South Side Community Resources

AARP Tax Preparation Services

From early February to the April 15th deadline, the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s South Side Branch hosts AARP tax preparation services for retired and lower-income citizens on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. All will be served on a first-come, first-served basis as time allows and appointments can NOT be made through the Library.

Adult Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley

Since 1977, the ALC has been dedicated to providing high-quality education with programs in Adult Basic Education / GED and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Call 610-435-0680.

Banana Factory

The Banana Factory is a community arts center
that functions as an art gallery and as a hub for outreach and educational programs. Various classes and summer workshop programs cover mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, glassblowing, and clay. The Banana Factory can also facilitate special events via its 2,800 square foot Binney & Smith Gallery, which accommodates up to 175 people.

Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations
of the Lehigh Valley

The Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations responds to the needs, interests and concerns
of the Hispanic community by developing and implementing programs that stimulate and encourage social, economic, cultural, moral and educational advancement. Call 610-868-7800.

English as a Second Language

The Northampton Community College Fowler Family South Side Center is offering free, non-credit ESL classes. All learning levels are available and students must attend two orientation sessions before starting classes. Call the Fowler Center at 610-332-8650.

Fowler Family Center
at Donegan Elementary School

Helps new residents with health and social services, literacy and after-school programs. Call Donegan for more information at 610-866-0031.

The Hispanic American Organization

The Hispanic American Organization helps Hispanics enter the work force by offering computer training (word processing, desktop publishing, and the Internet), as well as ESL and GED programs. The center also offers partnership programs with Penn State Lehigh Valley, which include nursing, customer service, data entry, clerical, retail, and hospitality. Call 610-435-5334.

Hispanic Senior Citizens Center

This program offers a drop-in center which serves breakfast and lunch at a nominal charge. Crafts, games, and health programs are also available. Call 610-882-2032.

Northampton Area Community College

Northampton Area Community College offers enrichment through its many social, cultural, and educational programs in adult literacy / ESL, business training, and professional development. Its children centers also provide child care and early education for kids between six weeks and 6 years old.

The South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center

A United Way agency that strives to improve both the community and the lives of clients by providing emergency services and ongoing life skills programs that encourage self-sufficiency. Services include employment counseling, homework clubs, tax preparation assistance, distribution site for food from the SHARE food co-op based in Philadelphia, various community service projects, and summer day-camp. Also offers translation / interpretation services primarily in Spanish and to a limited degree, in Portuguese. Call 610-865-2791.