MOVING ON UP IN PHILADELPHIA….

Loni Gamble, local resident and CEO and executive director of CAPPA, was appointed by Gov. Ed Rendell to the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs. Gamble is scheduled to be sworn in to the post at 10 a.m. today in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Part of Gamble's duties will include advising the governor on issues affecting the state's black community and what solution-oriented steps can be taken to ensure involvement of blacks at all levels within the state.

"As the co-founder and leader of the Community Alliance for Progressive and Positive Action during the past nine years, Loni Gamble has had a positive influence on countless children in the Williamsport area. He has helped to show them the value of a good education, of non-violent resolution of problems, and of community service. Now he can carry his ideas, his energy and his dedication to the state level as a member of the African American Affairs Commission," Rendell said.

"I am humbled to be chosen and appointed to this position," Gamble said. "It's a good opportunity for me, but more importantly it's a great opportunity for the community."

According to the governor's office, commission members bring extensive talent, expertise and knowledge to the commonwealth, are dedicated to working with the governor, his staff and all Pennsylvanians who share a belief in the concepts of equal justice, opportunity and equality for all of our citizens.

Tasks for Gamble will include developing, reviewing and recommending to the governor policies in the areas of health and human services, housing, education, employment, business formation and development.

With the new appointment, Gamble also will serve as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies to ensure that programs affecting blacks are effectively used and that benefits accrue equitably to members of the black community.

Although Gamble was aware the governor was considering him for the position, the outcome was unexpected.

"This great opportunity was presented to me and I was more than happy to accept," Gamble said.

In June 2002 Gamble started developing his community-based CAPPA program. CAPPA is a nonprofit youth intervention and development program, which helps juveniles increase feelings of self-worth, decrease self-destructive behavior and assist participants in making proper life-changing decisions.

Due to its success, today several cities are taking his approach and looking at Gamble's model for CAPPA to form similar community-based programs across the country.

Gamble said first on his agenda is to focus on high school dropout and incarceration rates and to work closely with the governor on several key issues.

Gamble's appointment will continue through April 13, 2012.

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