April 30, 2013 | The Morning Call
Big businesses donate $300,000 to help their smaller neighbors’ storefronts look nice
April 29, 2013 | The Morning Call
Reverend Bob Stevens calls the city of Allentown to bring together various members of the community to work towards a community benefits agreement.
April 15, 2013 | The Morning Call
Pastor Dolich & Monsignor Grabish discuss the moral and practical necessity for meaningful immigration reform.
March 1, 2013 | The Morning Call
Coalition begins setting up meetings to talk about how project can benefit residents
February 5, 2013 | CUNA Staff
Allentown Community Benefits Coalition (ACBC) releases findings from NIZ community input survey
January 31, 2013 | CUNA Staff
Faith leaders, community groups, and local residents gather to discuss how results of community input survey can best benefit our community.
January 1, 2013 | The Express-Times
Journalist Colin McEvoy from the Express-Times reports on ACBC's preliminary survey results.
December 21, 2012 | The Morning Call
Report on what benefits neighbors would like to see to be released in February
December 21, 2012 | CUNA Staff
Preliminary results from ACBC's community input survey.
November 29, 2012 | The Morning Call
This holiday season Reverend Bob Stevens thanks everyone that helped protect our communities and keep payday lending out of Pennsylvania.
November 5, 2012 | CUNA Staff
Local faith leaders, volunteers, and paid staff on the home stretch of local non-partisan get out the vote drive
October 22, 2012 | CUNA Staff
CUNA praises area legislators who stood up for working families
October 18, 2012 | CUNA Staff
The Allentown Community Benefits Coalition announces its next steps in gathering community input.
October 16, 2012 | CUNA Staff
Residents and Health Professionals to discuss the real health of the Greater Lehigh Valley
September 17, 2012 | WFMZ 69 News
ACBC's second meeting is documented by WFMZ 69 News.
September 15, 2012 | The Morning Call
Reverends Stephen Simmons and Maritza Torres-Dolich's thought-provoking op-ed on House Bill 2191
September 14, 2012 | CUNA Staff
Local Clergy leaders reply to Senators regarding House Bill 2191
September 12, 2012 | CUNA Staff
The PA Voter ID Law - What you need to know and do to vote
August 25, 2012 | The Morning Call
Volunteers pitch in to help rebuild Allentown's Franklin Park playground.
August 17, 2012 | CUNA Staff
“All people living, working, playing, learning, and praying in a safe community…that’s the goal.”
August 17, 2012 | The Morning Call
A coalition of churches and neighborhood groups forms to ensure benefits downtown
July 17, 2012 | PICO and CUNA Staff
“Our shared religious traditions teach us that our common priority must be to care for the poor and vulnerable,” clergy leaders said in the letters. “We are called to stand in the breach and advocate for those whose voices have been diminished. We believe that our state must help protect the health of those who are in need, especially struggling families, the elderly, and the disabled.”
June 21, 2012 | The Express Times
A $70,000 project will establish a completely new Franklin Park, which is located at 14th and Emmett streets, adjacent to St. Stephen Outreach Community Center.
June 18, 2012 | The Morning Call
Dr. Abby Letcher of the Lehigh Valley Health Network said the grant is a "real game-changer" because it will make possible a partnership among community groups, including the Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley, the Community Exchange, the Parish Nurse Coalition and Congregations United
June 18, 2012 | Philadephia Inquirer Staff Report
The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy will receive $14.3 million over three years to expand care-management programs developed by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers for high-cost, high-need, low-income populations to four other cities, including Allentown, Pa.
June 15, 2012 | CUNA
Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA) and Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley (NHCLV), Parish Nursing Coalition, and Communtiy Exchange work together to expand “hot spot” health-care model
June 9, 2012 | The Morning Call
Hospital celebrating its rebound after years of struggle
April 26, 2012 | WFMZ 69 NEWS
Reverend Maritza Torres Dolich is with the Congregations United for Neighborhood Action, or CUNA for short, the organization behind Wednesday's meeting. "We are asking the mayor to have us be a part, a group of us to come to the table as they're organizing and building and talking about the future of the city of Allentown, it shouldn't be something from the top down, it should be something that starts at the base," she said.
April 26, 2012 | CUNA
The Neighborhood Improvement Zone’s 130 acres are located in the same areas of some of the highest unemployment and poverty in Allentown, CUNA leaders argued that it would only make sense that financial benefits from the NIZ should go to the creation of jobs, improved housing, small business development, and other quality of life improvements for the residents currently living in those same neighborhoods.
