EMPOWERING PEOPLE, TRANSFORMING SOUTH BETHLEHEM
Based on a belief in economic and social justice, Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB) improves the quality of life in south Bethlehem by fostering economic opportunity, promoting community development, and empowering residents to actively participate in the decision-making process regarding the future of our diverse community.
The Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem, CADCB, was incorporated on October 6, 1997 and opened offices to the public on March 19, 1998 at 705 East 4th Street in south Bethlehem. The organization is now located at 409 East 4th Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
CADCB is a subsidiary of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley located at 1337 East 5th Street in south Bethlehem. CACLV was established in 1965 as a non-profit organization targeting low-income persons in the Lehigh and Northampton County areas. The current mission of CACLV is to improve the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley by building a community which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Since 1998, the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem has advanced a neighborhood-based vision of community and economic development that builds on the strengths and assets of our diverse community in south Bethlehem. CADCB seeks to improve the quality of life in south Bethlehem by empowering residents and expanding economic opportunity through entrepreneurship training, housing rehabilitation and advocacy, and community development projects.
“Understanding how to market my business was a daunting task for me. I didn’t know where to begin and felt frustrated. CADCB helped to make an overwhelming process possible by organizing a plan to implement moving forward.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
As a neighborhood-based non-profit, CADCB is guided by a Board that represents the south Bethlehem community. Over 50% of our Board members are residents and/or business owners of south Bethlehem. For more information on our organization’s priorities and operations, the following documents are available for your review.
As a neighborhood-based non-profit, CADCB is guided by a Board that represents the south Bethlehem community. Over 50% of our Board members are residents and/or business owners of south Bethlehem. For more information on our organization’s priorities and operations, the following documents are available for your review.
Southside Vision: A Community-Driven Initiative
“A vital, creative, diverse community that WELCOMES AND VALIDATES RESIDENTS” – Southside Resident
Southside Vision is a Neighborhood Partnership Program administered by CADCB is collaboration with the City of Bethlehem, and with support from PPL, Just Born Quality Confections, Provident Bank, and Peoples Security Bank and Trust with tax credits from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The goals of Southside Vision are active citizen participation and support, an increase in residents’ confidence in the future, preservation of the community’s unique history and cultural and social diversity, and improvement of a low- to moderate-income community.
Southside Vision improves the social and economic viability of south Bethlehem using a comprehensive, collaborative, asset-based, resident-driven approach. CADCB staff create partnerships; build consensus and cooperation among residents, businesses, and city staff; and use volunteers and private and public partners to implement projects that align with the goals and objectives of the Southside Vision Master Plan 2014-2024. Following a comprehensive community engagement process, the plan identified five major priorities for the revitalization of south Bethlehem: Economic Sustainability, Housing, Public Spaces, Safety and Wellbeing, and Community Engagement and Communication. Five working committees were created to implement the recommendations of the plan, which are listed below. For more information or to get involved with a committee, please contact staff.
Southside Vision Committees
This committee oversees all initiatives and activities related to Southside Vision.
Chair, Mayor Bob Donchez
This committee, which is a standing committee of the CADCB Board, works to prepare the workforce of south Bethlehem to fully participate in the local economy and advance opportunities for south Bethlehem small businesses through education, networking, minority- and woman-owned business certifications, and advocacy.
Chair, Donna Taggart
This committee develops and implements strategies to improve the appearance and functionality of south Bethlehem through infrastructure upgrades, streetscaping, structural renovations, signage, improved public transportation, and advocacy.
Chair, Diane Labelle
Meeting Notes – February 8, 2019
This committee works to improve the housing stock of south Bethlehem through façades, emergency repairs, weatherization, and code enforcement. Initiatives for increasing homeownership are prioritized.
Chair, Ham Malek
Meeting Notes – January 23, 2019
This committee works to improve community wellness through expanding access to opportunities for healthy living – improved recreational facilities, programming and activities, and increased signage and trail connections. This includes park development, walking and biking initiatives and policies, recreational tourism, youth programming, and fresh food and gardening.
Co-Chairs, Dean Donaher and Don Miles
Meeting Notes – January 24, 2019
This committee works to positively transform the image of south Bethlehem and improve community cohesion through relationship building, strategic communications, marketing, and opportunities for community engagement.
Chair, Glenn Koehler
FOSTERING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Our services are supported by Southside Vision 2020, a 6-year revitalization program of Community Action Development Corp. of Bethlehem (www.cadcb.org) and the City of Bethlehem, with financial support from PPL Corporation, Just Born Quality Confections, Provident Bank, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, with tax credits from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. To support CADCB’s business development program as a volunteer or donor, click below.