On June 20, 2025, Casa Guadalupe Center, a United Way Community Hub in Allentown, hosted its annual Gala, welcoming approximately 50 older adults for a joyful celebration centered on community, connection and cultural pride. This event serves as a key moment each year to recognize and uplift the older adults who participate in Casa Guadalupe’s programs.
The Gala featured a variety of meaningful and engaging activities, including a presentation of certificates to honor participant involvement, the crowning of a Gala King and Queen, an award ceremony, lively music and dancing and a shared lunch. The space was filled with laughter, conversation and a clear sense of belonging – demonstrating a powerful role that culturally responsive, community-rooted programming can play in reducing social isolation among older adults.
Ana, one of Casa’s participants and a Gala award recipient, shared that she first came to Casa Guadalupe feeling depressed. Today, she says she’s found a sense of community and no longer feels that way.
The gathering strongly supports the goals of the Casey Grant by enhancing social connection and providing inclusive programming through trusted community spaces like United Way Community Hubs. Events like the Casa Gala directly contribute to the target of reaching 10,000 older adults through hubs and third spaces, while also supporting the goal of offering meaningful social programs and distributing 2,000 meals. Events like the Casa Gala highlight the importance of celebrating older adults in ways that affirm identity, build relationships and foster a sense of joy and recognition.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has been officially designated as an Age-Friendly State by AARP, joining just 13 states nationwide in committing to policies that support residents at every age and life stage.
The designation reflects the goals of Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth’s 10-year strategic plan to support older adults through better transportation, caregiving resources, healthcare access and community engagement. By 2030, one in three Pennsylvanians will be over age 60, and this plan brings together 29 state agencies to address that growing need.
Lehigh Valley has been a leading example of local age-friendly innovation, hosting community events and launching programs that reflect the statewide vision.
“It is essential that we work collaboratively to ensure that older adults are connected, respected and engaged and have the tools they need to thrive at every age,” said Carmen Bell, Senior Director of Healthy Aging at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “This is the essence of an age-friendly community.”
The designation builds on continued investments and partnerships across the region, including United Way’s work with AARP, local leaders and service providers to improve the quality of life for older adults in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Longtime Tocqueville Society leaders commit $1 million to launch campaign supporting local families, students and youth.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has announced that Mike and Diane Molewski will serve as the organization’s 2025 Campaign Chairs. In this role, the Molewskis will lead United Way’s largest fundraising effort, which last year raised a record-setting $26,231,833.
“For years, Mike and Diane have been deeply committed to United Way’s core focus areas of education, healthy aging and community stability, and we are honored to work together with them to build a brighter future in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “We are also thrilled to announce their generous gift of $1 million to kick off the 2025 Campaign.”
With a shared commitment to giving back, Mike and Diane have a long history of supporting United Way as Tocqueville Society members—a dedicated group of over 400 successful business and philanthropic leaders whose passion and generosity fuel high-impact solutions in our community. Notably, during their eight-year tenure as Tocqueville Co-Chairs, they introduced the very successful member gatherings that enabled United Way to greatly expand its Lehigh Valley-based giving and become one of the leading United Way agencies in the U.S.
“As one of seven children and the first in my family to attend college, I know how hard it is to reach your goals when you’re just trying to make ends meet,” shared Mike. “I was fortunate to receive support from mentors who greatly influenced the path of my life. Diane and I are proud to be a part of the life-changing programs at United Way that empower so many in the Lehigh Valley to achieve their dreams.”
In addition to their longstanding support of United Way, including eight years as Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs, the Molewskis have contributed meaningfully to causes that improve stability, education and opportunity for local families. At Northampton Community College Foundation, Mike has contributed to raising nearly $3 million over 15 years to fund scholarships for students facing financial hardship. Together, he and Diane made a significant gift to Valley Youth House’s Endowment Fund, supporting youth navigating homelessness, foster care transitions or challenging family situations.
Recently, Mike and Diane were honored by King’s College, Mike’s alma mater, as inaugural members of the Chairman’s Society, reserved for their most generous benefactors. Mike has served on King’s College board of directors for over 26 years. He also leads the Lehigh Valley office of CAPTRUST, a nationwide financial firm with $43 billion in assets directed locally, and $1 trillion nationally. Through their leadership, the Molewskis continue to make a lasting impact on students, families and the future of the region.
The United Way’s 2025 annual campaign runs through March 31, 2026.
