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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We believe in the power of community and the incredible impact it can have on our lives. For over 70 years, we’ve been proud to be a driving force behind the dreams and goals of thousands of individuals. Our amazing team of dedicated employees are passionate about giving back and making a difference in the places we live and work. From volunteering at local charities to actively participating in community events, we’re always ready to roll up our sleeves and lend a helping hand.

We understand that investing in our communities is investing in a brighter future for all. We’re committed to creating opportunities, fostering growth, and building a strong foundation where everyone can thrive. Join us in our mission to make our communities even better. Together, we can achieve great things!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Enriching and strengthening the communities we serve

Our communities are stronger when we work together. We donate to help nonprofits in the regions where we do business.  We also have an employee volunteer program that allows us to devote time and energy to causes important to us.  

Our financial support and volunteer service are focused primarily on Health and Human Services and Education and center around current community needs. As those needs change, so do our focus areas.

People First considers funding for non-profit organizations, local government-sponsored projects and educational institutions and foundations.

Contact the marketing department at marketing@peoplefirst.com for more information.

Providing Food for the Holidays.

This holiday season, we held a food drive for three local food pantries. Thank you to all of our employees and members who donated items for the pantries at Sheridan Elementary School (ASD), Fountain Hill Elementary School (BASD), and Paxinosa Elementary School (EASD). All three schools are designated Community Schools by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Community Schools improve student outcomes by transforming high-poverty public schools into resource hubs that offer a range of supports and opportunities to children, families, and the surrounding neighborhood. Each school has an emergency food pantry that helps families in need stretch their food supply throughout the month.

Supporting Those Most in Need.

People First collected toiletry items for Ripple Community Inc. in advance of winter. Ripple houses the only day center in Allentown that is open to the public. They primarily serve adults who are experiencing homelessness, who are living with mental illness, who have experienced significant trauma, or have other conditions or experiences that can leave them isolated and alone.

Ripple also operates RCI Village, the first permanent, community-supported affordable housing program in Allentown. They have 19 apartments for individuals and/or families who are in need of safe, stable, affordable housing, and are working on achieving long-term housing and life stability. The toiletry items are given to those in need who visit the center and to the families who are beginning to build a home after years of being homeless.

Golf Classic Raises $21,000 for Area Non-profits.

People First raised a record amount with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, The Literacy Center, and Battle Borne. The Board of Directors votes on the charities that align with the Credit Union’s four key pillars for community engagement: Human Services, Youth Development and Education, Health including Mental Health, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

People First celebrates belonging at Lehigh Valley Pride.

People First sponsored Lehigh Valley Pride “Be Loud! Be Proud!” on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Our carnival-themed booth gave attendees a chance to win two free movie tickets by dunking bean bags in the Corn Hole. Prizes could also be won by spinning the prize wheel. Our employees enjoyed engaging with the attendees throughout the day-long festival. At People First, we believe every single person should be treated fairly and equally. It’s the only way to grow and strengthen our community. Happy Pride!

Building a community of readers.

Nearly 7,000 babies are born in the Lehigh Valley every year, and almost half live in low-income families. Our most vulnerable children have the most limited exposure to high-quality childcare and will likely begin kindergarten 12-14 months behind their peers. Lehigh Valley Reads is mobilizing our community to support our goal of building a community of readers to make the Lehigh Valley a place of opportunity for all. People First is proud to have sponsored Lehigh Valley Reads Million Minute Challenge in 2022. We also held a book drive and collected 8 boxes of books that will be distributed to kids across the Lehigh Valley.

Empowering budding real estate developers.

The Real Estate Lab in center city Allentown embodies two of our most important values. The first is empowering people to achieve their financial goals. The second is making communities stronger. The Real Estate Lab teaches people how to invest in and manage property. We provided financing for the first graduates to help them buy property. When real estate is in good, capable hands, neighborhoods improve and people’s finances are more stable. It’s one program that does so much for so many.