United Way Community Schools create a pathway to success for more than 19,000 students in 33 of the region’s highest-need schools by focusing on students’ basic needs and building trusting relationships with children and their families.
That’s why Dan Barnes, Executive Chair of the Barnes Family Foundation, and his wife Susan were the first individual donors to join United Way in providing the resources for Community Schools in Bethlehem Area School District more than a decade ago – first at Donegan Elementary School and now at Northeast Middle School.
“We grew up in families where access to a good education was a family affair. It was viewed as foundational to success, a fundamental right of every child and a community responsibility. United Way has taken that concept to a whole new level, and it is so inspiring to see the amazing improvements for the students,” said Dan.
Heralded as a “model that works” by the U.S. Secretary of Education, United Way Community Schools report significant improvements in student attendance, family engagement and ultimately academic growth and achievement.
“We hope many more donors will join this movement to adopt a school and help United Way to continue to expand this extraordinary program,” added Susan. “It is an honor to be part of this nationally recognized initiative.”
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is calling on passionate young leaders as well as nonprofit organizations to apply for the Youth Mental Health Innovation Grant.
Nearly 40% of Lehigh Valley youth have struggled with feelings of depression in the past year. Addressing mental health challenges early on helps young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they have the support needed to reach their full potential. Prioritizing mental health is key to fostering a healthier, more resilient generation.
This grant is designed to support innovative projects that prioritize and enhance the mental well-being of young people. Whether you have a groundbreaking idea or an established initiative in need of expansion, this is your opportunity to secure the resources you need to make a real difference.
We’re looking for projects that provide support, foster resilience and create positive change whether that is through activities, projects, programs or campaigns. We welcome all ideas built on strengthening youth mental health in our community. Your vision could help shape a future where every young person has access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.
There are two grant opportunities available:
Mini-grants for youth-led projects: This opportunity is designed to support youth-led mental health initiatives. Open to young people ages 12-22, mini-grants up to $5,000 will be available to young leaders and their peers for programs, activities, campaigns or projects that support improved youth mental health. Applicants must apply with the support of a nonprofit partner or supporting school and have an advisor to support them in the work.
Nonprofit youth mental health innovation grants: Grants will also be available to nonprofits to support programs, activities, campaigns or projects that lead to improved youth mental health. We’re especially interested in supporting projects or solutions that approach youth mental health in new or creative ways. This can include programs that support opportunities to grow socially and emotionally, build coping and social skills, or develop social-emotional skills, peer support, outreach, awareness building, or direct services. Grants will range between $5,000-$20,000, with most anticipated at the $10,000 level.
This grant will fund programming for one year, January 2025 – December 2025.
Applications opened on Monday, September 9, 2024. This grant will fund agencies and programs for one year, January 2025 – December 2025.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announces the 2024 United for Veterans’ Mental Health Grant designed to support programs that directly address veterans’ mental health in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties. A priority of this grant opportunity is to support veterans in rural communities.
Veterans’ mental health is a critical issue that requires ongoing attention and support. Many veterans face unique challenges, including the transition from military to civilian life, exposure to traumatic events and the physical and emotional scars of combat. These experiences can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression and anxiety. Approximately 5.4% of the Lehigh County population are veterans. One in four veterans meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental health issue. Unfortunately, stigma and barriers to accessing care often prevent veterans from seeking the help they need. By providing comprehensive and accessible mental health services, we can better support our veterans and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.
United for Veterans’ Mental Health is a new grantmaking initiative open to Lehigh Valley nonprofit organizations that provide support and mental health programming to veterans. Grants between $5,000 – $20,000 will be available for programs that support veterans’ mental health in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties. This can include peer support, connection to resources, programs that remove barriers to accessing resources, outreach efforts and more. Funding for programs that support veterans living in rural communities will be prioritized.
Applications opened on Monday, September 9, 2024. This grant will fund agencies and programs for one year, January 2025 – December 2025.
With the support of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, InnaStar is on a mission to uplift and empower individuals through the transformative power of storytelling. Founded on the belief that every story holds the potential to heal, inspire and drive change, InnaStar is helping people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, find their voices and turn their pain into purpose.