April 25, 2012 | The Express Times
A coalition of Allentown church leaders and congregations asked the mayor today for a seat at the table in helping determine the impact the planned hockey arena will have on the community. About 200 people attended a public forum organized by Congregations United for Neighborhood Action, which asked Mayor Ed Pawlowski for a role in forming a community benefit agreement associated with the arena development.
April 25, 2012 | The Morning Call
Mayor Pawlowski committed publicly to involve group representatives in crafting a "community benefits agreement," already in development. It is expected to require the arena developer, the Hammes Group, to hire and train residents of the impoverished blocks around the arena.
April 23, 2012 | The Morning Call
Community benefit agreements — a tool Allentown is already investigating — are legally binding contracts between developers and civic groups that aim to ensure that development creates real, measurable benefits
April 9, 2012 | The Morning Call
"People in our pews and those living around our churches have questions about the Neighborhood Improvement Zone and the hockey arena, so our first step was listening to their concerns and beginning to explore ways that this new and exciting development can positively impact the lives of current center city residents"
April 2, 2012 | The Morning Call
"People are having a difficult time knowing what is true and what is misinformation," she said. "We need to empower people in our communities to know what resources in the law will work for them and work to protect those pieces." - Lois Lewis, a member of Dubbs Memorial United Church of Christ in Allentown and a CUNA member
April 2, 2012 | WFMZ 69 News
“You all heard about how the health insurance law will lead to a government takeover of the health insurance industry,” he told a crowd assembled Thursday night at the United Church of Christ in South Whitehall. “It’s a lie. How do I know? Because I’m the one who came up with it.”
We are marking both the second year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and arguments before the Supreme Court to strike this new law down. It is a time when Americans will be asked to revisit the basic question about our health care system: Is there a way to foster health in our nation that holds true to the American spirit of taking care of our neighbors and the least of those in our communities?
March 12, 2012 | CUNA Staff
Come join residents and faith leaders from across Allentown to look at the new development projects and to explore the ways we can guarantee our public investments go to those who need it most. Click the above title to get meeting details.
March 6, 2012 | CUNA and the PICO National Network
The story of one health insurance executive's conversion from corporate flack to health-care reform advocate …
February 3, 2012 | CUNA Staff
CUNA Faith Leaders and Residents win a $50,000 commitment to Franklin Park.
February 3, 2012 | The Express-Times
Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA) met Wednesday with the city Parks and Recreation Department. The department agreed to use a $50,000 grant to help rebuild Franklin Park. At the site of the former Franklin Elementary School, the park is at 14th and Emmett streets, adjacent to St. Stephen Outreach Community Center. It has the oldest playground equipment in the city, and is near two recent fatal shootings.
February 3, 2012 | WFMZ Channel 69 News
"Right now we have $50,000 allocated towards the project," said Greg Weitzel, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Allentown. "We're excited and hopefully we can find more dollars to do more improvements."
December 20, 2011 | CUNA Staff
From Dr. Hotspot to a Prophetic Statement: CUNA is Covering A Great Deal of Ground
December 19, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Almost 50 years ago, I left nursing school feeling totally discouraged that the idea of the medical community and faith leaders functioning as a part of the same health care team was a myth. I confess I was very wrong!! We were all witnesses to this idea becoming reality - in a way I never dreamed possible.
November 23, 2011 | The Morning Call
The faith leaders who gathered in New Orleans believe that current public debate about economic recovery reflects competing moral and spiritual values that have profound consequences for us all. Who are we as a nation, and what binds us together? Americans always have believed in taking personal responsibility for our own well-being; we also believe in helping our neighbors in need. Should we not expect a government as good as our people, a government that works for everyone, not just for the powerful and well-connected?
November 21, 2011 | The A.D. Times
“I have never been to a real live interview, usually you just hand in an application and never hear back. But this time I was able to sit down face-to-face, ask questions, respond to his questions and have to think on your feet. I’m so thankful for the opportunity.”
November 1, 2011 | CUNA Citywide Leadership Team
"We will challenge our elected leaders from both parties to put the needs of working families, the poor and the common good of our nation ahead of short-term political calculus and special interests. Join us in making America a land of opportunity for all people."
September 28, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Greater Lehigh Valley faith leaders, residents and healthcare professionals get an eye opening visit from 'Dr. Hotspot'
September 27, 2011 | The Morning Call
The urgency of the task is great, Brenner said. He worries that the pace of rising health care costs and efforts to cut Medicaid could overwhelm even proven efforts at wringing real savings out of the system. "The bulk of the federal debt and the state debt," he said, "is health care, health care and health care."
