Michael and Michele Pessina, longtime Allentown residents, have been United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Tocqueville Society members for over 15 years. Their journey with United Way began with payroll deductions during their careers—Michael at Lutron Electronics, where he dedicated over 40 years, and Michele as a teacher in the Allentown and Parkland School Districts. Their belief in keeping their contributions local and impactful inspired their continued support even into retirement.
“We started giving because it was easy, and we knew our money stayed right here in the Lehigh Valley, supporting the community we love,” shared the Pessinas. “Even now, it’s still the best way to give back and make a difference.”
Michael and Michele are particularly passionate about education and children, areas that they view as fundamental to building a stronger community. Their personal connection to this cause runs deep, especially in honor of their late daughter, Angela, a Spanish teacher in Pen Argyl, for whom they have established a foundation. They also cherish time with their other daughter, Alison, her husband, Matthew and their two young grandchildren.
In addition to the Tocqueville Society, the Pessinas actively support local nonprofits, including Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, where Michael serves on the board. Their dedication to fostering collective impact and trust in United Way’s stewardship ensures their contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of local families.
“We’re proud to be part of United Way’s mission, which brings bold goals and transformative work to the community,” they added. “It’s an investment in our neighbors, our schools and a brighter future for everyone.”
United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of over 400 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community, developing long-lasting impact and tackling our region’s most pressing challenges.
New United Way partner, The Kindness Project, is helping ensure children and teens in foster care feel safe, seen and supported.
This grassroots nonprofit, based in the Lehigh Valley, is on a mission to create a brighter future for youth in foster care by offering essential resources and meaningful enrichment opportunities.
From the moment a child enters the foster care system, The Kindness Project ensures they are met with dignity and compassion. Through its free boutique, The Kindness Exchange, youth from across eastern PA can shop for brand-new clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, baby equipment, birthday gifts and more — selecting what they love in a welcoming, trauma-informed space.
The organization is also launching a new Mobile Boutique, The Kindness Express, in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network Reilly Children’s Hospital to reach families in underserved communities who can’t access the physical boutique.
Beyond essentials, The Kindness Project nurtures the whole child through its Kindness Connections Program, partnering with dozens of local organizations to host seasonal experiences, sports and arts classes and special events that create joyful memories and opportunities for growth.
In 2024 alone, The Kindness Project served more than 1,200 local youth. As the number of children in foster care continues to rise — with over 14,000 youth in the PA system — this work remains more vital than ever.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA have announced a joint plan to open the warming station at the Y’s Allentown Branch by September 30 to offer immediate shelter for the residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment. With the pending evacuation of the camp due to cited safety concerns, United Way and the YMCA worked quickly to offer a solution in partnership with the City of Allentown, Lehigh County, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and local citizens.
“We are pleased to provide a short-term solution for shelter by opening the Warming Station nearly two months ahead of schedule,” stated River Crossing YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Zane Moore. “We appreciate our collaboration with the United Way and other local partners who are critical to our ability to mobilize the resources needed to run and staff the Warming Station, and provide a safe, caring space for our unhoused community.”
The evacuation is scheduled to take effect on August 25. The warming station which typically operates from mid-November to mid-April provides daily shelter, food and a safe place for those experiencing homelessness. Under the announced plan, the station would open nearly two months ahead of schedule.
“We’re grateful for the funding partners who quickly came together to provide an immediate option for people who will need to relocate. However, addressing this issue will require additional mid- and long-term solutions, and we’re committed to working with the residents, the City, County and the nonprofit service providers to ensure that all residents will have access to ongoing safe, stable and appropriate housing,” said United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko.
River Crossing YMCA has operated the warming station at the Allentown YMCA located on South 15th Street since 2018. In addition to offering daily beds, meals, bathrooms and showers, staff coordinates case management and health care services during the winter season.
“Our City has a commitment to the health and safety of all residents, and we are grateful to our community partners for their support of that mission,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “River Crossing YMCA and United Way have stepped up to provide immediate help while we continue our efforts to provide stable and secure housing, and I thank them for their leadership.”
“We’re proud to be part of a coalition with the City, County, United Way and YMCA to work toward a solution to the homelessness issues that our community is facing,” added Lehigh County Executive Philips Armstrong.