InnaStar, founded in 2022 by film producer, author and actress Jacinth Headlam, is a nonprofit organization that works with people of all ages to achieve their goals through self-development and creative workshops, performing arts programming, mentorship and wellness check-ins.
Through various initiatives, InnaStar guides individuals in discovering their inner strength, building self-confidence and channeling their experiences into positive outcomes. The organization’s unique approach to empowerment through storytelling allows participants to reclaim their narratives, transforming personal challenges into stories of triumph.
With the support of the United Way’s FRJE grant, InnaStar continues to break new ground in empowering individuals through various initiatives and programs.
One of InnaStar’s signature programs is the Trailblazer Awards, an annual event that celebrates and honors individuals who have made significant strides in their personal and professional lives, serving as role models for others in the community. This year’s award ceremony is on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown.
The grant has also funded workshops like the Acting/On-Camera workshop and the InnaStar Glow: Confidence Workshop, both of which teach students valuable skills in public speaking, presentation and self-expression. These classes have not only been conducted locally but have also had an international impact, reaching students in Nigeria and the Cayman Islands.
With support from the FRJE grant, InnaStar hosted its first annual Holiday Community Celebration in 2023, which offered a full day of fun, food, music, games, prizes and creativity for children and their families.
The expansion of InnaStar’s initiatives in 2024 marks a significant milestone for the organization. One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of empowerment workshops for older adults, which focuses on helping them rediscover their confidence and identity in their later years. The workshop concludes with a makeover and award show, reinforcing the nonprofit’s belief in the power of the arts to uplift every community member. Recognizing that seniors are often overlooked, InnaStar is committed to ensuring this demographic is seen, heard, and valued.
In addition to local initiatives, InnaStar is dedicated to making a global impact. The organization’s mission trip to Nigeria, in partnership with The Rilyc and Cleverminds Educational Foundation, brought filmmaking and storytelling workshops to children, leaving a lasting positive impact on their lives. These experiences, both local and global, are testaments to InnaStar’s commitment to empowering individuals through creative expression.
Looking forward, InnaStar aims to expand and deepen its reach within the community. With plans to further engage with older adults, expand the Trailblazer Awards and explore new partnerships, the organization is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.
“The FRJE grant has been instrumental in our growth and ability to reach more people,” said Headlam. “Whether it’s empowering middle school students to write and produce their own short films or helping seniors find new purpose and joy, the support from the United Way has made a profound difference.”
InnaStar’s work highlights the incredible potential within each person and the transformative power of storytelling. Through the support of the FRJE grant, the United Way and its partners are not just investing in an organization; they are investing in the futures of countless individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to shine.
United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:
WHAT: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will celebrate its 31st Day of Caring, presented by Crayola, with approximately 2,300 energetic volunteers completing community service projects at dozens of nonprofits throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties.
WHERE: Various nonprofit locations in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton
WHEN: Thursday, September 19, 2024 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Times vary by location) Media is invited to join us for all or part of the day.
EVENT DETAILS: Approximately 1,500 local employees and 95 area nonprofits will be joined by 800 Moravian University students on Thursday, September 19 as they volunteer their time during United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 31st Day of Caring, presented by Crayola. In partnership with the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, Day of Caring is the community’s largest, single day volunteer effort and the public kick-off of United Way’s 2024 campaign.
Participants from 54 area businesses will complete more than 90 service projects throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties. United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko and 2024 Campaign Chair Chris Martin of Martin Guitar will join volunteers throughout the region as they renovate rooms at local Community Schools, stock and organize food pantries and beautify outdoor spaces.
Day of Caring’s presenting sponsor is Crayola with additional support from Platinum Sponsor JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Silver Sponsors Air Products and Capital Blue Cross; Bronze Sponsors AAA East Central, B. Braun Medical Inc., Buckeye Partners LP, Highmark Blue Shield, Just Born Quality Confections and KingSpry Law; Pearl Sponsor Amazon Fulfillment and in-kind contributors ASR Media Productions, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Niagara Bottling Co. and Uline.
