News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Family Connection of Easton Launch New Partnership to Support Easton Area School District Students and Families

December 01, 2025

As United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley marks 20 years of Community Schools, the organization is deepening its impact in Easton through a new partnership with Family Connection of Easton. Family Connection is now the lead partner organization providing United Way Community School services in the Easton Area School District, with Community School Coordinators working directly in Cheston and Paxinosa Elementary Schools, which together serve more than 1,100 students and families.

United Way Community Schools transform how the region supports students and families by turning schools into neighborhood hubs that remove barriers to learning and connect families to essential resources. This partnership aligns United Way’s regional expertise with Family Connection’s deep local relationships to strengthen student success and family stability in Easton.

“Family Connection’s long-standing commitment to students and families in Easton makes them a natural partner in our Community Schools network,” said Jill Pereira, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Together, we’re creating stronger connections between schools and communities and expanding opportunities that help every student reach their full potential.”

Community Schools UNITE educators, families and community partners to promote student success by addressing their needs both inside and outside of the classroom. Family Connection of Easton’s coordinators at Cheston and Paxinosa Elementary Schools are fostering partnerships that deepen school-community collaboration, connect families to resources and create systems that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

At Cheston Elementary School, reading proficiency for all grades grew by 20% and math proficiency by 23% over the past two years. Family engagement also rose by 154%, with more parents attending school events and conferences.

At Paxinosa Elementary School, student attendance improved significantly, with regular attendance increasing by 31% over three years. Students also demonstrated steady academic growth, with math proficiency for all improving by 15% and kindergarten literacy proficiency up for second-graders by 67%.

“The Easton Area School District is incredibly excited about our new partnership with Family Connection and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Benita S. Draper, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Easton Area School District. “Through this partnership using the Community School model, we will continue to transform our Community Schools into hubs of support, providing academic and social services directly to our students and their families. This collaborative approach will empower our community by creating a holistic support system that addresses their needs and helps every student succeed, both in and out of the classroom.”

“Family Connection of Easton is thrilled to continue its partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Easton Area School District,” added Keela Vincent, Executive Director of Family Connection of Easton. “Together, these collaborations create meaningful opportunities for students and families, ensuring they have access to the support and resources needed to thrive while strengthening connections between school, home and community.”

Founded in 1998, Family Connection of Easton has served as the Easton Area School District’s primary family center for more than 25 years. Through programs such as after school learning clubs, school readiness and student/parent engagement programs, Backpack Pals—program that provides backpacks filled with kid-friendly nutritious food, and family support services, the organization works to improve academic performance, health and wellness and the overall quality of life for children and families.

This partnership continues United Way’s vision to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, reflecting a shared commitment with Family Connection of Easton and the Easton Area School District.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Names Jill Wheeler as Chief Philanthropy Officer

November 21, 2025
Welcome Jill Wheeler UWGLV Chief Philanthropy Officer

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has selected Jill Wheeler to lead the $32 million organization’s annual fundraising efforts as Chief Philanthropy Officer starting in January. A lifelong Lehigh Valley resident and accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, communications and government relations, Wheeler currently serves as Vice President, Lehigh Valley of City Center Group.

“From her work revitalizing Downtown Allentown with City Center and beyond, Jill has extensive experience in business development, marketing and operations and an impressive track record of achieving transformative results. She is a unique talent, who brings the special caliber needed to be successful in this role. As we strive to accelerate both revenue and impact in the coming years, we’re confident that Jill will continue the unparalleled growth trajectory created by our long-time development leader Chip Hurd,” remarked Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Wheeler joins United Way as current Chief Philanthropy Officer Paul “Chip” Hurd, Jr. begins his transition into retirement. In the role, Wheeler will oversee the local United Way’s fundraising and development efforts, which include the organization’s $27 million annual campaign, corporate relationships, employee and retiree contributions, and individual and major gifts. 

