News

CAI and United Way Launch the CAI United Fund to Support Student Success

July 24, 2024
graphic CAI United Fund

ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 23, 2024 —CAI, a global services firm, announced today a new partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to form the CAI United Fund. The fund will invest in family and student engagement initiatives to reduce absenteeism and improve academic outcomes within the United Way Community Schools Network totaling over 19,000 students. The CAI United Fund directly aligns with two of CAI’s corporate social responsibility pillars of accessible education and helping families thrive, while also advancing United Way’s goal to increase the percentage of students ready to learn and successful in school.

United Way Community Schools Network offers a full-time community coordinator in each school to lead the charge in addressing basic needs, promoting family engagement and building partnerships. These schools serve as a neighborhood hub, providing resources and services including:

  • Essential support with food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies
  • Connections to healthcare, housing and other critical resources
  • On-site physical, mental and behavioral health services
  • Academic engagement experiences including field trips and after-school programs
  • Workshops and activities to increase parent engagement

“At CAI, we know the profound impact a quality education has on a child’s life and how it transcends into the fabric of our communities,” said Tom Salvaggio, president and CEO at CAI. “Partnering with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley represents a shared vision of empowering students and families in both schools and after-school programs. This collaboration is not just an investment in education; it’s a commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and building a stronger, more resilient community.”

“CAI is a global leader dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. At United Way, we are truly honored to partner so closely with CAI’s outstanding leadership team and staff to help them achieve their corporate social responsibility goals,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Together with highly qualified partners, we will produce measurable results that expand accessible education opportunities and help more families thrive in the Greater Lehigh Valley.”

Investments have been made for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to United Way Community Schools, Valley Youth House, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, Boys & Girls Club of Easton, Da Vinci Science Center, Mindful Child Initiative, Banana Factory, Greater Valley YMCA and James Lawson Freedom School. CAI and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will work toward ensuring that students reach their highest potential.

To learn more about CAI’s corporate social responsibility, visit https://www.cai.io/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility

About CAI

CAI is a global services firm with over 8,700 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what is right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

Learn how CAI powers the possible at www.cai.io

News

“I stand by United Way and its mission to support the local community, which is a central value of mine.”

July 16, 2024
Dr Carlos Hodges headshot

United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of 383 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Carlos Hodges, DVM, Tocqueville Society member since 2013 and former United Way Board member, shares his personal reasons for giving back through United Way.

“I stand by United Way and its mission to support the local community, which is a central value of mine. Its focus on education, food access, seniors and emergency preparedness aligns well with my family’s values.”

Hodges is an owner and the Chief of Surgery at Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center and has been caring for pets in the Lehigh Valley area since 1996. He resides in Bethlehem and has 1 daughter: Raya, 20.

News

Community Groups Unite to Launch Hamilton Street Fire Fund to Support Displaced Families

July 11, 2024
GRAPHIC Hamilton Street fire fund

Allentown, PA, July 11, 2024 – To offer rapid financial support to the families and residents affected by the July 8 fire in the 1100 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley, Community Action Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA have established the Hamilton Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners including American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, Community Action Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Conference of Churches, The Ortiz Ark Foundation, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and Valley Health Partners, among others. Special thanks to City Center Group, PPL and Truist for their early donations to the Fund and to the many donors, including City Center apartment community residents, for rallying together to help their neighbors.

The fire destroyed or significantly damaged multiple buildings, displacing 21 residents including several children. 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. Now, United Way, Community Action Lehigh Valley’s Sixth Street Shelter, The Salvation Army Allentown Corps and River Crossing YMCA will work with partners to provide long-term assistance with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.

“Recognizing that many families have lost everything and cannot return home, United Way is dedicated to addressing the community’s urgent needs. This partnership with reliable Allentown organizations ensures donors that their contributions will be carefully managed and used exclusively for those impacted by the fire,” stated Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way.

Donations can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Hamilton Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.

For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.