The Molewskis’ full biography is available here.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends our gratitude to Trisha Higgins, CPA and Donald Outing, Ph.D. for their time, service and deep commitment as members of our Board of Directors. Their leadership and dedication have helped guide our mission and strengthen our work across the region.
Trisha Higgins, CPA Trisha Higgins serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, where she oversees all financial and operational administration. A Certified Public Accountant and long-time nonprofit finance professional, she previously worked in public accounting with a focus on auditing nonprofit organizations.
Throughout her tenure on the Board, Higgins chaired the Audit Committee and served on the Executive Committee, lending her financial expertise and steady leadership. She has also been deeply involved in her community through prior roles with the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, United Way of Carbon County’s Allocation Committee and youth organizations in Lehighton, where she lives.
Donald A. Outing, Ph.D. Dr. Donald Outing is the Vice President for Equity and Community at Lehigh University, where he leads the institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. He brings extensive experience in DEI strategy from his previous leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, where he directed national STEM outreach efforts.
As Chair of the Board’s DEI Committee and a member of the Executive Committee, Dr. Outing provided thoughtful, value-driven leadership. A veteran and longtime federal servant, he is widely recognized as a national leader in higher education and equity work.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we know what’s possible when community partnerships center youth voice and potential. That belief was brought to life on the walls of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Teen Center, where a new youth-led mural now stretches across the space.
“This mural is more than a piece of art, it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we center youth voice and work together as partners to build strong, connected communities,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The mural was created through a collaboration between the Club’s teen members and muralist Kyle L. Edwards, a proud Allentown native and former Club kid himself. With support from United Way and other partners, including JOSHWAY, which sponsored one teen’s continued pursuit of the arts, this project helped transform not only the physical space but also how the teens see themselves within it.
“What I love most isn’t just the painting—it’s the fellowship. The way it brings people together,” said Kyle. “Each mural is unique to the students. This space is more important now than ever, because kids today are facing a lot more than I did growing up. It’s so important for them to have a space where they can come and be themselves.”
That sense of ownership and connection was exactly what teen members like Isaiah experienced throughout the project.
“I know when I come here, I’m safe, and I can always have someone to talk to or just have fun,” Isaiah shared. “When we talked about what we wanted on the mural, it brought us all together.”
Kathryn Best, Development Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, said the mural was born from listening to what young people wanted. “We’ve been asking our members what they’re passionate about, and one answer we kept hearing was the arts,” she said. “This isn’t just about giving them a place to go, it’s about giving them a place that feels like it belongs to them. A space they help shape.”
“This mural reflects their voices and their creativity,” said Katarah Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown. “And we’re only getting started.”
On May 14, about 150 youth leaders, educators, advocates and community partners gathered at Cedar Crest College for this year’s Resilient Lehigh Valley Conference: Lehigh Valley Speak Up! – Empowerment, Voice and Choice in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and sponsored by Lehigh County, Crayola and Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health. Themed “Building Community Resilience Through Community Connections,” the conference highlighted a truth at the heart of Resilient Lehigh Valley’s mission: When we come together, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in powerful conversations around trauma, resilience and mental health, reminding us that everyone holds the power to foster connection and care in their schools, workplaces and communities.
“This gathering is proof that our strength lies in our ability to connect, to support one another and to heal together,” said Ashi Singh, Director of Community Resilience at United Way and lead staff for the Resilient Lehigh Valley initiative. “Resilience isn’t something we build alone. It’s something we grow, nurture and sustain in community.”
From breakout sessions on restorative practices and digital wellness to interactive workshops on gratitude, youth voice and emotional regulation, the conference created space for both learning and healing. Participants explored tools for reducing toxic stress, practiced mindfulness together and left with a shared understanding that resilience doesn’t mean avoiding hardship. It means having the relationships and resources to rise through it. Everyone has been impacted by trauma in some way—whether experienced firsthand or through the struggles of someone they care about—and this conference made space for those shared realities to be acknowledged, honored and met with support.
Among the many young voices present at the conference, 17-year-old Jean, junior at Louis E. Dieruff High School in the Allentown School District, stood out for his willingness to open up. Speaking during a session on digital wellness, he reflected on how the environment created by Resilient Lehigh Valley helped him feel safe enough to share.
“There are a lot of things I want to say, but I don’t ever get to say them,” Jean shared. “But here, I felt comfortable speaking because I knew everyone in the room had a shared understanding of mental health.”
