Facebook
Twitter (X)
LinkedIn
Instagram
Youtube
Celebrating Read Across America Week with CSC
Community Services for Children recently wrapped up an amazing Read Across America Week, and it was a celebration to remember!
We had the pleasure of welcoming 49 inspiring visiting readers into our Safe Start and Head Start classrooms. These guests brought a wonderful mix of energy and enthusiasm, sharing their favorite books during read-aloud time and chatting with our students about the joy of reading. The children loved listening to our guests’ favorite stories.
Among our special readers were legislators, community partners, CSC non-classroom staff, and even board members! It was fantastic to see everyone come together, united by the common goal of fostering a love for literacy.
The week was not just about reading but also about building meaningful connections with the community. By sharing stories and discussing their own experiences with books, our visitors inspired the children to see reading in a whole new light. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of literacy in shaping young minds and nurturing a sense of community.
As we look back on this wonderful week, we are grateful for the continued support of our community in the Lehigh Valley and the role it plays in our mission. Here’s to many more stories, conversations, and connections that ignite a lifelong love of reading!
3S33d_admin April 1st, 2026
Posted In:
Reflecting on CSC’s Meaningful 2025 Annual Meeting
What a fantastic day it was at the Community Services for Children Annual Meeting! We had a wonderful turnout of dedicated staff, valued community partners, and engaged board members, all coming together to celebrate the incredible work being done for early childhood education.
It was truly inspiring to hear from our guest speakers, Kari King from PA Partnerships for Children and Kim Early from PennAEYC. They shared vital insights on the current landscape of early childhood policy and advocacy, and highlighted the challenges facing families across Pennsylvania right now. Their presentations were a great reminder of why our work is so crucial!
Our CEO, Deidra, did a fantastic job of showcasing CSC’s key accomplishments from the 2024–25 program year. It is amazing to look back and see the positive impact we’ve made together! She also laid out our strategic priorities and a bold vision for the future of the organization. Exciting things are ahead for the upcoming year.
The main takeaway from the day was the fact that collaboration is everything. The meeting emphasized the importance of working together across all our early childhood education partners and advocates to make a real difference.
The event powerfully reinforced CSC’s deep commitment to supporting children, families, and early learning professionals throughout the region. We left feeling energized and more united than ever in our mission. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a successful and meaningful event!Read our latest annual report.
3S33d_admin December 15th, 2025
Posted In:
PNC Bank Spreads Warmth with Coat Donation to CSC Students
We’ve got some great news to share about how a strong community partnership is making a real difference!
Community Services for Children (CSC) was the very grateful recipient of a generous donation of 195 winter coats, courtesy of our friends at PNC Bank. On November 19th, the items were delivered, and just a few days later, on November 24th, they were distributed to the children at CSC’s Early Learning Center location.
This couldn’t have come at a better time! With the winter chill setting in, these coats ensure that nearly 200 of our students are well-prepared for the season with warm, essential clothing. For many families, providing a new winter coat is a significant challenge, and this donation drive helps remove that barrier to keep children warm and healthy.
This wonderful act reflects PNC Bank’s continued commitment to local families and community well-being. It highlights a strong partnership focused squarely on meeting the basic needs of children in our community. We are incredibly grateful for their support and dedication to making sure every child starts the season warm and ready to learn. Thank you, PNC Band, for warming the hearts (and bodies!) of our CSC students.
3S33d_admin December 15th, 2025
Posted In:
Community Coming Together for the Holidays
The spirit of community was truly on display this holiday season! Community Services for Children (CSC) was thrilled to partner with our friends at Valley Health Partners for a special Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on November 20th.
A massive thank you goes out to Jefferson Health, whose incredible generosity made this event possible. They donated 375 turkey vouchers and full Thanksgiving meals, ensuring hundreds of local families could enjoy a festive dinner.
These holiday meals supported our CSC Downtown students and their families, as well as the clients served by Valley Health Partners. Seeing the deep gratitude on the faces of the parents and families who attended was a powerful reminder of how much this support means during the busy and often challenging holiday season.
This collaboration highlights the strong partnership between Community Services for Children, Valley Health Partners, and Jefferson Health. It perfectly aligns with CSC’s core mission: to ensure children and families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
We’re so proud to be part of a community that steps up to support one another.