News

United Way Announces Chris Martin and Martin Guitar Will Chair 2024 Campaign

July 09, 2024
Chris Martin of Martin Guitar

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has announced that Chris Martin and Martin Guitar will serve as the organization’s 2024 campaign chair. In this role, Martin and the C.F. Martin & Co. team will volunteer to lead United Way’s largest annual fundraising effort, which raised a record-breaking $25,002,145 in 2023.

“I’ve been involved in supporting United Way since I was a kid, so it feels like a full-circle moment for me to chair this year’s campaign,” said Martin.

Christian Frederick Martin IV, known as “Chris,” is the Executive Chairman of the world-renowned C. F. Martin & Co. and the sixth generation of Martin family members to run the business.  Martin acoustic guitars are prized worldwide for their exceptional tone, design, craftsmanship and attention to detail.  The iconic company’s contributions in music history are unparalleled, and Chris Martin is a key figure in its long and illustrious history.  Under Chris Martin’s direction, the company has maintained its integrity and industry-wide respect, while growing and prospering to unprecedented manufacturing and sales levels.

“Chris Martin and the team at Martin Guitar are committed to quality and excellence in everything they do. They are pillars of the community, and we are honored to work together with them to build a brighter future in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko. “Their efforts over the next year will create a lasting impact on the health, safety and education of thousands of our neighbors throughout Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.”

Chris Martin’s commitment and dedication extends beyond the factory floor.  He is recognized as one of the leading philanthropists in the Lehigh Valley, working to serve the local community on various levels. In addition to Martin’s personal involvement, Martin Guitar also works diligently to support key issues that affect the broader guitar industry and make the company stand out as a leader, including environmental sustainability. Martin Guitar has a long tradition as a United Way partner: contributing to special initiatives through the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, hosting lively events, regularly providing campaign incentive prizes, running an annual campaign for its employees and participating in a number of volunteer opportunities including United Way Day of Caring. Thomas Ripsam, C.F. Martin & Co.’s President and CEO since 2021, also serves as a volunteer on United Way’s Board of Directors.

United Way’s 2024 annual campaign runs through March 31, 2025.

Martin’s full biography is available here.

News

Cohesion Network Rallies to Build Healthy Communities in Lehigh Valley

July 08, 2024
  • Cohesion Network - group photo
  • Cohesion Network - instructor holding up "our focus, our issue" posterboard to child in classroom
  • Cohesion Network - instructor standing in front of a classroom
  • Cohesion Network - instructor standing n a classroom
  • Cohesion Network - instructor holding up a "our focus, our issue" posterboard
  • Cohesion Network - group of people doing a class activity

    • Community engagement can transform neighborhoods, and organizations like Cohesion Network stand at the forefront, fostering connections and promoting well-being. With the support of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, Cohesion Network is working on enhancing health and wellness in Allentown’s Franklin Park and First and Sixth Ward communities.

    Cohesion Network’s mission involves collaborating with residents, neighbors and organizations to support healthy communities and neighborhoods. Leveraging the FRJE grant, the organization has expanded its community engagement programs, addressing long-standing issues and promoting holistic community development.

    “Healthier neighborhoods make a healthier city,” said Darian Colbert, founder and executive director of Cohesion Network. “A healthier city makes for a healthier state, and a healthier state can, ultimately, lead to a healthier nation.”

    One of the nonprofit’s notable achievements using funds from the FRJE grant is resolving a two-decade-long parking issue around Sheridan Elementary School in Allentown. Cohesion Network facilitated community meetings, engaging various stakeholders, including the parking authority, the school district and local businesses. This collaborative effort eradicated the 20-year parking problem in two weeks, improved safety and reduced parental tensions, showcasing the power of community-driven solutions.

    Another success story made possible through the FRJE grant involves the construction of a basketball court at Sheridan Elementary. When a $7,000 funding gap threatened the project, Cohesion Network rallied support from local organizations and community members. Within 20 minutes of learning about the issue during a community meeting, it was resolved with contributions from St. Luke’s University Health Network and a local former professional athlete, and the city stepped in to provide free labor. This project underscores the organization’s ability to galvanize community resources and enhance local amenities.

    In Franklin Park, Cohesion Network collaborates with various organizations, including Ripple Community Inc., Ripple Church, Community Bike Works, Valley Health Partners and Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health, to address housing issues, food insecurity and youth engagement. The organization successfully advocated for a $1 million grant from the city to support housing initiatives, demonstrating the impact of active community groups in securing essential resources. The group’s efforts also include tackling food insecurity by organizing a community garden and multicultural farmers market, fostering a strong sense of community and providing access to healthy food options. The long-term goal of the farmers market is to create a community recipe book that includes recipes from local food vendors, families and other resources. The recipe book will feature a diverse collection of Syrian, African American and Hispanic recipes.

    The nonprofit’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its upcoming initiatives. It conducts the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) survey to gather comprehensive data on neighborhood connectivity, civic infrastructure, safety, education, health, housing and local commerce. This survey aims to inform future projects and ensure the community’s needs are effectively met.

    Cohesion Network’s story exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and community engagement. Through the support of the United Way’s FRJE grant, the organization is creating lasting positive changes in the Lehigh Valley, proving that a UNITED community can lead to healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Its achievements highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives and the incredible outcomes that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

    United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:

    Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.

    Learn more about United Way and the FRJE grant program by visiting our Fund for Racial Justice and Equity page.

    News

    United Way honors Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq. as she concludes her tenure as Board Chair

    July 01, 2024
    graphic: Thank you Board of Directors Chair Dorota Gasienica-Kozak

    We honor Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq. as she concludes her tenure as Chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Board of Directors. In 2022, Kozak’s leadership and vision guided the organization in creating a clear vision for the future and began investments to achieve three new and bold goals by 2030: ensuring that more students are successful in school, more older adults can access the resources they need to stay healthy, and every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley has a solid foundation of food, housing, and mental health services. Over the past year, she also helped navigate an important transition in the organization, guiding us as United Way President David Lewis began his retirement and 17-year United Way veteran Marci Lesko assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

    “Dorota’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding United Way through a period of extraordinary growth and has positioned us for great success in the future,” remarked Marci Lesko, United Way Chief Executive Officer. “Her dedication to our mission and her ability to unite our community around bold solutions has left a lasting impact on our organization and the Greater Lehigh Valley. We are deeply grateful for her service and vision.”

    Kozak served as United Way’s Board Chair since July 2022, leaving a legacy of resilience and innovation. She loved being a member of the United Way Board of Directors because “we help change lives every day.” Kozak is a partner in the KingSpry law firm and chair of the Adoption/Assisted Reproductive Technology practice section. She also practices in the areas of family law and estate planning.

    Kozak will remain on United Way’s Board and a member of the executive committee as the immediate past board chair.
     
    United Way also thanks Marilee Falco, Diana Laquinta, Joanne Raphael and Joseph Roy, Ed.D. for their leadership and deep commitment to creating a stronger community for everyone in the region during their tenue on the organization’s Board of Directors.

    Marilee Falco is responsible for client financial strategy and counsel, comprehensive financial planning and investment management as a Financial Strategist at Agili. Before joining the team, Falco was Vice President and Financial Advisor at Sovereign Bank and also worked at Morgan Stanley for 15 years. Falco is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Financial Consultant who has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Service to Philanthropy Award in 2018, the Lehigh Valley Business “Women of Influence” Award in 2014 and the 2020 Girl Scouts of Lehigh Valley Take the Lead Honoree. She has served as the Past President of United Way Women United and is actively involved with the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, the Women’s Giving Circle of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and the Board of Associates at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

    Diana Laquinta was a member of the United Way board since 2019 and resigned in January 2024. She demonstrated remarkable intelligence, talent and strategic vision as she led our Impact Council and helped shape our 8-year plan around our Bold Goals. United Way is happy to see her continued success in her new role as President of St. Luke’s Miners Campus and know that her invaluable contributions will continue to make a profound impact.

