upcoming event in today's issue!

Also returning to the LV BNN community is the Community Action Committee of Allentown, a (subsidiary of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley) and DeSales University.

Read about the CACLV sponsored bus trip to the Anti- Poverty Rally in Washington D.C this Saturday September 4th. The event was organized by the Community Action Partnership, the national association of Community Action Agencies. (I think they still have room on the bus if your interested)

And as always, remember to support the organizations and business that support LV BNN. Enjoy this edition!

Sincerely, Kevin Easterling

STRIVE is hosting its annual youth celebration on September 18, from Noon - 6pm at the PPL Plaza, located at 9th and Hamilton Streets in Allentown. The theme: Diversity - A Journey to the Future. The celebration will have a free day of events for the community and a platform for STRIVE youth to demonstrate the leadership skills developed over the last year. The celebration is open to all members of the community including individuals that have a vested interest in the development of youth. STRIVE is sponsoring the celebration with participation of YWCA of Bethlehem, City of Allentown Weed & Seed Program, Lehigh County Executive, Celtic Association, Lehigh Valley Korean Association, Adonai Ministries, and the Baha'i Faith of the Lehigh Valley.

Activities will include 10th Year Anniversary Ceremony, Keynote Address on the benefits of embracing diversity, Back-To-School Fashion Show with a Cultural segment, Scholarship and Awards Ceremony, Panel Discussion on Racism and Race Relations from a Teen Perspective, Fingerprinting for younger children, Diversity Art Table of Expression, Voter Registration, "Take A Loved One To The Doctor Day" Promotion, Vendor Booths and much more.

For more information please contact Salisa Berrien at 610-799-1258 or striveyouth@earthlink.net.

The YWCA of Bethlehem is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. Women who are 18 years of age or older and who have passion for eliminating racism and empowering women should contact the YWCA for a prospective board member packet.

Nominations are being accepted now for the 2005 Women of the Year Awards. Women who live or work in Bethlehem who have an outstanding record of volunteerism will be considered for the award. The deadline for nomination submissions is November 15, 2004.

The YWCA of Bethlehem is also in need of program volunteers. Experienced moms are needed to serve as Baby and Me mentors for first time young mothers. Women and teen girls with technical know-how are needed as TechGYRLS mentors. Individuals with a commitment to social and racial justice are welcome to serve on the YWCA's Coalition on Racism and Race Relations or to volunteer as facilitators for Study Circles community dialogue programs.

For more information about any of these programs, events and volunteer opportunities please call the YWCA of Bethlehem at 610-867-4669 or reach Flordelisa P�rez at flordelisa@ywcabethlehem.org We can mail you program information and you can also browse our website at www.ywcabethlehem.org

The Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown (CADCA) will begin its thirteenth (13th) Start Your Business program on Monday, August 30, 2004 and will be held Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 for 20 consecutive weeks at The Hamilton Business Center, 1101 Hamilton Streets, Allentown. Classes will commence in the Video Conference Room on the fifth (5th) floor. A fee of $64.00 is payable at the third session but will be refunded upon completion of the program.

This entrepreneurial training program was created for people of low- or moderate-income who are thinking about starting a business or expanding their current business in center city Allentown. The course begins with a three-week preparatory segment called 'Getting Ready for Business', in which participants will have the opportunity to assess their entrepreneurial skills, the soundness of their business idea, and their readiness to start a business within six months to one year after completing the program.

The program focuses on all the essential aspects of starting a business, such as marketing, finance, management and legal issues. Students will learn the tools for business success, ranging from market research and promotion to record keeping and cash flow projections. The class format will be a two-hour combination of lectures and workshops. Local, successful business owners will bring their experience and expertise to each session. By the end of the program each participant will be expected to have completed a business plan which will qualify him or her to apply for a 'microloan' to help start or expand their business.

The Start Your Business Program is part of CADCA's mission to assist and promote neighborhood revitalization and community spirit by providing access to economic opportunity, creating and sustaining businesses owned and operated by neighbors. CADCA is a subsidiary of the Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley. To register, please call Alicia Keegan at (610) 433-5703.

On Sunday September 12th, Gospel Brunch will have live performances by your favorite local artist! Place: Elliot's American Grille (Next to Apollo Grille) 81 West Broad Street, Bethlehem PA. 12:30-3:00pm Reservations Requested.

Call (610) 997-8680 parking available on the deck around the corner. Up to 2 hours parking validated thru the restaurant. Pricing $20 Adults, $10 Children.

DeSales University YWCA of Bethlehem Community Action Committee

• Allentown Art Museum
• Northampton Community College
• Team PA Career Link
• Allentown School District
• Lehigh County Senior Center
• State Theatre Center for the Arts

August 27, 2004Hundreds from Lehigh Valley to Join Anti-Poverty Rally in Washington, DC

ARTICLES OF INTEREST AG Pappert sues Black United Fund of Pennsylvania; Seeks injunction to freeze assets following allegations of missing and misapplied funds.

To Benefit: The Reach Out and Read Program at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pediatric Clinic, 17th & Chew Sts.

Lehigh Valley Black News Network (www.lvbnn.com) is an informative eNewsletter designed to inform you about events and information related to the connection and inclusion of Black / African American communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and the State of Pennsylvania.

LV BNN is distributed twice a month to over 2500 responsive email readers from the Lehigh Valley Region, parts of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Reading Pennsylvania.

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