Our presentation featured James Williams and Kim Schaffer from Community Bike Works. The organization has been in the Valley since1995 but recently established a presence in Easton. Their flagship “Earn a Bike” program connects youth ages 9-18 with mentors to learn lessons in bike mechanics and safety. While learning tool use, bike repair, and safe riding, students also practice life skills Including communication, teamwork, and perseverance. When students complete the program, they earn their refurbished bike and a new helmet! A junior program is available for younger riders. Youth leadership seminars focus on college and careers. Spring projects get young people involved in their community. Special projects that come to Bike Works include the Da Vinci Science Center's Inventors' Lab and an ongoing Poetry Club. Field trips range from IronPigs baseball games to the national Youth Bike Summit. Graduates of the program are encouraged to participate in the Drop-In program that is open every weekday after school, and earlier on days when there is no school. The students can fix bikes, play games, have a healthy snack and hang with friends. 95% of participants say they feel better about themselves and their future. 83% of Easton Earn A Bike students say they spend more time exercising and 90% would recommend Bike Works to their friends. James can be reached at james@communitybikeworks.org;484-554-4869.
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