    Joanne Raphael had a more than 30-year career with PPL Corporation. She retired as the company’s former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2021. In addition to leading PPL’s legal department, Raphael was responsible for PPL’s compliance, federal government relations, corporate communications and philanthropy functions. Her PPL career encompassed a number of other roles, including senior vice president and chief external affairs officer, during which time she led the company’s community affairs, environmental, state government relations and real estate groups. She is a past chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and previously served on a number of nonprofit boards, including the PPL Foundation, the Pennsylvania Chamber for Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and Grand View Hospital.

    Joseph Roy, Ed.D., was formerly the Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, the sixth largest school district in Pennsylvania, serving 13,000 students in 22 schools. He served as Superintendent from 2010-2023. Dr. Roy was named 2017 Superintendent of the Year for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Roy was the recipient of the 2022 Communities In Schools – Champion of Education Award; 2017 Priscilla Payne Hurd Award from the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce; 2013 Excellence in Education Award; Lehigh University/University Council for Educational Leadership; the 2011 United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Community Builder Award; the 2005 National School Public Relations Association’s Outstanding Communicator Award; and the School Library Journal’s 2004 National Administrator of the Year Award.

    graphic: Thank you for your many years of service and leadership to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Marilee Falco, Diana Laquinta, Joanne Raphael, and Joseph Roy, Ed.D.

    News

    Celebrating Service: AmeriCorps Members Honored for Their Impact

    June 29, 2024
    AmeriCorps members group shot holding up their certificates

    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley hosted an AmeriCorps End of Year Celebration on Thursday, June 27. The AmeriCorps members were presented with congressional recognition awards from special guest Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Susan Wild’s office. Members also prepared and presented videos showcasing their work over the past year. In their videos, they shared why they became an AmeriCorps member, their commitment to giving back to their community, their dedication to furthering the missions of nonprofits they’re passionate about, building relationships, having authentic experiences and providing real and lasting solutions that make a difference.

    view the Year-End Video showcase

    Your United Way is proud to have 19 AmeriCorps members serve at 19 sites for the 2023-2024 grant year working closely with staff in the United Way office, school districts and nonprofits throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

  • AmeriCorps End of Year Celebration attendees
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Yahaira Davis and Unidos Foundation
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with Jen Nicolosi, United Way Director, Service-Learning Programs
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Kera Mathis
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Ivannia Diaz-Cumpa
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Reyanna Keglovitz
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Nicky Alicea-Smith
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Elizabeth Bringhurst
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Reem Shadid
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Victoria Cyr
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Zaria Berry
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Deborah James
  • Selina Winchester from Congresswoman Wild’s office with AmeriCorps member Victoria Beck

    • News

    Cheers to Volunteers with United Way Emerging Leaders

    June 25, 2024

    United Way Emerging Leaders hosted an engaging event at The Blendery at Seven Sirens in Easton where about 50 enthusiastic guests assembled 300 care packages with Joyful Giving. “Give Joy, Get Joy.” Special thanks to our event sponsors: Capital Blue Cross and Fulton Bank

  • Hannah Votta-Coleman, owner of Joyful Giving LLC at Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton
  • Attendees creating Joy Maker Bags for Joyful Giving
  • Thank you to our event sponsors, Capital Blue and Fulton Bank
  • Marci Lesko with two event attendees at Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton
  • United Way Emerging Leader Co-Chair, Veronne, with an event attendee at Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton
  • Three event attendees with United Way Emerging Leaders Co-Chair, Meg, at Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton
  • Emerging Leaders and Joyful Giving
  • Three event guests at Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton
  • Seven Sirens Brewery in Easton signage on a brick wall
    • View the full photo gallery

    News

    United Way Welcomes The PM Foundation: A New Partner for Mental Health and Community Wellness

    June 21, 2024

    United Way’s nonprofit partners stand UNITED, working to address our community’s greatest challenges and improving mental health access and equity for all.