Jean described how public speaking usually triggers intense anxiety, but the sense of safety and understanding in this space gave him the courage to speak up. He also shared that attending the conference gave him something even more lasting: a glimpse of the person he hopes to become.
“One thing I’m taking away is the opportunity to be someone I’ve always imagined myself being in five, ten, maybe 25 years,” he said. “It’s hard to be your authentic self, especially with anxiety and trauma. But I think just being here gave me hope that I’ll find a way.”
That sense of possibility was woven throughout the day. Even in the face of challenges, we have the power to come together and create something stronger.
The day also spotlighted emerging strategies for strengthening community wellness. In one session, participants experienced Integrated Community Therapy (ICT), an evidence-based method of group dialogue designed to foster peer connection and community problem-solving. As one participant shared, “Sometimes it’s just nice to know you’re not the only one going through something.”
In a world that often moves too fast and connects too little, the 2025 Resilient Lehigh Valley Conference offered more than just a moment to pause. It created a meaningful space where community members of all ages could learn, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible when we prioritize mental health and collective care.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley had the honor of welcoming Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, for a powerful day of connection, conversation and inspiration.
During her visit, Angela—named a 2025 USA Today Woman of the Year—met with local donors, volunteers, business leaders and staff to share a clear message: United Way is built for this moment. Throughout her visit, Angela outlined the strategic direction guiding United Way’s work around the world—scaling impact, building sustainable revenue and investing in future leadership.
“It’s what happens in local communities that brings United Way to life,” she shared. “Every time we show up, it’s for such a time as this.”
The morning began with a Visionary Breakfast, hosted by board member, Laurie Hackett and Air Products Community Relations, where she joined board members, nonprofit partners and community leaders for a conversation on the future of philanthropy. At our United Way office, staff shared highlights—including a presentation on our United Way Community Schools—and engaged in a Q&A. Angela’s visit concluded with a Leadership Lunch, hosted by Lehigh Valley Partnership and United Way Worldwide board member David Shaffer at Saucon Valley Country Club, where business leaders in attendance heard her perspective on collaboration and community impact.
She recognized United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as one of the highest-performing United Ways in the network, highlighting its $26 million in recent investments, support of more than 150 partners and service to over 200,000 people.
“You are showing what’s possible,” she said.
Angela’s visit was a powerful reminder that the future of United Way is already being built—right here in the Lehigh Valley—through strong leadership, deep partnerships and a shared commitment to community.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, our mission is to strengthen the bonds between schools, families and communities, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Recognizing a growing call from educators and community partners, United Way and the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE) launched a three-part Family Engagement Series to equip schools with proven strategies for building lasting family-school partnerships.
Family engagement is a core pillar of United Way Community Schools, where schools serve as neighborhood hubs offering wraparound support to students and families. Throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley, United Way supports 34 Community Schools, each fostering meaningful relationships with parents and caregivers to ensure students have what they need to thrive. The Family Engagement Series reinforced these efforts by equipping educators and partners with tools to deepen their impact and remove barriers that may prevent families from being involved in their child’s education.
The series began by exploring how equitable family engagement drives student success. Participants learned that authentic relationships are essential for improving academic outcomes, boosting graduation rates and supporting students’ social-emotional growth. Introducing the Dual Capacity-Building Framework, the first session challenged participants to recognize and remove systemic barriers that often prevent families from engaging fully.
The second session, held in-person at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, focused on how to integrate family engagement strategies into the Community School work. In partnership with Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), this training’s goal was to educate participants on how to increase family engagement with the schools through the Pennsylvania’s Department of Education Family Engagement Framework. The framework session covered six key standards, including how to connect families to resources to connect goals, interests and needs. Additionally, it emphasized how to build partnerships with families that are strength-based, authentic, reciprocal and respectful.
“Engagement is not just events,” shared Jessica Webster, MAEC’s Senior Family Engagement Specialist, “it is a series of events. We want to focus on high impact family engagement.”
The final, virtual session helped participants develop action plans to sustain their efforts. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, attendees reflected on how to measure the effectiveness of family engagement strategies, adapt to changing needs and celebrate success. Critical reflection questions challenged schools to ensure their efforts are culturally responsive, relationship-driven and linked to measurable student outcomes.
Across all three sessions, the message was clear: authentic family engagement isn’t extra—it’s essential to student success. Families, educators, community partners, and donors each play a vital role in building inclusive, supportive school communities where every child can thrive.