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Martin Guitar Location: Hellertown Historical Society Address: 150 W. Walnut Street Hellertown, PA Project Description: Landscaping and yardwork
10:00 – 10:45 p.m. PPL Location: Wildlands Conversancy Address: 5653 Old Bethlehem Pike Bethlehem Project Description: Planting 300 trees
11:05 – 12:00 p.m. Crayola Location: Children’s Home of Easton Address: 2000 S 25th Street Easton, PA Project Description: Planting flower beds
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Air Products Location: Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Address: 720 N. 6th Street Allentown, PA Project Description: Reorganizing storage spaces, painting and cleaning
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Just Born Quality Confections Location: Allentown Branch of River Crossing YMCA Address: 425 South 15th Street Allentown, PA Project Description: Organizing the children’s library and garden clean-up
Additional photo and video opportunities are available. To schedule, please contact Laura McHugh at 610-504-9452.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit our Day of Caring page.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announces partnership with Carbon County to administer Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds to eligible households in need of assistance. Applications for the program are available to Carbon County renters starting September 3, 2024.
“The data tells us that up to 46% of all households in Carbon County continue to struggle to make ends meet and 34% can’t afford basic needs such as food and stable housing. 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.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is a county-administered program that offers rental assistance and housing stability services to individuals and families experiencing or at-risk for homelessness due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to mitigate the effects of homelessness on families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This is accomplished by providing eligible families and individuals with financial assistance for rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs and other expenses related to housing.
ERAP helps Carbon County tenant households with paying rent, past-due rent balances (also known as arrears), utility and home energy costs, utility and home energy cost arrears and other expenses related to housing.
Carbon County residents can apply for themselves as tenants, or a landlord can apply on behalf of current tenant(s).
A household must be responsible to pay rent on a residential property, and:
One or more people within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits, had a decrease in income, had increased household costs or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One or more individuals in the household can show a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, AND
The household has an income at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
United Way will start accepting online applications on September 3, 2024 at unitedwayglv.org/carbon-erap. In late September, one-on-one assistance will be available by calling 2-1-1. For the fastest possible service, we recommend applying online. United Way will prioritize processing applications for households who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Households with income below 50% Average Median Income (AMI).
Households with a current eviction notice and/or utility shut-off notice.
Households with an adult who has been unemployed for 90 or more days preceding the date of application.
“We are proud to partner with Carbon County to ensure that housing support reaches those in need as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our goal is to make sure families can quickly access the assistance they deserve, securing stable homes and a brighter future,” stated Gina Nichols, Director of Family Stability, United Way.
The application link, along with eligibility criteria and other program information can be found on United Way’s website at unitedwayglv.org/carbon-erap. Any person or organization with questions related to ERAP is encouraged to contact our United Way ERAP team at [email protected].
Did you know that 70% of the kids at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Turner Street Clubhouse are girls attending the United Way Women United funded program? Today, members of our affinity group took the morning to lend a helping hand at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown. They assisted by refreshing the Turner Street Clubhouse after their summer programing ended and before the fall programming begins.
United Way Women United members leverage their individual strengths and collective resources to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley. These local, female philanthropic leaders are committed to forging partnerships, empowering other women to succeed and supporting meaningful programs with lasting impact.
Teens helping teens – making a difference. Special thanks to all who joined us at our 2024 TeenWorks Annual Summer Picnic to celebrate the many ways members have made an impact throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.
An additional thanks to labor for the continued support, Capital Blue Cross for sponsoring and Zekraft for the delicious food to enjoy.
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.
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. Lehigh Valley transplant Andrew Dinka of Air Products shares how he found community and started giving back through United Way-supported programs.
“I’ve been happy to get more involved in local volunteer work since moving to the area in 2021. I believe we all can play a role in confronting the challenges in our community. I give to United Way to help make a difference because the people who receive the care, services and love through United Way programs deserve every cent of it.”
Andrew is a Project Manager at Air Products and has been a Tocqueville Society member since 2021. He resides in Allentown.
Women United gathered to celebrate the summer sunshine—despite a rainy August day—at Stony Run Winery in Breinigsville. Attendees heard exciting updates about United Way Community Schools from Central Elementary STREAM Academy Principal, Rebecca Bodnar, United Way’s Jill Pereira and Women United member Marci Martinez-Howey.
Allentown School District’s Central Elementary has transitioned to a STREAM Academy, focused on helping increase student attendance, address individual student and family needs and helping increase student academic performance.
