Boscola & Samuelson Present $475,000 State Grant to New Bethany for Their Community Center Expansion Project

Boscola & Samuelson Present $475,000 State Grant to New Bethany for Their Community Center Expansion Project

March 26, 2026

BETHLEHEM (March 26, 2026) - State Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) and State Representative Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton) joined New Bethany Executive Director John Marc Rittle today to present a $475,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant to New Bethany to support the Paving the Way campaign and an expansion of their facilities in Bethlehem.

The grant is in support of their Paving the Way campaign; an expansion of their facilities renovating over 18,500 square feet which will transform their Drop-In Center to a full-service community resource. Executive Director John Marc Rittle reports that their client roster has nearly doubled since before the pandemic, stretching resources well beyond capacity.

"We are deeply grateful to the Commonwealth for this investment, especially to Senator Boscola and Representative Samuelson for their leadership. As New Bethany marks 40 years of service and the affordability crisis continues to intensify, this funding comes at a critical moment. As we expand our campus and deepen our offerings, we will pave the way for our neighbors in need," said Rittle.

"New Bethany has provided critical services for residents in need of support, shelter, health, and wrap-around services for 40 years and are now serving twice as many people since the pandemic," Senator Boscola stated. "By Paving the Way to allowing New Bethany's dedicated and caring staff to provide their services in a more efficient and effective manner, this state investment will not only improve the quality of life for New Bethany's clients but will also strengthen the Lehigh Valley as a whole - reducing the strain on emergency systems, supporting workforce readiness, and creating a healthier, more resilient community."

"New Bethany has provided hope, opportunity, and life-changing resources to thousands of people through the decades," said Representative Samuelson. "This state funding will support vital improvements to their facilities and a significant expansion of the service they provide to our community at a time when the needs are greater than ever."

The Center will offer a "Health Hub", providing primary, mental and telehealth services, a Community Hygiene Center, seven day a week meal service and upgraded fresh grocery choices from their Food Pantry, dedicated training space for education, job and financial literacy, and by enhancing their office and case management space they will be able to double the number of people they can support annually.

The grant was approved in December by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The Local Share Account Programs were created through the PA Racehorse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71), which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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