3S33d_admin December 1st, 2025
Posted In:
Fall Fest Recap: Goats, Games & Good Times
On November 15th, Community Services for Children (CSC) hosted a remarkably successful Fall Fest in Franklin Park in Allentown, bringing together 250 members of our community for a day filled with autumn festivities. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for friends and neighbors to gather in the spirit of the season, enjoying a variety of fall-themed activities and delicious treats. We invite you to join us as we reflect on the highlights of this memorable day and celebrate the strong sense of community that defines the Lehigh Valley.
Reilly Entertainment Group provided the soundtrack for the afternoon. Their playlist kept the energy high and set the perfect tone for the event. Attendees were on their feet and enjoying the rhythm while they participated in the activities we had in store for them. A big thank you to the team for curating such an awesome musical experience!
Guests enjoyed an array of food and fall-themed treats while listening to the music. The apple cider station was a particular favorite, especially with the children! We extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who generously donated their time to grill the delicious food for the festival.
Attendees had a fantastic time participating in a variety of autumn-themed activities. One of the standout attractions was the opportunity to enjoy goat snuggling thanks to Buttinhead Farms. This was a uniquely heartwarming experience for all ages. In addition to interacting with the adorable goats, guests also took part in several classic and fun fall-themed games like apple fishing.
Families participated in hands-on creative activities, tapping into their inner florists to create beautiful bouquets, getting playful with pumpkin painting, and brightening up their faces with face painting.
Overall, it was a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and togetherness. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a success. Together, we created beautiful memories and shared laughter under the golden hues of autumn at Franklin Park. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
3S33d_admin November 18th, 2025
Posted In:
Project Child Forum: Safeguarding Kids from Edible Marijuana
Community Services for Children recently hosted the Project Child Forum on October 16, 2025, where 65 individuals from local organizations, including CSC, the Allentown Health Bureau, St. Luke’s, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, came together. Our main goal for the forum was to discuss how to keep kids in our community safe.
The forum promoted collaboration and education among professionals, caregivers, and community partners to enhance child safety and awareness. A significant part of our discussion centered on a serious issue: the risks of edible marijuana for children. Dr. Kevin Osterhoudt, from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), served as the event’s featured speaker and shared crucial information with us.
Dr. Osterhoudt explained that edible marijuana products can look a lot like regular candy or snacks, which can be confusing for kids. This makes it easy for them to accidentally eat these products, which can be extremely harmful and even fatal.
He taught us about the warning signs to look for if a child might have accidentally eaten edible marijuana. More importantly, he gave us simple, practical tips on how to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place. Things like keeping all marijuana products locked away and out of reach, and making sure they are not stored where food is kept, can protect children from toxic exposure.
This meeting reminded us how important it is for all of us to work together to keep children safe. By understanding these dangers and taking simple steps, we can create a much safer environment for all the children in our community. Let’s keep talking, learning, and protecting our little ones!
3S33d_admin November 10th, 2025
Posted In:
Congressman Mackenzie Visits CSC Downtown
We were pleased to welcome Congressman Mackenzie to our Community Services for Children Downtown location this past Thursday, where he spent time engaging with our youngest learners and their families. During his visit, the Congressman joined a preschool classroom for story time and observed a family workshop, offering a firsthand look at the learning and connections that happen every day within our Head Start program.
We are deeply grateful for his interest in understanding the current landscape of early childhood education and the challenges that programs like ours face in ensuring every child has a strong start. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss both the successes and the ongoing needs of families we serve in the Lehigh Valley.
On a separate occasion, Congressman Mackenzie met with members of our leadership team to learn more about how the recent government shutdown might impact Head Start operations and the families who rely on these essential services.
We appreciate his commitment to listening, learning, and supporting the important work being done for children and families across our community.
3S33d_admin October 20th, 2025
Posted In:
Community Services for Children Welcomes Over 1,000 Students Back to School
On August 26th, a wave of excitement swept through the Lehigh Valley as Community Services for Children (CSC) welcomed over 1,000 students back for the new school year. The bustling halls were alive with the anticipation of a year filled with growth, learning, and fun, marking a day of fresh starts for all.
