ProJeCt of Easton's mission is to build a better community by helping people help themselves. We prepare people to succeed in work, school, and life by providing support and instruction in the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their goals.
As ProJeCt celebrates more than 50 years, we proudly offer all of our programs free of charge to low-income, at-risk Lehigh Valley residents. ProJeCt believes that education is key to helping people help themselves, and we invest in research-based, rigorously evaluated school and workforce preparation services that teach clients the skills to increase their upward economic mobility.
These services include Adult Education, Family Literacy, School-Based Programming, and Emergency Support.
ProJeCt provides one of the best workforce preparation programs in the region. We offer free classes for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Adult Basic Education (ABE): Instruction in basic skills, such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and other skills. Practical life skills and preparation for college and employment are emphasized.
General Educational Development (GED®): A GED® can pave the way for job opportunities or lead to acceptance into job training or college courses. ProJeCt prepares students to successfully master the subjects on the GED® test. Our literacy center is also a certified GED® test center.
English as a Second Language (ESL): Instruction in English language skills for non-native speakers. Students learn English skills (reading, writing, and grammar), build their vocabulary, and increase conversation, listening comprehension, and life skills.
Assistance with preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test is also offered.
The Family Literacy program offers parents the opportunity to improve their own literacy skills and learn how to become their child’s first and most important teacher while children learn critical early literacy skills and become better prepared for kindergarten. This program includes free, high-quality preschool for children ages 0-5.
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Adult Education: Parents participate in one of our Adult Literacy classes: Adult Basic Education, General Educational Development (GED®) preparation, or English as a Second Language.
Parenting Education and Support: Parents learn how to support their child’s learning and how to create a literacy-rich home.
Early Childhood Education: Children ages 0-5 attend high-quality preschool in our early childhood education center. Instruction prepares children for kindergarten success.
Parent/Child Interactive Literacy Activities: The entire family participates in Interactive Literacy Activities (ILA), which enable parents and children to learn together.
SSP includes:
Botvin LifeSkills® Training program, a nationally recognized curriculum that helps students cultivate the social and emotional skills necessary to handle challenging situations and stay engaged with school
SSP is a research-based program that effectively improves students’ self-management skills in order to stay positively engaged with school. ProJeCt is currently running the Botvin LifeSkills® Training program at Easton Area Middle School.
ProJeCt’s Food Pantry has been a community cornerstone for over 30 years. The pantry aims to reduce food insecurity and increase food knowledge by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense food to low-income, at-risk adults, children, and seniors. The Food Pantry is located at 330 Ferry Street.
We also incorporate learning opportunities for our clients, including how to prepare the food they receive, how to integrate fresh fruit and vegetables into their diet, and how to accommodate allergies, diet restrictions, and more. ProJeCt is committed to providing fresh, healthy food that helps people lead more productive lives.
The Pantry is set up as a Full Choice Pantry, which is defined as one in which “participants may choose the food they can use, know how to cook with, and want.” This cuts down on food waste and allows our trained volunteers and Food Pantry Coordinator to work one-on-one with clients to help them choose food that’s right for their family and better preserves the clients’ dignity.
In addition, we provide fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year through partnerships with local farms and our own Community Garden, as well as much-needed personal care items such as soap, feminine hygiene products, and more.
The Food Pantry is open to the public on:
Mondays from 10 am - 12:15 pm
Thursdays from 10 am - 12:15 pm & 1 pm - 3:15 pm
What to bring: Photo ID and proof of Northampton County residency are required for each visit. Bring grocery bags if you have them! Please arrive 15 minutes before closing to ensure you get served.
The Food Pantry graciously accepts donations of nonperishable food items every Tuesday from 8:30 AM-2:00 PM.
ASSIST is an emergency support program that assists people who are facing homelessness or other emergencies. We conduct a comprehensive assessment of need and provide vouchers for financial assistance to eligible individuals and families, as well as information and referrals to a wide variety of community resources. The ASSIST office is located in our Fowler Literacy Center building: 200 Ferry Street, Easton, PA.
The program is intended to help people in crisis establish stability and to assist them in moving to a more secure future.
ProJeCt is part of the Pennsylvania Continuum of Care and utilizes Coordinated Entry / Pennsylvania 2-1-1 to assist those who are at risk of homelessness. Pennsylvania 2-1-1 East is a free, confidential, non-emergency, comprehensive information and referral service that connects Northampton County residents with the necessary health and human services.
You can reach 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or (855) 567-5341. 2-1-1 is not intended for emergency use.