“Being part of the revitalization of downtown Allentown over the past eight years has been an incredible experience. The team at City Center Group has made achievements that will improve downtown Allentown for generations, and not just in construction. The company has shared its resources with the community in many impactful ways, which has helped me realize my passion for helping my community grow and thrive. I can’t think of a better organization in the Lehigh Valley to join to pursue that passion, and who better to learn from than Chip. United Way does remarkable work across the entire Lehigh Valley. It’s an honor to join them in the new year,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler has worked at City Center Group since 2017, focusing on commercial leasing, marketing and community development.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jill and the impact she has made in her eight years with City Center. Her ability to make things happen and build strong relationships inside and outside the company has been a cornerstone of our success and will be a direct benefit to United Way as she steps into her new role. City Center has been a proud partner of United Way for many years, and we’re excited for Jill to share her talent with an organization that strengthens the entire Lehigh Valley community through its critical work,” added J.B. Reilly, President, City Center Group.

As a long-time United Way supporter and volunteer, Wheeler served on the organization’s Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025, was a member of Campaign Cabinet and is an active member of Tocqueville Society, a giving society of the region’s most generous and committed philanthropists.

“In addition to her business acumen, Jill demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to United Way’s mission. With her addition to the team, we expect a seamless transition for our donors and corporate partners who play a critical role in meeting the needs in the region,” said Joe Savage, United Way Board Chair and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Victaulic. “We especially want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chip Hurd for his role in leading our local organization to become on as one the highest-performing local United Ways in the nation.”

Hurd joined the local United Way in 2015 to lead fundraising and immediately built a thriving major gifts and corporate giving program. During his decade-long tenure, the organization cumulatively raised $185 million dollars through the annual United Way campaign which grew 143% from $11.8 million in 2015 to $26.2 million in 2024, with all funding supporting education, health and human services programming. Hurd will continue to support the organization in a part-time role starting in July 2026. 

Prior to City Center, Wheeler was Vice President and General Manager of Klunk & Millan Advertising, overseeing operations, business development and integrated marketing strategies. She served in various sales, marketing and general management roles at Stanley Vidmar, a division of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. While there, she led an initiative to rebrand the 40-year-old business, expanded sales channels and business acquisitions that diversified the breadth of the company’s offerings. She later ran the business in North America and Asia.

Wheeler began her career at RCN, where she helped drive the groundbreaking expansion of broadband into high-density U.S. markets. She is a board member of Allentown Economic Development Council and The Century Promise and sits on the Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital Ambassador Council. Wheeler earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Marketing with a Minor in Psychology from Albright College.

News

Building Brighter Spaces: Tocqueville Society Families Serve Together

November 19, 2025
    • View the Full photo gallery

    Thank you to the 65 Tocqueville Society members and their families for joining our fourth Day of Service at Roosevelt Elementary School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District. Volunteers completed projects ranging from painting and cleaning to organizing and decorating, helping to create a brighter, more welcoming space for students, families and staff.

    News

    Critical Support Fund Provides Rapid Relief for Families and Food Providers Across the Region

    November 18, 2025
    Critical Support Fund Partners at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania

    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced early impact from the Critical Support Fund, which launched on October 30 to address rising needs for food and emergency services. More than 75 businesses, organizations and individual donors have contributed more than $600,000, allowing partners to take swift action to support families and food providers. 

    Earlier today, United Way and LVCF held a press conference in partnership with Community Action Lehigh Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania to share updates on the community effort. 

    “When people in our community need help, the Greater Lehigh Valley shows up. We want to thank each and every person and organization who supported the fund to provide rapid relief for the families and food providers in partnership Community Action Lehigh Valley, Second Harvest and many others. Your resources have been put into action immediately to get food on pantry shelves and kitchen tables all across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and even Monroe counties,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.  

    Bulk orders of produce, dry goods, rice, beans and other shelf stable items have been placed through Second Harvest Food Bank and are being distributed to more than 100 food pantries across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Additional orders of beef, turkey and chicken have been secured through local farmers and regional suppliers to help meet the need for proteins. 

    “The strength of the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated in how we come together. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors and the dedication of our food provider network, the Critical Support Fund is delivering rapid relief to families across the region,” said LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP ®. “The Community Foundation is proud to work alongside United Way and our community partners to ensure these essential resources reach those in need—and to strengthen the safety net that so many depend on.”  

    “Community Action Lehigh Valley is deeply grateful to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for their partnership in establishing the Critical Support Fund. As families across our region face increased food insecurity due to reductions in SNAP benefits, among other emergency issues, this collaborative effort ensures that we can respond swiftly and compassionately. Together, we are providing a lifeline for our neighbors and reaffirming our shared commitment to a community where everyone has access to the basic resources they need to thrive,” said Dawn Godshall, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Lehigh Valley.  

    Partners are coordinating efforts by scheduling a pantry network meeting with Second Harvest, connecting volunteer needs through the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and providing a train-the-trainer session with Valley Health Partners to help pantry staff support residents who receive SNAP benefits. 

    The Critical Support Fund was created to meet immediate needs, beginning with food, while remaining flexible to provide other emergency and crisis supports as they arise. In the future, funds may be used to provide baby-mother essentials, energy assistance, emergency shelter and winter warming stations.  

    United Way and LVCF will continue working with partners to assess needs and ensure relief reaches families and providers efficiently and effectively. 

    For more information about the Critical Support Fund, please contact Erin Connelly at United Way at [email protected] or Erika Riddle Petrozelli at[email protected] at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. 

    How to help

    Donors may contribute online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (Select “Critical Support Fund”) and on Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s website by clicking: Bridge Fund for Critical Support. Donations can also be made via mail with checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Critical Support Fund”, or to Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, 840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18101 – attention “Bridge Fund for Critical Support.”

    Donate Now

    Food and diaper donations can be directed to the following hubs: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Easton Area Neighborhood Center, and Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. Priority food items include: canned proteins, cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta and peanut butter.

    For more information, contact Erin Connelly at United Way at [email protected] or Erika Riddle Petrozelli at [email protected] at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

    Finding help

    To find food and other resources, dial 2-1-1 or 855-567-5341, visit www.pa211.org or text your ZIP code to 898-211. PA 211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Pantries Served

    More than 100 food pantries across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties received produce, dry goods, rice, beans and other shelf stable items

    Click here to view, download or print the list of pantries served.

    Thank you to our funding partners

    Critical Support Fund - Funding Partners

    News

    Moravian University and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Announce Strategic Partnership

    November 18, 2025

    On November 13, Moravian University and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) announced a new strategic partnership to design and deliver a customized Leadership Experience Program (LXP) for United Way’s senior leadership team. This initiative will harness Moravian’s academic strength, regional engagement, and innovative spirit to advance leadership capacity, innovation, and alignment for those participating in this program.

    Moravian University is the nation’s sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.

    Interactive, 3-hour seminars will provide next-level leadership development, such as how to clarify their leadership philosophy, communicate with greater authenticity across styles, and learn to inspire alignment while empowering autonomy, building the foundation for leading others with purpose, poise, and accountability.

    Moravian will collaborate with United Way to develop a tailored multi-phase Leadership Experience (LXP) for UWGLV’s senior leadership, offering a curriculum focused on Strategic Leadership, Operational Excellence, Innovation and Change Management.

    “This partnership exemplifies how an institution rooted in the region like Moravian can accelerate leadership development with purpose and impact,” said Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, Assistant Vice President for Academic & Community Integration at Moravian University. “United Way has an excellent senior leadership team, and they’re committed to providing professional development opportunities to nurture leaders throughout the organization. United Way has always been strategic in their thinking, and the LXP program aligns perfectly with that approach to long-term planning.”

    The LXP will align with Moravian’s mission: To prepare each individual for a reflective life, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change.

    “As one of the highest-performing local United Ways in the nation, we have a commitment to excellence as one of our core organizational values. We know that excellence is achieved through continuous learning, development and growth, and we’re excited to work with Moravian University to bring a customized leadership program to our senior team,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

    The program will begin in January 2026.

    News

    Turning Commitment into Opportunity

    November 12, 2025

    When Vicki and Andy Doulé learned about Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, they were surprised by how simple and powerful it could be. “We honestly weren’t aware it was even an option,” they shared. “When we learned we could redirect our tax dollars to support United Way, it was such an easy decision.”

    For years, the Doulés have been dedicated supporters of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its Community Schools, which provide students with access to academic, emotional, and family support resources. The EITC program offered them a new way to deepen that commitment — one that aligned perfectly with their goal of strengthening the community they call home.

    “It allowed us to increase our giving and have a direct impact on United Way Community Schools,” they explained. “It really was a no-brainer.”

    The process was straightforward, thanks to the guidance from United Way’s EITC team. From understanding eligibility to connecting with their accountant, the Doulés said the experience was “easy and educational.” Most importantly, they saw firsthand how their redirected tax dollars made a tangible difference.

    “We know the success of Community Schools. Increased literacy rates and improved family engagement are two examples,” they said. “To be able to help expand that impact so more students can thrive gives us the best feeling.”

    Their message to others? Don’t hesitate to learn more. “It’s an easy way to have a huge impact and feel personally connected to the work. We’re so happy we did it, and United Way makes the process simple.”

    To learn how you can join Vicki and Andy in supporting local education through EITC, visit our webpage or contact David Lewis at [email protected] or (610) 428-0665.

    News

    20 Years of Partnership and Progress: United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success

    November 04, 2025
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
  • The Lehigh Valley welcomed Russell W. Booker, Ph.D, Chief Executive Officer of Spartanburg Academic Movement and Chair of the StriveTogether Board of Directors
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
  • United Way Community Schools Celebrate Two Decades of Advancing Student and Family Success
    • View the Full Photo Gallery

    For 20 years, United Way Community Schools have transformed how our region supports students and families, turning schools into neighborhood hubs where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

    On October 21, 2025, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Moravian University and community partners came together to celebrate a powerful milestone—two decades of Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley—and to announce a bold new vision: Every School a Community School.

    Since 2005, Community Schools have worked to remove barriers to learning by connecting students and families to essential resources, trusted relationships and opportunities to grow. Today, the network reaches nearly 20,000 students across 34 schools in five school districts throughout Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

  • TeenWorks Toy Drive 2023
  • Children hug Corey the Apple
    Read Across America Day 2024
  • TeenWorks Toy Drive 2023
  • child smiling holding a book
    Read Across America Day 2024
  • 2 boys and 1 girl sitting on the floor smiling
    National Reading Month 2024
  • Child smiling
    Read Across America Day 2024
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
    2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • Students at Marvine Elementary School in Bethlehem being read to during Read Across America Week
    Students at Marvine Elementary School in Bethlehem being read to during Read Across America Week

    • “Community Schools produce powerful and transformative results,” shared Jill Pereira, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at United Way. “They improve school climate and culture, student behavior and sense of belonging, student attendance, family engagement and academic growth. For the past two years, Community School students have been outperforming their peers across the region and state in academic growth. That’s something to celebrate.”

    “Today is not about any one person,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of United Way’s Community School Network. “It’s about the community that has made twenty years of impact possible. Every child deserves a school that sees them, grows them and surrounds them with possibility.”

    Reflecting on the national growth of the model, Abe Fernandez, Vice President of Collective Impact with Children’s Aid and Director of the National Center for Community Schools, spoke about the importance of persistence and partnership.

    “Every school should be a community school,” Fernandez said. “That’s the vision. When systems work together, we can ensure that schools become the center of thriving neighborhoods.”

    The event also highlighted a new partnership with StriveTogether, a national network that partners with communities to advance a cradle-to-career approach for economic mobility. Through a collaboration between The Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Allentown School District recently became the first StriveTogether partnership in Pennsylvania. The initiative promotes student success, economic mobility and community leadership. This partnership marks an important first step toward achieving the region’s bold vision of Every School a Community School—aligning systems and data to build stronger neighborhoods and greater opportunity for every child.

    The Lehigh Valley welcomed Russell W. Booker, Ph.D, Chief Executive Officer of Spartanburg Academic Movement and Chair of the StriveTogether Board of Directors. With more than 30 years of experience in education and community leadership, Dr. Booker is recognized nationally for his work in advancing collaborative strategies that improve educational outcomes and economic mobility.

    In his keynote address, he highlighted how the work of StriveTogether demonstrates what’s possible when systems align to support students and families in a more holistic way. His message focused on shared responsibility and the long-term commitment it takes to create lasting change for children and communities.

    “The magic happens when we’re all moving in the same direction,” Dr. Booker shared. “Partnership is the vehicle that gets us there.”

    A thoughtful discussion followed, featuring Carol D. Birks Ed.D., Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for the Allentown School District, Dr. Jack Silva, Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, Samantha Shaak Ph.D., Executive Director of the Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health and Darian Colbert, Executive Director of the Cohesion Network. Moderated by Pereira, the conversation explored how partnerships like StriveTogether build on two decades of Community School success—strengthening family engagement, expanding student opportunity and empowering neighborhoods to lead lasting change.

    “This milestone is a testament to what’s possible when a community UNITES around its children,” shared Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Today, we look forward to the work ahead — continuing to innovate, collaborate and strengthen the path for every child in our community.”

    Thank you to the event sponsors Crayola, Capital Blue Cross, Hank and Joanne Barnett and Moravian University, and to every partner who helped make 20 years of Community School impact possible.

    News

    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Launch Critical Support Fund to Address Immediate Needs in Our Region

    October 31, 2025

    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation have launched the Critical Support Fund to address immediate needs in the community, beginning with emergency food access.

    With more than 40% of Greater Lehigh Valley residents living paycheck to paycheck and funding pauses to programs like SNAP, food insecurity is rising. Currently, just over 106,000 people receive SNAP benefits in the region. At the same time, many of our region’s social service providers are struggling to keep up with the need and have not been able to access funding that typically supports food access programs.

    The Critical Support Fund will provide rapid relief, so nonprofit food providers can keep shelves stocked and distribute food where it is needed most.

    “Too many of our neighbors are feeling the strain when vital support systems are stretched,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “When need rises and resources tighten, our community shows up. We’re grateful for the extraordinary collaboration across nonprofits, funders and volunteers who are stepping up together to meet this moment.”

    Your United Way is joining together with additional donors and funders to raise $500,000 to support:

    • Keeping key food pantries stocked with crucial staples for a minimum of three months
    • Ensuring food is distributed to neighborhoods with the greatest need

    Thank you to our funding partners

    Critical Support Fund - Funding Partners

    Funds will be distributed for immediate relief, working in partnership with an action group of local food providers who are co-leading this response strategy.

    “This is what community looks like in action. This effort is also a powerful example of what can happen when funders, nonprofit leaders, and donors come together with urgency and purpose. United Way and the Community Foundation are standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure food remains accessible to every family during this critical moment,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “The Bridge Fund for Critical Support at the Community Foundation allows us to act now — to make sure food pantries are stocked and our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need.”

    How to help

    Donors may contribute online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (Select “Critical Support Fund”) and on Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s website by clicking: Bridge Fund for Critical Support. Donations can also be made via mail with checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Critical Support Fund”, or to Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, 840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18101 – attention “Bridge Fund for Critical Support.”

    Donate Now

    Food and diaper donations can be directed to the following hubs: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Easton Area Neighborhood Center, and Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. Priority food items include: canned proteins, cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta and peanut butter.

    For more information, contact Erin Connelly at United Way at [email protected] or Erika Riddle Petrozelli at [email protected] at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

    Finding help

    To find food and other resources, dial 2-1-1 or 855-567-5341, visit www.pa211.org or text your ZIP code to 898-211. PA 211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    News

    Women United Honors Darlene Pors and the Next Generation of Innovators

    October 30, 2025
    • View the full photo gallery

    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Women United celebrated leadership, learning and legacy during its 2025 Annual Celebration, held October 16 at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. The event brought together about 125 members and guests to honor this year’s Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year, recognize community impact and experience firsthand how local students are thriving through science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math.