From the moment they arrived, children were eager to reunite with old friends, make new ones, and meet their teachers. CSC’s dedicated staff worked tirelessly to create inviting and stimulating learning environments, ensuring every child felt comfortable and ready to embark on their educational journey.
The day was filled with discovery and joy. Laughter echoed from classrooms during engaging story times, and hands-on activities sparked curiosity and exploration. The beaming smiles on the children’s faces as they embraced these new experiences made every effort worthwhile, creating unforgettable moments for everyone involved.
Our incredible teachers and staff are committed to creating a supportive community that nurtures and guides each child and their family throughout the entire school year. We strive to foster an environment where every student can thrive, reach their full potential, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Enrollment is Still Open!
Community Services for Children is still enrolling for the 2025–2026 school year! If you are seeking a nurturing and enriching educational experience for your child, there’s still time to join our community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a year filled with endless possibilities. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how to enroll!
3S33d_admin September 15th, 2025
Posted In:
Celebrating Community: The 2025 Donley Awards & Gala
On September 5th, the Northampton Country Club buzzed with excitement as 130 guests gathered for the Community Services for Children’s Annual Donley Awards and Gala. It was a truly special evening, dedicated to recognizing incredible impact and celebrating the work being done to uplift children and families throughout the Lehigh Valley.
The Donley Award honors individuals who champion children’s causes at local, regional, and national levels. It is named after its first recipients, the Donleys, whose lifelong commitment to improving children’s health, education, and welfare led to the establishment of CSC’s Donley Children’s Campus.
This year, we were incredibly proud to honor Michael Grabarits and Dr. Harrison Bailey III with the prestigious 2025 Donley Award. Their tenacity and tireless efforts embody the spirit of this award, and we were thrilled to shine a spotlight on their contributions.
The gala was a great way to highlight CSC’s continued influence in the community. Guests enjoyed a fantastic evening filled with genuine appreciation and a collective commitment to supporting early childhood education. It was inspiring to see so many individuals come together, united by the common goal of building a brighter future for our community’s youngest learners.
Together, we continue to make a difference. The energy and support from the Donley Awards & Gala will undoubtedly fuel our efforts to empower children and families across the Lehigh Valley. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to such a memorable evening.
3S33d_admin September 15th, 2025
Posted In:
ELRC Renovations Bring Enhanced Services to Communities
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates on the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) renovations in Reading, Bloomsburg, and Scranton! These improvements are designed to better serve our clients and staff, providing more privacy, convenience, and opportunities for community collaboration.
Reading: Prioritizing Privacy and Professionalism
Our Reading ELRC has been renovated to improve the experience for clients and staff. We now have two private interview rooms for discussing sensitive cases. The staff area is also separate from the public waiting area, which increases privacy.
We created a formal conference room for staff meetings, training sessions, and collaboration. These changes show our commitment to providing a professional and supportive environment for everyone.
Bloomsburg: A Centralized Hub for Community Partnership
We moved our office from Danville to Bloomsburg to help us better serve people in Columbia and Montour Counties. It is part of a new community services building, which gives us meeting spaces, modern offices, and a training room.
By being in this building, we can work closely with other community agencies, such as the Housing Authority, the United Way, a local Food Pantry, the Chamber of Commerce, and a senator’s office. This teamwork helps us meet the overall needs of our community more effectively.
Scranton: Beautiful Space, Enhanced Services, and Key Partnerships
Our Scranton office opened to the public on August 4th, and we are very happy with the results! The office is beautiful, located in an old mill that gets plenty of natural light. This new location has more room and easier parking for our visitors. We now have enough space for our staff and, for the first time, a large conference room that we did not have before.
An exciting part of the Scranton location is our upstairs neighbor: the Maternal & Family Health Services Circle of Care clinic. This clinic provides medical, dental, nutrition, and other services to pregnant women and children, making them a great partner in our mission to support families.
We are making important changes to our facilities to better serve our communities. This investment will help us provide high-quality early learning resources. We look forward to welcoming you to our improved spaces!
3S33d_admin August 25th, 2025
Posted In: