Empowering Students, Building Change

August 27, 2025

We are honored to continue our work with the support of Governor Shapiro and PCCD through the Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Grant. This vital funding makes it possible for us to bring youth programming into schools and throughout the community. With the VIP grant, we are creating more spaces where students can learn about healthy relationships, build empowerment, and engage in meaningful violence prevention work.

Through the VIP grant, we are able to:

  • Facilitate school-based groups such as SPACES (male empowerment) and I AM HER (female empowerment)
  • Create youth leadership opportunities and peer education initiatives
  • Deliver presentations focused on healthy relationships

Over the past year, we had 125 students completed our programs last year and reported that they are using healthier coping skills and feeling more positive about school and their futures With VIP grant support, we’ve expanded our reach in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton schools giving students opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through groups, presentations, and one-on-one support.

One exciting outcome of this grant is the creation of the Healthy Love Club, which gives graduates of our empowerment groups the chance to continue the conversation and raise awareness about teen dating abuse. These young leaders are using their voices to create change in their schools and communities, and we cannot wait to see the impact they will make this year.

Posted in Allies For Hope