Lehigh Valley Marketplace

By Faith Brenneisen

In 1902, renowned silk merchant Herman Simon built the mansion located at 41 North Third Street in Easton for “the ladies”-his wife and daughter. Since then, two buildings now totaling 52,927 square feet continue that destiny as the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children and are used in much the same way today: for women and families.

Imagine the mother of a delicate young girl and a curious male infant. With limited finances, she finds herself without direction in an unhealthy relationship. Not sure of anything, she turns to Third Street Alliance for Women & Children. Robyn, this former client, today humbly expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the efforts of this grassroots organization. “Nine years ago, I participated in the Shelter Program at the Alliance. After a few short months, they were able to help me find treatment for depression and provided me with the resources to take my life in a positive direction.”

Third Street Alliance for Women & Children originally began as the Easton YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) in 1909. The organization burgeoned with the increasing need to address issues affecting women including the improvement of working conditions, joining the war effort, child labor, equal pay and compulsory schooling. At the same time, the dark climate of the nation warranted a need for positive activities like dances with soldiers stationed at Lafayette College, the YMCA and the YMHA. (See photo ????? where?)

Recognizing a need for additional programming to suit the ever-expanding membership, the Florence S. Mack pool was built in 1955 and began its service to the community. It is here that children of the day learned to swim and used the pool as part of summer day camp, a tradition that continues today. (see photo of old swim team—where????)

Social services programs began in the 1980s to meet the changing needs of society. This included a childcare center, a shelter for women and children in crisis and an adult day program to prevent premature placement in nursing homes. The emphasis on social services for the community also paved the way for the Easton YWCA to become a local organization in 1994, with the name Third Street Alliance for Women & Children.

Robyn, the former client introduced earlier, has first-hand experience with several of the agency’s existing programs. At 18 months, her son-the infant who had lived with her in the shelter his first few months of life-was diagnosed with autism. The physician explained the importance of his spending time with other children and modeling them. Robyn returned to Third Street Alliance to enroll her son in The Learning Center and the Aquatics program.

Referencing the highly regarded, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)-accredited early childhood education program, she is grateful for its responsive academic agenda. “Justin has blossomed. He is more interactive,” Robyn beams with pride as she tells of a recent conversation her son had with the receptionist at Third Street Alliance. “How are you? How is your day going?” With joy, the tears well up as she explains the importance of an autistic child overcoming this hurdle. “He would never have had this type of communication prior,” she says, noting that he didn’t have the skills or confidence to do so. “Children always knew he was different; now they treat him like he is the same,” she says, a testament to the interactive teaching techniques of The Learning Center staff.

Robyn was terrified of the possible consequences of not enrolling her son in Third Street Alliance’s Aquatics program. “Justin had no safety awareness as a small child. Anytime he was near water-in the house, at a park-he would try to dive in!” The staff at Third Street Alliance taught her son survival and safety skills and the importance of not going into the water by himself. “There were several water-related incidents since then where we feel that the safety skills acquired here have saved the life of my child,” Robyn states.

One hundred years after its inception, Third Street Alliance for Women & Children continues to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. In celebration of its centennial, artist Preston K. Hindmarch has created impressive, agency-related commemorative items for people to use and cherish, that both capture the classic elegance of the Simon Mansion and act as a reminder of the presence of this invaluable organization. Visit www.thirdstreetalliance.org to learn more about the artwork and memorabilia, along with exciting events slated for the Centennial Celebrations throughout September and October.

Third Street Alliance for Women & Children

41 North Third Street

Easton, PA 18042

610-258-6271