Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Honoring Community School Coordinators
National Coordinators Appreciation Week 2025
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is happy to celebrate Community School Coordinators and their impact during National Coordinators Appreciation Week from September 14-20, 2025.
This year marks 20 years of Community Schools in the community, and United Way recognizes the work they do to ensure all our children learn and thrive.
WHY COORDINATORS MATTER
United Way Community Schools remove barriers to education, so students, families and communities can thrive. Each school is staffed by a full-time Community School Coordinator (CSC) who addresses basic needs, promotes family engagement, builds partnerships and coordinates services including:
- Basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, school supplies and housing
- After-school programming
- On-site physical, mental and behavioral health services
- Field trips to support school goals, curriculum and child development
“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems CSCs build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” shared Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network.
We thank our Community School Coordinators:
Emily Beck, Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School
Deja Wilson, Central Elementary School
Olga Jaeger, Francis D. Raub Middle School
Efuru/Phebe Eugene, Harrison-Morton Middle School
Kara Williams, Mosser Elementary School
Yasainee Veramendi Burton, Roosevelt Elementary School
Franshesca Baez, Sheridan Elementary School
Natalie Miller, South Mountain Middle School
Michelle Resto-Carlson, Trexler Middle School
Jeffrey Espinola, Washington Elementary School
Anais Martinez, Broughal Middle School
Rosa Carides-Hof, Donegan Elementary School
Jonathan Vargas, Fountain Hill Elementary School
Gena Holmes, Lincoln Elementary School
Luis Vasquez, Marvine Elementary School
Eliza Sukanick, Northeast Middle School
Martha Larkin, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Amanda Madea, William Penn Elementary School
Stacee Banko, Ada B. Cheston Elementary School
Jeanine Stanilious, Paxinosa Elementary School
Emma Hope, Panther Valley Elementary School
Rebeccah Glovas, Bangor Area High School
Their daily work removes barriers, strengthens connections and makes it possible for every child to arrive ready to learn. Together, they shape schools into communities where students and families feel supported, valued and prepared to succeed.
SEE THE IMPACT
- 3,956 families improved food security
- 2,627 families improved access to health care
Over the past year, Community Schools reported:
- Improved academic growth
- More students’ and families’ basic needs met
- Increased student and family engagement
- Improved attendance and behavior
- Improved school culture
United Way Community Schools are a collaboration powered by Capital Blue Cross as the Network Partner, alongside lead partners United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Lehigh University, Moravian University and Northampton Community College.
Learn more about the impact of United Way Community Schools here.