Nonprofits in Lehigh and Northampton counties will receive more than $3 million for various initiatives that will tackle food insecurity, expand youth programs and build affordable housing, officials announced Friday.

At an event at the Resurrected Life Community Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and other elected officials and advocates touted the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which provides tax credits to businesses that invest in projects in distressed areas.

One of those projects is the Allentown Police Athletic League, which pairs police officers with city kids for mentorship, field trips and volunteering opportunities. Anaya Rivera, an eighth grader and participant in the academy, said it has been “life-changing” for her.

“For me, this program has been a cornerstone in my development for reasons like providing me with life-changing opportunities and essential leadership skills,” Anaya said. “Being a PAL mentor is work, but in the best way possible.”

PAL and other youth summer programs like the James Lawson Freedom School are receiving a $617,500 boost through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.

In total, NAP has helped distribute more than $72 million to programs across the state.

Local businesses and corporations that helped fund such initiatives locally include City Center Investment Corp., People’s Bank of the Lehigh Valley, Weis Markets and PPL Electric Utilities, among others.

State officials lauded the partnership between the state, nonprofits and private corporations that help make the investments possible.

“This program has been wildly successful,” Davis said. “It shows what can happen when private businesses and nonprofits come together in partnership with state government to get things done for the great people here in Pennsylvania.”

A full list of the projects in Lehigh and Northampton Counties is below.

Lehigh County projects

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley Inc.: $50,400 to expand their STEAM Club and conduct a feasibility study for a new Workplace Readiness Teen Center hub in Allentown.
Community Action Development Corporation of the Lehigh Valley: $617,500 for programs that serve more than 200 Center City youth including the Police Athletic League and James Lawson Freedom School.
Lehigh Valley Hospital Inc.: $18,000 to engage underrepresented Allentown students with healthcare career pathways, mentorship and STEM training.
Ripple Community Inc.: $142,500 for Year 2 of 6 to acquire a seven-unit apartment building in Allentown’s Franklin Park, providing stable housing for more than 40 residents; $135,000 to expand affordable housing by acquiring another seven-unit building on West Gordon Street.
Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science & Technology Inc.: $67,500 to expand the Fab Lab with hands-on STEAM programs and launch a Photonics/Optics career pathway.

Northampton County projects

ArtsQuest: $285,000 for Year 2 of 6 to build “The Creative Factory,” a new cultural center projected to serve 10,000 students annually; $31,500 for a diversity initiative aiming to engage 5,000 community members in inclusive arts programs.
Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley: $152,000 focused on economic development and neighborhood improvement in rural areas of the county including Bangor, Pen Argyl, Portland, and Wind Gap.
Community Action Development Corp. of Bethlehem: $308,750 for “Southside Tomorrow,” which includes legal training, facade renovations, and community cleanup events; $162,000 to rehabilitate two blighted row homes in the Western Gateway and provide four affordable rental units.
Greater Community Development Corp.: $190,000 for community development in South Side Easton, including affordable housing and a shelter/food pantry.
Greater Easton Development Corp.: $190,000 for the “West Ward Community Initiative,” supporting small businesses and resident engagement programs; $95,000 for the “Easton Main Street Initiative,” connecting downtown Easton with the riverfront and Lafayette College.
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley: $108,000 to provide 10,000 meals and pantry services to roughly 3,200 people.
New Bethany Inc.: $207,000 to prevent homelessness for 1,500 people through housing support and financial assistance.