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.

News

United Way Recognizes PPL’s Long-Standing Support of Housing, Food Access and Emergency Services

February 09, 2026

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and PPL Foundation are proud to announce Powered by PPL, a new initiative in recognition of PPL’s long-standing support of critical services across the region. Through this commitment, United Way acknowledges PPL Foundation as the leading partner in support of Community Stability programs that reach approximately 100,000 people each year, helping families meet urgent needs related to housing, food access, disaster response and crisis support.

“United Way and PPL share a deep commitment to strengthening the communities we call home,” said Lissette Santana, President of the PPL Foundation. “The Powered by PPL initiative builds on decades of collaboration to support the essential services families rely on every day – from emergency shelter to food access to crisis response. We’re honored to stand alongside United Way and our nonprofit partners as we work together to create a more stable and hopeful future for thousands of people across the region.”

In the past ten years, PPL Foundation, along with employees and retirees from PPL companies, have contributed more than $55 million to local United Ways in the communities they serve across Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Kentucky.  

“The support and leadership at PPL are unparalleled from gifts of financial support to acts of service. This new initiative recognizes PPL’s unique position as United Way’s longest and deepest partner in driving change across the regions we serve together,” said Marci Lesko, United Way GLV President and Chief Executive Officer.

Powered by PPL will strengthen community stability with a portfolio of more than 40 programs and partnerships. Together, these services support emergency shelter and housing, food access, disaster relief, emergency fire response, the PA 211 resource line and regional homeless and housing coordination.

The initiative expands upon United Way’s Be a Housing Hero initiative in partnership with PPL Foundation, which has provided emergency shelter for 2,500 people and emergency rental assistance for 164 families since 2023. To date, 100 percent of participating families have maintained stable housing, prevented eviction and avoided homelessness thanks to the innovative program.

To learn more about the Community Stability portfolio Powered by PPL, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/community-stability.

News

Round Up to Donate at Weis

January 07, 2026
Weis Round Up

United Way and Weis Markets partner to offer you another way to support your community. All round-ups at self-checkout during January 2026 will directly support your local United Way.

So, choose YES when checking out to support your neighbors in need.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to partner with our local businesses and organizations to develop innovative ways to give back to our community.

News

United Way Recognizes Outgoing Board Member, Joané Hockenbury, for Her Many Years of Service and Leadership

January 02, 2026
Thank You Joané Hockenbury

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends our gratitude to Joané Hockenbury of People Centered Solutions, LLC for her time, service and deep commitment as a member of our Board of Directors. Her leadership and dedication have helped guide our mission and strengthen our work across the region.

Joané has over 30 years’ experience as a business professional and Human Resources leader. She is the founder and CEO of People Centered Solutions, LLC which specializes in Human Resource Consulting and Coaching. Joané is passionate about helping people to recognize their unique abilities and achieve their potential. She believes the intrinsic desire to help others mixed with creativity and ingenuity provides the springboard to positively impact the future of our communities. 

Prior to People Centered Solutions, she worked for Just Born Quality Confections beginning her career there as the Receptionist and was promoted to many different roles of increasing responsibility within the organization while she continued her education. When she retired in January 2024, she held the position of Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer and was a member of the Executive Team. As a member of the Executive Team, she was responsible for developing and delivering the organization’s strategic plan as well as all aspects of Human Resources, Environmental Safety & Health and Internal Communications.

She is an avid volunteer and is currently serving on the Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley Steering Committee and LINC’s Executive Committee and the Board. She is past President of Society of Human Resource Management Lehigh Valley as well as past President of Dream Come True. She also served on the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School Advisory Board and Board Member of Northeast Community Center. 

Joané received her master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from St. Joseph’s University and a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Muhlenberg College.  Joané holds a PHR, SHRM-CP as well as certifications in Change Management; Emotional Intelligence; DiSC®; Crucial Conversations and is a Master Certified Professional Coach.

She and her husband, Terry, have two children and three amazing grandchildren.

News

A Year of Service, Powered by You

December 22, 2025
Because of you, our community thrives

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our volunteers.

Your dedication and compassion brought hope to thousands across the Greater Lehigh Valley, from delivering over 1,300 gifts through our annual Toy Drive to transforming neighborhoods during Day of Caring and Tocqueville Society’s Day of Service.

Our community thrives because of you.

Thank you for giving your time, talent and treasure.

See Your Impact

TeenWorks Toy Drive

For six years, local labor unions, TeenWorks, Capital Blue Cross and dedicated volunteers have come together for the Labor Council Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District. This year, the group collected a record 1,300 gifts, ensuring every student had something to open during the holidays and reinforcing a long-standing partnership that continues to support Roosevelt families year after year.

Toqueville Society Day of Service

About 60 Tocqueville Society donors and their families joined 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.

Day of Caring

Nearly 1,500 energetic volunteers UNITED to complete community service projects at 60 area nonprofits during the 32nd United Way Day of Caring, presented by Crayola and coordinated by Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

Women United

Women United members show up for women, children and families all year long, turning care into action. From painting and organizing spaces at their Signature Projects to reading with students in classrooms, their hands-on support helps create welcoming environments where families and children can thrive.

Read Across America Week

For Read Across America Week, United Way Community Schools are celebrated the power of reading in collaboration with volunteers from the community. This week encourages students to grow, imagine and succeed.