“The Community Foundation recognizes the importance of addressing urgent needs in our community while we collectively work toward long-term solutions,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “We are grateful for the leadership of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the YMCA in providing a safe and compassionate temporary option for our neighbors facing homelessness. Our support of this collaboration reflects our community’s shared commitment to dignity, safety, and care for all residents of the Lehigh Valley.”
Donations to support the housing efforts can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Emergency Services Fund”). Additionally, anyone interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403.
A view into the Warming Station is available here. B-roll footage may be freely used. Â
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley proudly announces the creation of the Slate Belt Angels Fund at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, a permanent endowment honoring the mission of the Episcopal Apartments of the Slate Belt. For decades, the Episcopal Apartments provided safe, stable housing and supportive services for older adults in the Slate Belt region. This new fund ensures that legacy lives on, expanding access to essential programs that improve health, housing and quality of life for rural communities.
“This fund is a remarkable act of trust and partnership, and we are honored to steward it,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Together with the Slate Belt Angels, we are building on a long legacy of service to create lasting, measurable change in the lives of older adults in the region.”
The Slate Belt Angels embodies the true spirit of community building. With this multi-million-dollar investment, the newly established fund ensures that the founders’ vision of supporting safe, stable housing and services for older adults continues to thrive in perpetuity. The fund is designed to strengthen and expand rural impact in the Slate Belt, with a lasting focus on housing, health and education.
“This fund is more than a financial investment — it’s a promise to the Slate Belt community that older adults will have access to the housing, healthcare and support they deserve for generations to come,” stated Robin Zmoda, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Board of Directors Member and Borough Manager and Treasurer for the Borough of Pen Argyl, Pa.
Interest funds from the endowed gift will be invested in programs that support older adults living in the Pen Argyl and Bangor Area School District catchment area to ensure the original mission continues to guide the work ahead.
Short-term goals include funding local programs that serve older adults to carry on the Episcopal Apartments’ legacy. Long-term, the fund will grow through leveraged dollars and new partnerships, serving as a catalyst for rural investment in the Slate Belt for generations.
“We are looking forward to benefiting Seniors in the Slate Belt on a long-term basis with the assistance of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley,” stated Dave Ceraul, Slate Belt Angels.
Community outreach events are scheduled to take place throughout summer and fall 2025 to raise awareness and gather local input on what is needed in the region to ensure that older adults are thriving. Residents can attend the next event in Weona Park in Pen Argyl on August 3 from 6-8 p.m. to help shape this important investment.
To learn more about the Slate Belt Angels Fund or attend an upcoming event, contact Carmen Bell at [email protected] or 610-807-5717.
This new partnership advances research and public policy related to criminal justice issues.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to announce a formal merger with the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute (LVJI), a nonpartisan research, policy and advocacy organization working to build a more equitable and effective criminal justice system, while addressing the social determinants of criminal justice.
Founded in 2020 to shine a light on systemic gaps and opportunities, Lehigh Valley Justice Institute uses research and data to drive local change across the Lehigh Valley’s criminal justice processes. Their mission is to serve as a flashlight, illuminating where policy and programmatic solutions can positively impact outcomes.
“Today’s merger with United Way, one of the largest nonprofits of the region, is a testament to the trusted and impactful work which LVJI has performed. Marrying LVJI’s data analysis skills with the ability of United Way to collect primary source data through their many initiatives in the region, will result in the delivery of the highest quality and most impactful approaches to resolving inequities in our Lehigh Valley,” remarked Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Executive Director Joe Welsh, who will continue to provide expertise and guidance throughout the merger and serve on the United Way Board of Directors.
Support for this merger is provided by Lehigh Valley Justice Institute board members Richard Master of MCS Industries and Charlie Marcon of Duggan & Marcon and their families. Their founding support and continued generosity have made this transition possible, ensuring that the Institute’s impact will continue for years to come.
“We’re so grateful to the Masters and the Marcons for their sustained commitment to the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute at United Way. Their generous support provides the resources so that the important research and advocacy work will continue to create a positive impact on the criminal justice system for many, many years into the future. We are honored and humbled by their trust to continue to steward and grow this important work,” said United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko.
This partnership ensures long-term sustainability, enhanced research capacity and reduced administrative costs, ensuring the work not only continues but expands. It also deepens United Way’s commitment to data-driven strategies and community-informed policy that support its core focus areas of education, housing, mental health and healthy aging.
“The work of the Justice Institute clearly points to the connection between criminal justice and social issues, such as education, mental health and housing insecurity. Through this merger, we will provide policy proposals which can be implemented at the local level to address many of the most vexing social justice issues. That is the power of this strategic partnership,” added Richard Master.
Combining rigorous data research with signature geospatial analysis skills, LVJI’s public reports have led to many tangible results including:
$200,000 in funding from Lehigh County for relief for families with children facing evictions
$250,000 in increased funding for Community Intervention Specialists from Lehigh County,
$1,000,000 in funding to support a new youth center in Allentown
New Allentown Police Department plans for a public dashboard on their website
Decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Easton
Through this merger, United Way welcomes three new employees, including Associate Vice President Victoria Wrigley, who will continue to build upon the Justice Institute’s solid base of accomplishment.
LVJI’s research work also provides meaningful opportunities for partnerships with several local academic institutions, including Northampton Community College, Moravian University, and the Marcon Institute at Lehigh University.
“In sum, this merger will enhance the efforts of both organizations and heighten the collective impact which we will have on the path of ensuring safe, healthy and equitable communities,” said Charlie Marcon.
With shared values and a commitment to collaboration, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute are positioned to build a community where every person belongs and every person thrives.
United Way Tocqueville Society recognizes exemplary business and philanthropic leaders, such as Jesse and Vinessa Pearson, whose substantial contributions and strategic leadership enable impactful solutions within the Greater Lehigh Valley. Joining a select group of over 400 dedicated families, the Pearsons demonstrate a profound commitment to philanthropy, grounded in a strong belief in community and confidence in United Way’s effectiveness.
“Our initial engagement with United Way was through corporate giving programs,” stated Vinessa. “Both Jesse and I have confidence in United Way’s management of donations. We aspire to affect positive change in our local community, and United Way’s emphasis on the welfare of women and children, educational advancement and addressing food insecurity resonates deeply with our family’s priorities.”
Vinessa holds the position of Head of Strategy & Operations at Gilead Sciences and is an active member of United Way Women United. Jesse serves as Director of LTS Finance & Administration at Lehigh University. Residing in Easton, they share a blended family comprising five adult children: Jasmine, Jaylen, Michelle, Mia and Michael.
Beyond their support for United Way, both Jesse and Vinessa are actively involved in the nonprofit sector. Vinessa contributes to the Board of Directors for ProJeCt of Easton, Inc., and serves on the Lehigh Valley Board of Governors for Valley Youth House, both of which are United Way-funded partners.
We are privileged to welcome Jesse and Vinessa as members of the Tocqueville Society and express our sincere gratitude for their dedication to fostering significant and enduring positive change within our community.
Together with our partners, United Way is building lasting change where it matters most, starting with our youngest learners. As part of our bold goal to increase the number of students ready to learn and successful in school, United Way is proud to partner with Red Door Early Learning Center.
Licensed as a Private Academic Preschool and Kindergarten, Red Door serves children ages 3 to 6 in a nurturing and enriching environment that sparks curiosity and inspires a lifelong love of learning.
At Red Door, children are supported by highly qualified educators, mindfulness-based approaches and a curriculum that balances exploration with a strong foundation for future academic success. The center’s commitment to creativity, community and whole-child development creates a space where young learners can thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.
More than just a school, Red Door is a trusted home away from home, dedicated to building lifelong relationships with families and standing as a pillar of support in the community.
We’re honored to work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed from the very start. Learn more at www.reddoorelc.org.
Approximately 124,000 households in the Greater Lehigh Valley, or 41%, are struggling to afford basic needs like housing, childcare, food and transportation. This includes 45,208 households in Lehigh County, 48,191 in Northampton County and 10,892 in Carbon County, according to the latest United Way ALICE report.
The newly released 2025 State of ALICE in Pennsylvania report from United Way of Pennsylvania and United For ALICE reveals that essential costs in our region continue to outpace wages, placing even working families under strain.Â
According to the annual Household Survival Budget for a family of four (two adults, one infant, one preschooler), ALICE households continue to earn well below what’s needed to cover even the most basic expenses. In 2023, the survival budgets were:
$97,824 in Northampton County (down from $100,296 in 2022)Â
$96,996 in Lehigh County (down from $98,664)Â
$83,040 in Carbon County (down from $86,448)Â
Rising housing and food costs continue to strain working families, especially as wages in many of the region’s most common occupations remain below $20 per hour.
Across Pennsylvania, over 2.1 million households live below the ALICE Threshold, including nearly 1.5 million working ALICE households and more than 658,000 living in poverty.
As part of our Community Stability bold goal, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley continues working with partners to ensure all families have access to the resources they need to survive today and thrive tomorrow.
Detailed data sheets about Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties are available at www.unitedwayglv.org/ALICE.
To read the update and access online, interactive dashboards that provide data on financial hardship at the state, county and local levels, visit UnitedForALICE.org/Pennsylvania.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is committed to maximizing every dollar invested in its mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. To assist with long-term sustainability and greater impact, United Way has engaged CAPTRUST Financial Advisors (CAPTRUST) to manage its investments.
This reinforces United Way’s dedication to responsible financial stewardship, helping safeguard essential resources and continued support for vital programs in education, healthy aging, housing, food access, mental health and emergency services. Additionally, it reflects United Way’s core values of excellence and integrity—setting bold goals, achieving outstanding results, ensuring financial responsibility and acting ethically in service of its mission. By leveraging investment management advice from CAPTRUST, United Way hopes to strengthen its ability to invest in solutions that help improve the lives of more than 200,000 people in the Greater Lehigh Valley every year.
“At United Way, we are committed to the responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us by our donors and partners,” said Paul Hurd, Chief Philanthropy Officer at United Way. “Working with CAPTRUST will allow us to manage our investments with the same level of excellence and integrity that we apply to all aspects of our work, helping us to secure the resources to fuel sustainable impact today and in the future.”
As an experienced provider of investment advice for nonprofit endowments and foundations, CAPTRUST will offer guidance on investment selection, portfolio construction and management, fiduciary and governance issues, investment policy strategy, spending policy transition strategy and ongoing monitoring and due diligence.
“United Way has a long history of making strategic investments that drive meaningful change in the Greater Lehigh Valley. At CAPTRUST, we specialize in helping nonprofit organizations optimize their endowments and reserves to support financial sustainability. By providing customized investment strategies and governance support, we’re honored to help United Way maximize resources that will empower communities,” stated Mike Molewski, Principal and Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST’s Allentown, PA office.
Endowments and reserves are critical to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s mission, providing the financial stability needed to support life-changing programs, expand services and drive lasting change. Through CAPTRUST’s experience in nonprofit investment management, this partnership will enhance United Way’s ability to build a thriving and resilient Greater Lehigh Valley.
For more information about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its impact on the community, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
Disclosure: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is a CAPTRUST client. They were not compensated for issuing this press release. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley engages with Mike Molewski as a 2025 Campaign Chair.
On June 10, caregivers, professionals and community members came together for Second Chances: Creative Caregiving through the Arts While Living with Dementia, a day-long event focused on how the arts can foster dignity, healing and connection for those impacted by dementia. Held at Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG), the event was made possible through a partnership between United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, LUAG, ArtZ Philadelphia and Woodmere Art Museum.
Free and open to both family and professional caregivers, the program offered hands-on creative experiences and research-informed strategies for dementia-inclusive engagement.
The morning session welcomed 30 attendees, including caregivers, advocates and partner organization staff. Facilitators from ArtZ Philadelphia shared principles of joy, well-being and dignity, grounded in the work of psychologist Paul Camic. His research highlights the therapeutic value of the arts in dementia care.
A meaningful Q&A followed, touching on topics such as supporting those who express hopelessness and engaging people with hearing loss. One attendee, Juan, shared how his deaf grandmother still connected deeply to music through vibration—reminding everyone that rhythm, touch and emotion go far beyond words.
Caregiver well-being was a central theme. Reflections like “You can’t pour into others if you don’t pour into yourself” and “You need to create your community” resonated. Raffle items, including caregiver self-care kits donated by PPL and an ArtZ Philadelphia engagement kit, emphasized the importance of nurturing caregivers, too.
A unique highlight of the event was onsite respite care. While one attendee joined the session, their loved one with dementia engaged in interactive art-making facilitated by Hildy—giving both parties the chance to feel supported and seen.
The afternoon session welcomed 18 returning participants for a deeper dive into art-based reflection. Together, the group explored a piece by Jack Whitten and created original art using a range of materials. The experience reinforced how shared creativity can spark connection and provide moments of meaning.
This special day offered more than information. It offered restoration, creativity and a sense of belonging. It showed how the arts can be a powerful tool for well-being—reminding us that even in the face of memory loss, joy and connection are always possible.
