Community Bike Works

aka Community Bike Works:Youth Development & Work Ethic Programs

Mission

Community Bike Works provides inner-city children living in at-risk situations with meaningful work-ethic alternatives to gangs, drugs and the streets. We use bicycles, peer role models and adult mentors to engage youth; and once engaged, influence their behavior and their outlook about school and life.

Address

Community Bike Works
235 North Madison Street
Allentown, PA 18102

Contact

Telephone: 610-434-1140
Fax: none
Email: executivedirector@communitybikeworks.org
Website: www.communitybikeworks.org

Information

EARN A PART: Earn a Part gives kids the opportunity to earn everything from candy to computers.

PEER INSTRUCTORS: Participants (ages 12 and up) who complete the Earn a Bike program may continue by becoming Earn Bike instructors. Ultimately, they become the instructors and facilitate the entire program. They insure the sustainability of leaders and volunteers.

YOUTH APPRENTICES: Participants (14 and older) may continue by enrolling in the Bicycle Mechanics Course, which prepares the individual for employment as an entry level mechanic in a bike shop. Upon completion they may apply to be apply paid apprentices.

READING & HOMEWORK: All participants can receive reading help two to three times a week. Kids who need help are teamed with a college student to work on their reading skills. Each reader takes a reading assessment test at the start and at the end of each year. Typically, 50 to 60% of the children improve their reading level one to three grades in three short months.

COMMUNITY BIKE SHOP: In partnership with other agencies, our kids fix bikes and donate them to inner city residents so they can commute to work. In cooperation with the Allentown Health Bureau, free bike inspections and repairs are provided to the community. Safety classes are taught. Community activities, such as rides and rodeos are organized.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP: Youth volunteers and apprentices take part in character and leadership development activities.

Locations:

On site and at Allentown School District Elementary & Middle Schools