News

Community Comes Together to Celebrate Students at Sixth Annual Lehigh Valley Labor Council Toy Drive

December 19, 2025
  • Labor Council Toy Drive 2025
View the full photo gallery

At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that when we’re United, kids thrive, ensuring children feel supported, valued and included during the holiday season and beyond. That belief came to life on Monday, December 15, during the sixth annual Lehigh Valley Labor Council Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District.

Students were welcomed with holiday music, laughter and a festive Santa parade through the school hallways, led by the Dieruff High School Husky Marching Band. Santa, once again played by Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, greeted students throughout the building, taking time to connect with children of all backgrounds and speaking with bilingual students in Spanish, reinforcing the importance of representation and inclusion.

This year’s toy drive marked its biggest milestone yet, with more than 1,300 gifts collected and distributed, the most in the event’s history. Every student at Roosevelt received a gift, ensuring all children had something special to open this holiday season.

Santa also made a meaningful stop at Roosevelt’s Autistic Support classroom, where students received personalized gifts from their wish lists. These gifts were provided and wrapped by TeenWorks, a United Way affinity group that empowers youth through service and leadership.

The annual toy drive is made possible through the continued collaboration of local labor unions, the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, Capital Blue Cross, TeenWorks and dozens of dedicated volunteers. Together, they demonstrate what’s possible when a community comes together to support children and families.

TeenWorks brings together local middle and high school students and members of organized labor to support youth-led service projects across the Lehigh Valley. Since its founding in 1999 through a partnership with United Way and the labor community, TeenWorks has helped fund hundreds of projects that strengthen neighborhoods and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

For more than eight years, TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross have shared financial support for Roosevelt Elementary, building on a partnership that began over two decades ago. Their continued investment has produced lasting results for students, families and the school community.

Special thanks to Lehigh Valley Labor Council for their deep commitment to Roosevelt and the groups who provided donations/financial support for this year’s toy drive: UAW 677, Teamsters 773, Laborers 158, Laborers 1174, AFSCME, Workers United, AEA, Operating Engineers 542, Allentown Firefighters, Allentown Police Department, Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office, ATU 956, LANTA, Mack Trucks, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, Capital Blue Cross,  IATSE 200, SEIU 668, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Communities in Schools, United Way TeenWorks, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lehigh Valley Print Center, USW, among others.

News

Crayola Donates $100,000 to United Way Nonprofit Partners

December 09, 2025
Crayola and United Way $100K Challenge

Crayola celebrates the season of giving with special grants to community partners. Twenty Crayola employees who contributed to the Company’s United Way campaign were selected to gift a $5,000 grant to the United Way nonprofit partner of their choice during the 6th annual Crayola United Way $100,000 Challenge. Established in 2019, the $100,000 Challenge encourages giving while supporting the communities where Crayolians work and reside. The employees and agencies were invited to a celebration to receive the contribution and share information about their organization’s mission.

Employees were selected by participating in the 2025 Crayola United Way Campaign, which raised over $1 million. The following United Way nonprofit partners were in attendance and received grant checks:

  • Allentown School District Foundation  
  • Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Chester County United Way
  • Children’s Home of Easton
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Family Promise of Monroe County
  • Girl Scouts of Eastern PA
  • Lehigh Valley Children’s Center, Inc
  • Lehigh Valley Health Network – Reilly Children’s Hospital
  • ProJeCt of Easton, Inc
  • River Crossing YMCA – Nazareth
  • Safe Harbor of Easton
  • Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Slater Family Network Foundation
  • Valley Youth House
  • Via of the Lehigh Valley
  • Wildlands Conservancy

“Crayola is excited to support local non-profit partners through the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and to recognize the impactful work these organizations do every day to help people in our communities,” said Pete Ruggiero, Crayola President & CEO. “Each donation reflects the generosity that defines our culture and enables our employees to support organizations that are personally meaningful to them.”

“During this season of gratitude, we are so grateful to the leadership and employees from Crayola for their generosity. They truly foster a caring spirit that extends into every community where they have a presence, including right here in Easton, Pennsylvania. This annual challenge has created a $600,000 impact since it started in 2019, and we’re so proud to play a role in connecting people to the causes that are close to their hearts,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

To support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, visit www.unitedwayglv.org.

News

United Way Continues to Grow Its Leadership

December 04, 2025
Vanessa Hartline of PPL Corp.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announces Vanessa Hartline of PPL Corporation as the newest member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Vanessa Hartline is the Assistant Treasurer for PPL Corporation, one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States.

Hartline is responsible for the strategic liquidity management of the company’s annual revenue, which tops $8 billion. She also oversees cash mobilization and treasury technology transformation for PPL and its family of utility companies, which includes PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy.

Hartline has implemented numerous efficiency and cash-optimization processes, such as a world-class treasury management system and payment hub for centralization. The implementation was recognized with the Treasury Management International for Tech Innovation Award for Best TMS Implementation – Highly Commended.

“As we deepen our impact across education, healthy aging and community stability, we’re grateful to welcome leaders who bring vision, lived experience and a deep understanding of what our neighbors need to thrive,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way.

With total revenue exceeding $30 million, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raises funds and invests in lasting solutions in the areas of education, healthy aging and community stability.

Harline has served on the United Way Finance committee since 2016 and will serve a three-year term through June 2028.