Rachel Cuevas for Pennsylvania House District 187

Fighting for healthcare, working families, veterans, and affordable farming in Pennsylvania’s 187th District.

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Supporting Families in Our Community

Supporting Families in Our Community

As a prospective representative of District 187, I believe every family here should have access to the resources they need to thrive — to succeed, feel secure, and enjoy being part of our community.

Here are five pillars of support I believe every local family deserves — along with a guide to resources already available, and how I intend to help strengthen them.

1. Basic Needs: Food, Housing & Health

  • Local food banks, pantries, and summer meal programs help when budgets are tight.
  • Affordable housing programs, utilities assistance, and local rental support offices.
  • Access to healthcare (regular check-ups, preventive care, mental health).

Why this matters: Meeting basic needs frees up families to focus on school, work, and connection — instead of survival.

Local resource snapshot:

  • The Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) offers food assistance, housing support, job readiness and utility assistance locally. Pennsylvania Government+1
  • The county’s housing assistance program via Lehigh County Housing Authority and the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) supports rental assistance for families in need. Lehigh County+1
  • For broader support, dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP to 898-211 for help with utilities, housing, food, and more. ELRC – Early Learning Resource Center+1

My commitment: I will advocate for expanding awareness of these programs and working to remove barriers (transportation, hours, language) so families know where to go.

2. Early Childhood & Youth Development

  • Quality Pre-K, Early Head Start, childcare for working parents.
  • After-school programs, summer camps, mentoring for children and teens.
  • Support for kids with special needs, tutoring programs, and library reading initiatives.

Why this matters: A strong start and continued enrichment give children the foundation to succeed in school and life.

Local resource snapshot:

  • The Early Learning Resource Center Region 14 (serving Lehigh & Northampton counties) provides links to childcare, Head Start, and more. ELRC – Early Learning Resource Center
  • The county’s “For Families & Children in the Lehigh Valley” resource list outlines local programs for kids and families. Lehigh County

My commitment: I’ll push for increased funding and local partnerships so no family is forced to choose between paying bills and childcare—or settle for low-quality services.

3. Workforce & Family Economic Stability

  • Job training, resume help, apprenticeships and adult learning for parents.
  • Support for single parents (flex work, childcare while attending training).
  • Financial education: budgeting, saving for college/pension, tax credits (EITC, child tax credit).

Why this matters: Families that are economically stable are better able to invest in children’s futures and weather unexpected storms.

Local resource snapshot:

My commitment: I’ll work to align local workforce offerings to our region’s evolving job market (manufacturing, automation, packaging, tech) so parents can access meaningful roles—not just stopgaps.

4. Health, Wellness & Community Engagement

  • Physical health: preventive medicine, fitness opportunities, maternal care.
  • Mental health: counseling, family support groups, stress management.
  • Community: safe parks, libraries, recreation centers, community events (which build connection and belonging).

Why this matters: Strong families don’t just survive—they thrive in supportive communities.

Local resource snapshot:

  • The Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley provides trauma-informed counseling and safe-space resources for families and children in Lehigh/Northampton counties. Turning Point of Lehigh Valley
  • The 2-1-1 resource line also connects families with mental health, substance-use support, and community programs. Magellan of PA+1

My commitment: I will support funding community wellness programs including mental health, ensure our parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible, and foster events that bring families together.

5. Voice, Participation & Local Infrastructure

  • Knowing your rights (voting, public meetings, school board involvement).
  • Engagement in local planning (transportation, broadband, community design) so families aren’t overlooked.
  • Ensuring infrastructure works: roads, public transit (or at least connectivity), green spaces, safe sidewalks for kids.

Why this matters: Families feel empowered when they know their voice matters, and when the built environment supports their daily lives.

My commitment: I pledge to hold regular “Family Forums” in our district so you can share concerns and ideas, and I’ll take those voices to Harrisburg.

What This Means for You

  • Actionable tip: Set aside 1 hour this week to explore one of the resource areas above. Example: check the Early Learning Resource Center Region 14 website (listed above) for childcare subsidy or Head Start availability.
  • Ask for help: If you hit a barrier (transportation, language, cost) let me know—my office will compile a local directory and help connect families with the right door.
  • Stay connected: Sign up for updates from my campaign so you know when we hold local events and forums.
  • Bring your voice: If you have ideas or gaps you see in our area (childcare, public transit, after-school care, broadband), please reach out—your input will shape my priorities.

Final Thoughts

As we build toward a future where “Fair Local Strong” is a reality for every family in District 187, I believe thoughtful policy + community engagement + accessible resources are the backbone. I ask for your support — not just your vote — but your voice, your ideas, and your willingness to be part of the conversation.

Together, we can help ensure that every parent in our region, whether working in manufacturing, maintenance, automation, healthcare, teaching, or hospitality, has the tools and opportunities to provide a strong, stable, healthy future for their children.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to meeting many of you, hearing your stories, and working to make a real difference.
— Rachel Cuevas

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