Boscola, Samuelson announce $475,000 state funding for New Bethany
Rep. Steve Samuelson December 18, 2025 | 1:36 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Sen. Lisa Boscola and state Rep. Steve Samuelson, both D-Northampton, announced that a $475,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant for New Bethany was awarded today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
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 Marc Rittle said 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,” Rittle said.
The center will offer a “Health Hub,” providing primary, mental and telehealth services, a Community Hygiene Center, seven-days-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.
“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,” Boscola said. “The demand for their services has created the need to expand their community center and this $475,000 grant will allow them to meet their demand and provide those services in a more efficient and effective manner.”
“New Bethany has provided hope, opportunity, and life-changing resources to thousands of people through the decades,” Samuelson said. “This state funding will support vital improvements to their facilities and a significant expansion of the services they provide to our community at a time when the needs are greater than ever.”
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 CFA to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania.