News

Critical Support Fund Delivers Immediate Food and Crisis Relief Across the Greater Lehigh Valley

March 23, 2026

Families across the Greater Lehigh Valley received immediate food and emergency relief through the Critical Support Fund, a joint effort of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. Launched in October 2025 to address urgent community needs, the fund raised more than $689,000, allowing partners to act quickly and deliver direct support to thousands of neighbors facing food insecurity and other critical challenges.

“Because of the generosity of our partners, we were able to move at the speed of need to respond at the scale this moment required,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “The Critical Support Fund allowed us to act immediately, coordinate across systems and ensure families had access to food, heat and essential supports during a critical time. This is what collaboration looks like when a community comes together around urgent need.”

To meet needs, the organizations worked in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley. Funding supported bulk purchases totaling 775,995 pounds of food, serving 25,762 households per month across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Purchases filled shelves at more than 100 food pantries with produce, dry goods, cereal, rice, beans and shelf-stable items, along with fresh proteins and essential staples. This level of food purchasing rapidly expanded the ability to source supplies in the region, where approximately 66,000 pounds of food were distributed in September and October prior to the fund’s launch. Bulk food purchases began in early November and continued through February, ensuring food access for families throughout the winter months.

“Community foundations play a critical role in mobilizing philanthropy when urgent needs arise,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Through the Critical Support Fund, donors and partners were able to move resources quickly to organizations already serving families on the front lines of food insecurity and economic hardship. This collaboration shows how philanthropy and community partnerships can work together to respond quickly and effectively when our neighbors need support most.”

In addition to food distribution, funds have been invested in warming shelter operations in Easton, including a $15,000 investment to support Safe Harbor, as well as food delivery and alternative food access options for individuals who are unable to reach food pantries, utility assistance for working families struggling to afford basic needs and after-school program food access.

This work was driven by a network of food providers, formed in early October, when the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley convened over a dozen food pantry and food bank leaders to strategically share information and resources to get through the crisis. They also partnered with Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and North Penn Legal Services to host a webinar in November focused on changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The session supported nonprofit partners in helping community members maintain access to SNAP, with a second session currently being planned.

Additional Critical Support Fund investments were issued in early 2026 to support specific populations and emergency needs. These included $30,000 in grants to organizations serving people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and LGBTQ residents with partners including the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living Inc., Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, Lehigh Valley Friends Meeting and Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley. An additional $120,000 was distributed to support utility assistance for households with oil heat through grants to The Salvation Army in Bethlehem and Allentown and the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, Inc.

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.

News

AmeriCorps Week: Celebrating the Impact of Service

March 20, 2026

In recognition of AmeriCorps Week 2026, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley hosted a full-day event bringing together 31 AmeriCorps members, program staff and partner organizations from across the Lehigh Valley. This event gave the opportunity to celebrate national service, strengthen relationships across AmeriCorps programs, engage participants in meaningful community service and provide high-quality professional development.

Both Jennifer Nicolosi and Marsha Macalush oversee the AmeriCorps Program here at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, supporting the success of both members and our host sites.

“This week, we celebrated the incredible impact of AmeriCorps members across the Greater Lehigh Valley. From supporting our community partners to addressing critical needs, these members bring energy, dedication and real change to our communities. The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s AmeriCorps Week convening was a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect and highlight the collective difference being made,” shared Jennifer.

The event highlighted the collective impact of service, elevating the experiences of AmeriCorps members and reinforcing the importance of sustaining those engaged in service-oriented work. The day included opening remarks by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Marci Lesko, in addition to structured networking, facilitated volunteer activities led by Northampton Community College and and two afternoon workshops focused on Assent Mapping taught by Marsha Macalush, Rural Outreach Specialist and Compassion Resiliency taught by Missy Wise, Assistant Director of Training Initiatives at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Your United Way is proud to have 19 AmeriCorps members serve at 11 sites for the 2025-2026 grant year, working closely with staff in the United Way office, school districts and nonprofits throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

News

Community Raises More Than $35,000 to Support Easton Fire Recovery Efforts

March 13, 2026
Easton Fire Fund: $35,396.60 total raised

Community members across the region have continued to step up in response to the fire that displaced residents of the Hotel Hampton in Easton and nearby housing.

To date, 199 donors have helped raise $35,396.60 to support individuals affected by the fire, the fire companies who responded and the organizations assisting with recovery efforts.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, these funds have already been put to work providing immediate assistance to residents and supporting those still working to secure stable housing.

How funds have supported those affected:

  • $15,000 in cash cards distributed to residents of the Hotel Hampton, Hotel Bartlett and adjacent apartments, providing $225 per person to help cover immediate needs.
  • $2,500 each to the Easton Fire Department and Wilson Fire Department in appreciation of their emergency response and service to the community.

The remaining funds are being used to support extended short-term housing for 22 individuals who have not yet been able to secure permanent housing. These funds will help provide meals, staffing, transportation and other essential needs as recovery efforts continue.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends sincere appreciation to BSI Corporate Benefits and its owners, Easton residents Tony and Adrienne DaRe, for their leadership and generosity in supporting this effort.

This response reflects the power of community coming together to help neighbors during difficult moments. Every contribution has helped ensure residents affected by the fire have access to immediate assistance and continued support while they work toward stable housing.

News

Community Comes Together and Raises $27,000 to Support Residents and First Responders Affected by the Hotel Hampton Fire in Easton

February 27, 2026
Easton Fire Fund Thank You graphic

In less than one week, community members came together to raise more than $27,000 to support residents and first responders affected by last Friday’s fire at the Hotel Hampton in Easton.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will be directed toward assisting displaced residents and the fire companies that responded to the emergency. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will begin distributing these funds today to ensure timely support reaches those in need.

We extend our sincere appreciation to BSI Corporate Benefits and its owners, Easton residents Tony and Adrienne DaRe, for their generous contributions in support of two of the fire companies involved in the response efforts.

Donations are still being accepted to aid ongoing recovery efforts. Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate by selecting “Fire Fund.” Contributions via check may be made payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109, Attention “Easton Fire Fund.” Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “REBUILD” to 40403.

Donate Today

For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-504-9452.

News

United Way and Partners Launch Emergency Response Fund Following Hotel Hampton Fire in Easton

February 23, 2026

In response to a devastating fire at the Hotel Hampton in Easton on February 20, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and local partners have established an emergency relief fund to provide immediate assistance to those affected.

The fire at the hotel at 462 Northampton Street in downtown Easton also affected two adjoining properties, displacing a total of 40 adults. The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief to the impacted residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including shelter, food, and emergency supplies. The organization is actively assisting displaced residents and has opened a shelter at nearby Paxinosa Elementary School.

Now, United Way will work with partners including Greater Easton Development Partnership to provide long-term assistance with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.

Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate by selecting “Fire Fund.” Contributions via check may be made payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109, Attention “Easton Fire Fund.” Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “REBUILD” to 40403.

Donate Today

For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-504-9452.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Awarded Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Grant to Support Dementia Caregivers

February 19, 2026

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has been awarded a $6,000 biannual grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), recognizing our commitment to supporting caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

The funding will support the reintroduction of the Savvy Caregiver Mixer, a social and educational component of the nationally recognized Savvy Caregiver Program. Designed to address isolation and stress among caregivers, the mixers provide meaningful peer connection, skill reinforcement and access to respite care.

Over the next year, the grant will allow United Way to host additional Savvy Caregiver Mixers for up to 100 caregivers, including free respite care made possible through community partnerships. These gatherings strengthen peer support networks, improve caregiver well-being and reinforce practical dementia care skills.

This initiative directly advances United Way’s focus on healthy aging and community resilience, ensuring caregivers feel supported while improving quality of care for individuals living with dementia.

News

Community Scores Big for Food Access during Air Products Night at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms featuring United Way

February 18, 2026

On January 17th, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms teamed up with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley for Air Products Night. This special event invited fans to bring ramen noodle donations to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.

The event was a fun night out for hockey, community and meaningful support for neighbors facing food insecurity. Fans were able to donate, participate in the 50/50 raffle, play our Chuck-A-Puck game and interact with Air Products and United Way staff and volunteers.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the event collected:

  • 4,168 meals’ worth of Ramen
  • $3,580.92 from the 50/50 Raffle
  • $176 from the Chuck-A-Puck game

A huge thanks to all who donated and participated in the night’s events and to Air Products and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for their support.

  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms
  • Air Products Night at the Phantoms

News

UNITED, Kids Thrive: Community Schools Showcase Academic Growth and Family Stability in 2025

February 11, 2026

At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that when we are UNITED, kids thrive. That belief comes to life in our Community Schools, where academic support, family engagement and basic needs services work together to create stability and opportunity for students and families across the region.

Students enrolled in United Way Community Schools demonstrated academic growth across the network during the 2024-25 school year, as highlighted in the 2025 Annual Report.

United Way Community Schools demonstrated academic growth across the network

Network-wide results show:

  • Literacy and math proficiency increased across the network
  • 85% of students identified as needing behavioral health support were connected to services
  • 81% of participating youth reported an increased sense of belonging or improved social-emotional skills

These results reflect the strength of the Community School model, which integrates academics, mental health services, family engagement and basic needs support to remove barriers and help students succeed.

“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems Community School Coordinators build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network. 

United Way Community Schools serve 19,744 students across 34 public schools in Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area, Bangor Area and Panther Valley school districts, along with Salvaggio Academy.

Community Schools strengthen academic success by addressing both classroom learning and the barriers that impact it. During the 2024-25 school year:

  • 1,609 children participated in United Way-funded early education programs
  • 1,816 students engaged in summer learning programs
  • 2,992 students accessed dental and vision care
  • 5,596 families increased food access

Through strong partnerships and generous donor support, Community Schools continue building the foundation for long-term success for students, families and neighborhoods across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

View the Full Report

News

February 11 Is 211 Day: A Lifeline for Our Community

February 11, 2026
Call 211 for help with housing, utilities, food, caregiving

Every day, thousands of people across the Greater Lehigh Valley face urgent challenges. When housing is unstable, food is scarce or a crisis feels overwhelming, knowing where to turn matters. That’s why February 11, known as 211 Day, is an important opportunity to recognize PA 211 and the role it plays in connecting people to critical support.

PA 211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It connects residents to essential health and human services, including housing assistance, food access, utility support, transportation and more. In moments of uncertainty, 211 serves as a trusted starting point for help.

While the total number of connections fluctuates year to year, the need for support through PA 211 remains significant and evolving. In 2025, housing and shelter continued to be the most requested services, while requests for food, health care, utilities and other essential needs increased by 52% from 2024, signaling growing pressure on families across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

211 by the Numbers

  • 15,390 connections to resources through the PA 211 health and human services helpline
  • 62.6% of requests related to housing and shelter
  • 37.4% of requests for food, health care, utilities and other needs, a 52% increase from 2024

PA 211 is powered by trained resource specialists who guide callers through available options and connect them with local programs. This work is strengthened through partnerships that expand both access to services and pathways to opportunity.

One such partnership is with Bloom for Women, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Through Bloom’s Flourish Workforce Development Program, survivors are trained to work on the PA 211 call line, offering compassionate support to others while gaining valuable skills and meaningful employment.

This collaboration reflects how 211 does more than respond to crisis. It helps build resilience. Survivors bring lived experience, empathy and insight to their work, while PA 211 provides a supportive environment and clear pathways toward economic stability. Together, they demonstrate how community solutions can meet immediate needs while creating long-term impact.

On this 211 Day, we recognize the essential role PA 211 plays in our region. It is a lifeline for individuals and families and a powerful example of how partnership, compassion and connection help our community move forward.

News

TeenWorks Celebrates 27 Years of Youth Leadership and Service

February 10, 2026
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its community partners recently came together to celebrate the 27th annual TeenWorks Dinner, an event dedicated to recognizing the incredible achievements of young leaders committed to making a difference. Speakers of the event included Teen Board Chair, Polina Dorma; President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Marci Lesko;and Keynote Speaker, John Leonard.

During the evening, attendees honored the impact of multiple TeenWorks projects, highlighting the dedication and hard work of local youth in serving their communities. The TeenWorks Project of the Year, Zach Krauss Spirit of Service and TeenWorks Hero were a few of the awards presented.

The TeenWorks Project of the Year recognizes an impactful contribution to their community by identifying a need and creating a solution. This year’s award was presented to Lucian Meckley and Rylan Preletz.

The Zach Krauss Spirit of Service Award recognizes a student or group of students who have demonstrated a commitment to making their community a better place to live by completing an outstanding, altruistic project that was innovative, meaningful and impacted people in their community. This year’s award was presented to Polina Dorman.

The TeenWorks Hero Award is given to a person who demonstrates a commitment to the ideals and purpose of the TeenWorks mission. Someone who embodies the qualities of hard work, honesty, and a commitment to giving back to his/her community through acts of compassion and selflessness. This year’s award was presented to Capital Blue Cross.

TeenWorks is made up of a diverse group of local middle and high school students and local members of organized labor. The group meets monthly and helps to fund community service projects throughout the Lehigh Valley from various youth groups. Over 500 organizations have received grants of up to $1,000 for their projects.

This annual celebration not only acknowledges the hard work of TeenWorks participants but also strengthens the spirit of volunteerism and service within the Greater Lehigh Valley community.

To learn more about TeenWorks, apply for funding or get involved, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/teenworks.