2024

BRISTOL, PA (May 2024) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is proud to announce a $15,000 grant to Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) (120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA, 19007) in support of Bristol Borough youth.

Penn Community Bank has invested in critical programs for youth through BRT’s Arts Education programs for nearly 20 years. Today, these programs include ArtRageous Summer Camp, ArtRageous School Year, Amplifying Black Brilliance, and Open Mic Nights. BRT Education provides safe spaces for Bristol Borough youth to find their creative voices through curated classes encouraging students to develop a greater appreciation for creative endeavors in theatre, music, arts and crafts, writing, and dance.

“Supporters like Penn Community Bank give our young people the opportunity to discover the power of art and expression through their support of BRT Education,” said BRT Producing Director Ken Kaissar. “Through their generosity, we’re able to raise up young people, encourage their confidence, give them a decade of sequential learning of collaboration and communication skills, and spark their creativity.”

“Community banking means investing in a brighter future for our region,” Jeane M. Vidoni, President and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “Beyond what we do as a banking institution, we’re committed to lifting up our youth through initiatives that support and encourage young imaginations to create and accomplish their dreams.”

According to US News and World Report, 66% of students in Bristol Borough School District are living in low income households. Arts participation and SAT scores increase linearly with students who take four years of arts coursework outperforming their peers by 100 points on the SAT. Among low-income students, arts education has been shown to reduce the dropout rate by 18% and increase the likelihood of attending college by 50%. To ensure BRT Education programs reach the kids who need it most, BRT works closely with school district staff, including social workers, teachers, and administrators, as well as community-based prevention organizations who themselves offer programs to low-income families.

(more…)

FEASTERVILLE, Pa (March 2024) – Leaders from Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, joined state lawmakers and area business and government officials at a hearing last week focused on addressing the rising level of fraud impacting area residents. The hearing, entitled “Safeguarding our Community from Fraud,” featured Penn Community Bank’s Jeane Vidoni, President and CEO, and Rick Cimakasky, Director of Fraud and Security Management as expert witnesses. Also testifying were Fred Harran, Bucks County Sheriff; Jennifer Schorn, Bucks County District Attorney; Nicolette Brown, PECO Director of Customer Care.

Taking place during National Consumer Protection Week, the forum brough brought attention to threats to consumers’ rights, how individuals and businesses can avoid falling prey to fraudulent activity, and what policymakers can do to better support personal data protection efforts.

“Victims of fraud not only suffer financial harm but also endure emotional distress, facing the loss of their savings, homes, and dignity. Increasingly, the impact extends to family caregivers and taxpayers who shoulder additional burdens to support financially devastated victims,” said Vidoni in her testimony. “As our nation and our communities undergoes a demographic shift, with more seniors than children projected within the next decade, the urgency to address elder financial exploitation grows.”

(more…)

‘Assets Limited, Income Constrained, Employed’ population makes up 1 in 4 Bucks Co. households

DOYLESTOWN, Pa (March 2024) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, joined the County of Bucks and United Way of Bucks County in designating March 2024 ALICE Awareness Month. ALICE, an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents the 27% of Bucks County individuals and families who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to make ends meet.

“The ALICE population represents hardworking families who are employed yet struggling financially. This proclamation is an important step in raising awareness of ALICE’s challenges and reduce the stigma around financial insecurity,” said Jeane M. Vidoni, president and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “As a true community bank, we are committed to supporting ALICE through affordable banking, financial education, and empowering partnerships – including with the United Way and the County of Bucks. Local banks play a vital role in serving the often overlooked ALICE population; by working together, we can build a more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

(more…)

Annual report highlights bank’s commitment to thriving communities

 PERKASIE, Pa (March 2024) – Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, announced today that it has been recognized as one of today released its 2023 Impact Report. The 50+ page report, released annually, highlights the bank’s impact on its customers, communities, and team members.

“As a mutual bank, we don’t have annual earnings reports. Instead, we focus on the people and relationships that power our region,” said Jeane M. Vidoni, president & CEO of Penn Community Bank. “More than a compilation of numbers, this Impact Report is a reflection of our accountability to our customers and communities, and a roadmap for effective corporate social responsibility moving forward.”

(more…)