    • The evening began with hands-on demonstrations from students in the Central Elementary STREAM Academy, a United Way Community School. Young scientists eagerly shared their projects, which included car-shaped robots that promote problem solving through computational thinking, experiments exploring how traits are passed through DNA, sight and sound tests, animal food chain explanations, dioramas of different terrains and more.

    Their excitement filled every room. When asked what they loved most about learning at Da Vinci, students struggled to choose just one thing. Many responded with wide smiles and the same heartfelt answer: they love everything about being there.

    Following the demonstrations, attendees gathered to honor this year’s Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year, Darlene R. Pors, Project Sales Account Manager at H.T. Lyons, Inc. A longtime member and former president of Women United, Pors has spent more than a decade advancing opportunities for women, children and families throughout the Lehigh Valley.

    “There is nothing more meaningful than to know that your time and financial contributions can truly change the lives of others for the better,” said Pors. “It’s about writing a story where every woman and every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive.”

    Current Women United President Karla Trumbauer presented the award, recognizing Pors for her leadership during the pandemic and her deep commitment to community partnerships.

    “Darlene truly embodies what it means to lead with purpose and compassion,” said Trumbauer. “Her unwavering dedication has created lasting impact across business, education and healthcare throughout our region.”

    Together, Women United members continue to drive meaningful change through philanthropy, advocacy and volunteerism. Over the past four years, members have collectively raised over $1,000,000 to support programs that strengthen families and empower women across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

    Thank you to our event sponsors: Bronze Sponsors: HNL Lab Medicine and H. T. Lyons; Pearl Sponsors: Fulton Bank, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health and PSECU.

    News

    Innovation and Inclusion Drive 2025 Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference

    October 30, 2025
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference attendees
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference collage
  • Display of art at Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Display of art at Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference attendees
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference attendees
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference attendees
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference attendees
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference collage
  • Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference at DeSales University
    • View the full photo gallery

    Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to age successfully—and on October 20, 2025, local leaders, advocates and professionals gathered for the annual Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference dedicated to advancing that vision.

    Hosted in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, AARP Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, the event brought together more than 100 community members to celebrate progress and explore innovative solutions that promote connection, inclusion and healthy aging.

    “Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley is about creating communities where older adults are connected, respected and engaged,” shared Carmen Bell, Senior Director of Healthy Aging at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “It’s also about recognizing that what supports older adults—walkable neighborhoods, accessible housing, quality healthcare—benefits everyone.”

    The day’s presentations and discussions highlighted statewide collaboration, from Pennsylvania’s Age-Friendly designation to innovative local housing and transportation solutions, advocacy and community design—each reinforcing how thoughtful planning and collaboration improve quality of life for residents of all ages. Speakers including United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko and Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich underscored the power of partnerships to create real, lasting change.

    “Pennsylvania is leading the way as the largest state in the nation to adopt an Age-Friendly framework. The Lehigh Valley is showing what it looks like when collaboration turns into action,” said Secretary Kavulich.

    “The goal is simple: make every community one where you can safely walk, roll or age in place. It’s about mobility, safety and connection,” shared Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. “When we design with inclusion in mind, we’re not just helping older adults. We’re building communities that work better for everyone.”

    Carol Gonzalez, a dedicated volunteer and longtime advocate for Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley.
    The conference also honored the memory of Carol Gonzalez, a dedicated volunteer and longtime advocate for Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley. Her compassion, energy and commitment to helping older adults feel connected continue to inspire this work.

    • To close the event, Captains Ricky Ensley and Brian Beichy gave a compelling demonstration that showcased how emerging technology can enhance community well-being. The team introduced a new drone initiative from Project Lifesaver designed to assist in search-and-rescue missions for missing residents living with dementia or other cognitive challenges. Paid for by Fleming Foundation, the program reflects forward-thinking investment in tools that save lives, strengthen emergency response and give families greater peace of mind.

    Thank you to our event sponsors — AARP Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Fleming Foundation — for their generous support in advancing the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley movement.

    “Together, we are building a community where aging is not defined by limitations, but by opportunities to live with purpose, connection and care,” shared Lesko.

    Critical Support Fund