September 6, 2011 | The Morning Call
"How about better preparing our youth for the work-force with hands-on summer job experiences? Teaching teens the value of working for deferred rewards? Giving opportunities to youth to explore possible careers?
July 26, 2011 | CUNA and Partnering Organizations to host PBS Frontline featured Doctor Jeff Brenner
CUNA faith leaders and a number of local partners are thrilled at the opportunity to have such a leader in the health industry come and explore with residents, clergy, healthcare leaders, and officials the ways we too can collaboratively work towards decreasing costs, improving quality, and increasing accessibility.
July 19, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Jobs, Opportunity, and More
July 18, 2011 | The Morning Call
We plan to invite the whole neighborhood to a harvest party," the Rev. Maritza Torres Dolich of St. Stephen's said. She reminisced about last year's "pesto party...
June 17, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Reverend Maritza Torres-Dolich, Pastor of St. Stephens Lutheran Church and CUNA Clergy Leader was one of 5 key panelists at the inaugural summit hosted by the Center of Nutrition and Activity Promotion and Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.
Rev. Bob Stevens, Pastor at Zion UCC, blesses new Police Patrol Station at 10th and Hamilton.
June 13, 2011 | The Morning Call
Last May, faith leaders and city officials began searching to create 25 new summer job opportunities for teens. A month later, they’re almost halfway there -- with 10 new part-time and paid positions for city youth.
June 10, 2011 | CUNA Staff
During the 4 hour job fair 253 interviews were conducted and over 92 resumes were collected
June 10, 2011 | The A.D. Times
Sacred Heart has joined the effort to create more summer jobs for Allentown teens, and its pastor Msgr. John Grabish, is one of the writers of a clergy statement on the effort.
June 8, 2011 | Morning Call
Job Fair will feature opportunities for summer employment
June 7, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Allentown Faith Leaders begin final push to combat Nation’s growing unemployment rate
June 2, 2011 | CUNA Staff
64 parents and teens came out Tuesday night to learn about the new job opportunities this summer for local teens.
May 31, 2011 | The Morning Call
To help students like Alexander navigate the job process, Dolich asked Congregations United for Neighborhood Action to get involved. With the support of Allentown and Mayor Ed Pawlowski, CUNA launched an initiative to place at least 25 students with local companies.
May 27, 2011 | CUNA Citywide Leadership Team
"Communities who hire teens have lower crime rates, increased employment activity, and increased spending in communities where youth employees live and work."
CUNA is inviting all teens who are looking for work this summer to a Job Opportunity Fair to meet some of the businesses, interview for jobs, and learn about other job opportunities this summer for teens.
May 13, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Post Action Special
May 4, 2011 | CUNA Citywide Leadership Team
“I’ve wanted to do this for many years,” commented Mayor Pawlowski
May 4, 2011 | WFMZ Channel 69 News
City and religious leaders are calling on businesses in Allentown to offer jobs to young people for the summer.
May 3, 2011 | CUNA Citywide Leadership Team
CUNA leaders connect local effort to nationwide campaign to stimulate the economy.
April 25, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Facing worrisome economic conditions it is time to stand boldly in faith and hope that we will thrive again
April 8, 2011 | CUNA Staff
On the Road to Action for Allentown teens
April 6, 2011 | CUNA Citywide Leadership Team
Creating new opportunities for Allentown youth and families
March 4, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Power, research, and an exciting vision
March 1, 2011 | Peter Shane, Ohio State University Professor
CUNA's director tells a personal story and how PICO's faith based community organizing empowers individuals and communities.
February 25, 2011 | New Yorker
Can we lower medical costs by giving the neediest patients better care?
January 26, 2011 | CUNA Staff
Fully linked and freshly chared with an on-line organizing experience.
January 20, 2011 | CUNA Staff
CUNA's Monthly Newsletter
January 11, 2011 | PICO National Network
"Amidst unspeakable violence we know that the love that binds us together as a community is stronger than the hate that would divide us..."
December 14, 2010 | CUNA Staff
Faith Leaders kick-off a campaign to identify what valley wide residents want with their downtown.
November 20, 2010 | CUNA Staff
October 31, 2010 | CUNA Staff
September 8, 2010 | Morning Call
November 30, 2008 | The Boston Globe
The recent stabbing of a Framingham High School student, allegedly by a possible gang member, highlights the importance of a police presentation this week about gangs, authorities and activists say.
Clergy from across Pennsylvania stand against predatory lending!
Join us and world-famous Dr. Jeff Brenner for for an informative day on modern healthcare.
Catch up on our ongoing work.
See how PICO changes lives, strengthens families and revitalizes communities across the country.
