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Thank Your for joining PBS39 for
A Community Conversation on Puerto Rico:
The Human Toll

PBS39, in partnership with the Allentown School District, presented a Community Conversation on Puerto Rico: The Human Toll at the Luis A. Ramos Elementary School. This Community Conversation encompassed two different events; a town hall-style meeting, and a resource fair where residents who fled Puerto Rico after the hurricane could get help, find information, and have discussions with the appropriate organizations.

PBS39 wants to extend a special thank you to all of our panelists, community leaders and stakeholders who were involved in the conversation. Plus, a big thank you to everyone who joined us in our audience & our online and television viewers.

During the second segment, the following community leaders and stakeholders were involved in the conversation:
  • Thomas Parker - Superintendent, Allentown School District
  • Carole Devey Schachter - Head of the Center for Language Assessment, Bethlehem School District
  • Mary Colon - Board Member, Hispanic Center Board; Governor Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs
  • Lucy DeLabar - Executive Director, Casa Guadalupe Center
  • Alan Jennings - Executive Director, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley
  • Norman Bristol - Director of Special Projects - PA Dept. of State
  • Julio Guridy - Allentown City Council

A number of representatives from national, state, and local organizations were also invited to attend as audience members.

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“This is an important opportunity for PBS39 to fulfill its role in the Greater Lehigh Valley; to act as the catalyst to promote civic engagement, and to connect our community through civil discourse around important issues,” said Tim Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of PBS39.“We are especially excited to partner with the Allentown School District to present this event from a school in our community and offer a resource fair to help those affected by the tragedy in Puerto Rico.”

“Hurricane Maria has had a profound impact on the Allentown School District. We are honored to host this event at the Luis A. Ramos Elementary School, and to share the innovative ways we have assisted families who have sought refuge in the Lehigh Valley through educational opportunities", said Thomas Parker, Superintendent of the Allentown School District.
Families and individuals who fled to the Greater Lehigh Valley as a result of Hurricane Maria were able to visit the following organizations at the resource fair. Web links and phone numbers are below: