The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network, which offers a food and clothing pantry for residents of Chestnuthill, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Polk and Ross townships since 1990, has hired longtime West End resident Hope Christman Smith as the director of community services.

"Hope has a very well-rounded skill set, which is exactly what we need, as our Director of Community Services position requires a vast array of different qualities," said the Rev. Todd Glasmire, President of the PVEN Board of Directors.Some of the programs Christman Smith will oversee are the food pantry and clothing distribution, the summer lunch program, the Angel Tree holiday gift program, food drives and community outreach."I am very excited to assist PVEN in carrying out its mission to serve those in need in our community. I look forward to working with the clients and volunteers, and to bring my enthusiasm and experience to this great community organization," Christman Smith said.Christman Smith has a bachelor of arts in English from East Stroudsburg University and a master's degree in social work from Marywood University. She has related work experience with the American Red Cross, the Domestic Violence Service Center, West End Happenings, the University of Scranton, Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School, the Pleasant Valley School District, and APSCUF.She is a founding member of the Pleasant Valley Youth Association and continues to serve as president and coach, while also overseeing the basketball and track programs. She is the founder of the West End Community Alliance, and has been active in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and the West End Pink Light Walk.The PVEN Food Bank distributes food Tuesdays and clothing on Fridays, both by appointment. For more information and guidelines for receiving assistance from PVEN, call 570-992-3136 or email

pven@ptd.net.