Allentown Works Launches Neighborhood-Led Network to Address Employment Gap in Priority Areas
Allentown Works has initiated its Power Cohort, a resident-led network aimed at connecting individuals aged 25 to 54 with resources for securing and retaining stable employment. This program specifically targets Franklin Park, Center City, and Allentown’s First and Sixth Wards, areas identified as having higher unemployment rates and limited access to economic opportunities. The initiative is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and involves over 30 partners, including workforce agencies, community organizations, employers, transportation groups, and childcare providers. Community messengers from these priority neighborhoods will play a crucial role in shaping service delivery to ensure programs are accessible and effective for those in need. The program is a five-year, $20 million effort funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.