    The Preventive Measures Foundation, commonly known as The PM Foundation or TPMF, is a nonprofit organization formed in 2022 as the philanthropic extension of Preventive Measures (PM), a trusted provider of mental health and supportive services for more than 13 years. Founded by Chairman Dwayne L. Jones, TPMF serves as a platform to improve the mental health of individuals and communities through education, investment and support.

    It is widely known that mental health challenges often go undiagnosed and untreated in marginalized communities and communities of color. TPMF’s global perspective aims to shift how we address mental health by revealing and correcting the underlying patterns of thought that may hinder individuals and families in these communities. Mr. Jones’s vision is rooted in the belief that transformation begins with shifting the collective mindset toward mental health. This is accomplished by raising awareness, providing access to services and empowering the next generation of providers. At its core, TPMF strives to make mental health services accessible and equitable for everyone.

    The PM Foundation supports the mission and vision of Preventive Measures (PM) with a focus on fundraising, building collaborative alliances and supporting like-minded organizations providing wraparound services to support the whole person. In 2023, TPMF pioneered the Community Service (CSW) Program, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. CSWs provide one-on-one support to engage clients in their “natural” setting, helping them connect to essential treatment and services and reducing the high-risk behaviors often associated with mental illness and drug addiction. Additional Foundation initiatives include Community Organization Grants, Reentry Simulations, the PM Legacy Scholarship and the Equitable Minds movement to bridge the gap in cultural competence among mental health providers.

    With outpatient mental health wellness centers in Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Georgia and a Home Health Care division in Pennsylvania, PM and TPMF share a proactive, preventive approach of mental health and empowered care for abundant living. Their signature events, A Million Steps to Mental Health Awareness Walk and the TPMF Annual Awards Gala serve as fundraising launch points to scale the mission.

    To learn more about The PM Foundation, visit www.thepmfoundation.org.

  • The PM Foundation - Mental Health Walk 2024
    The PM Foundation – Mental Health Walk 2024
  • The PM Foundation - Dwayne and Team
    The PM Foundation – Dwayne and Team
  • The PM Foundation - Probation Station
    The PM Foundation – Probation Station
  • The PM Foundation - Morehouse Check Presentation
    The PM Foundation – Morehouse Check Presentation

    • News

    United Way Report Shows More Families Living Paycheck to Paycheck in the Greater Lehigh Valley

    June 20, 2024

    Approximately 136,500 families in the Greater Lehigh Valley regularly struggle to make ends meet. That’s approximately 47% of the households in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties and an increase of 17% since 2021, according to the latest report from United Way of Pennsylvania.

    “This data further confirms what your local United Way and so many of our partners have experienced during the past several years. With steep increases in housing, food and childcare costs, families simply cannot afford what they need to live, let alone thrive. We remain committed to helping people access the critical resources they need today, while working to develop the long-term solutions that will ultimately build a stronger community,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

    The report from United Way of Pennsylvania and its research partner United For ALICE concluded that there are more than 658,000 Pennsylvania households living in poverty as well as another nearly 1.5 million working families defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive in the modern economy. ALICE workers, also referred to as essential workers during the pandemic, include childcare providers, home health aides and cashiers — actively working, but with little or no savings, often putting them one emergency away from poverty or serious financial instability.

    ALICE in the Crosscurrents: An Update on Financial Hardship in Pennsylvania shows that while wages were increasing, so too were costs. For a family of four with an infant and a preschooler, the basic costs to live and work in the Greater Lehigh Valley excluding tax credits, increased an average of 27% across Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties from 2021 to 2022. In Lehigh County for example, the annual survival budget rose from $76,272 in 2021 to $98,664 a year later. Compounding the issue in 2022 was the loss of up to $15,000 in federal child tax credits and stimulus payments that families had access to in 2021.

    “While local United Ways in Pennsylvania build programs and partnerships that help support the economic mobility of ALICE households, our network also advocates for statewide policy solutions like the Working Families Tax Credit, making childcare more accessible by funding a recruitment and retention initiative for the childcare workforce, and support for PA 211 which helps Pennsylvanians learn about community resources,” said Kristen Rotz, President, United Way of Pennsylvania.   

    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.