We thank our Community Schools for attending and our sponsors Crayola and Capital Blue Cross for helping make these trainings happen.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Women United recently gathered for an engaging afternoon of fun, networking and learning at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course in partnership with She Said Golf and the City of Allentown and sponsored by Capital Blue Cross.
Women United is a dynamic group of more than 160 women philanthropists who are passionate about creating meaningful change in our community. Through leadership, giving and service, they support programs that strengthen families and build brighter futures for women and children across the Lehigh Valley.
During the event, members and guests learned more about Women United’s 10 signature projects, including impactful initiatives like The Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley, which helps adults improve reading and workforce readiness skills, and Community Bike Works, which mentors local youth through hands-on bicycle mechanics and also practice life skills including communication, teamwork and perseverance.
Capital Blue Cross, a long-time supporter of United Way and sponsor of the event, emphasized its shared mission to improve community health and well-being through strategic partnerships like Women United and the United Way Community Schools network.
The event was hosted in partnership with She Said Golf—an organization dedicated to empowering women to step onto the golf course with confidence. Founded in 2023 by sisters Julie and Jamie, She Said Golf creates inclusive, approachable spaces for women to learn, connect and grow through the game of golf. From range meetups and clinics to charity events and scrambles, their mission is rooted in community and fun.
Julie shared helpful etiquette tips and course prep advice before attendees headed out to enjoy the course, connect with one another and take advantage of hands-on instruction, if needed. The gathering also included an opportunity to give back. Attendees donated thousands of feminine hygiene products from pads and tampons to sanitary wipes and soap in support of the Allentown Menstrual Equity Program, helping to increase access to essential supplies for local residents. The City of Allentown will be distributing the products at 8 sites in Allentown.
Last month, Ana Rodriguez, a production line worker at Just Born Quality Confections, was named the Grand Prize winner in United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 2024 Campaign incentive drawing. As the Grand Prize winner, Ana had the choice between a leased 2025 Hyundai Elantra or a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Brown-Daub Dealerships—and she chose the cash prize.Â
Ana Rodriguez of Just Born Confections
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Ana is the 11th of 16 children. As a single mother raising two sons, she relied on her local Boys & Girls Club for after-school care and homework support. Thanks to her perseverance and the support she received, both of her sons went on to graduate from Kutztown University in 2011 and 2016. Today, Ana is passionate about education and empowering mothers and families. Through Just Born’s workplace campaign, she proudly supports United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to help organizations like the Boys & Girls Club continue to offer critical support to families in need. Ana plans to save her prize for something special and is considering a family trip back to the Dominican Republic to share her roots with her children and grandchildren.
As a long-time member of United Way’s Cornerstone Society—25 generous and deeply committed partners contributing $100,000 or more annually—Brown-Daub Dealerships remains one of United Way’s most dedicated supporters, helping to strengthen the community year-round. For nearly 15 years, Brown-Daub has provided a significant incentive prize of $10,000 cash or a new vehicle for donors who contributed to the campaign at a certain level, which encouraged individuals to give more.
“Partners like Brown-Daub are essential to our community’s success, and we’re grateful for their ongoing commitment to philanthropy,” said Paul Hurd, Chief Philanthropy Officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “For nearly two decades, Brown-Daub and their employees have helped fuel meaningful change across our region, and we deeply appreciate their continued generosity.”
“Brown-Daub and my family have been partnered with United Way forever,” shared Tom Daub, President, Brown-Daub Dealerships. “We’re deeply committed to education and healthy aging, two of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s key initiatives, making our partnership a perfect fit.”
Individuals who contributed at least $365 to United Way’s 2024 Campaign were entered to win one of four incentive prizes:
Grand Prize: $10,000 or a leased 2025 Hyundai Elantra provided by Brown-Daub Dealerships, presented to Ana RodriguezÂ
First Prize: $2,500 in Wegmans gift cards, presented to Saramma Hoffman of PPL Corp.Â
Second Prize: Lehigh Valley IronPigs Dugout Suite courtesy of BSI Corporate Benefits, presented to Walter (Wally) Nelson of Air ProductsÂ
Third Prize: Martin Guitar valued at $1,799, presented to Kelly Blanar of Air ProductsÂ
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends its heartfelt thanks to Brown-Daub Dealerships, Wegmans Food Markets, BSI Corporate Benefits and Martin Guitar for supporting the spirit of giving and driving lasting impact in our community.
$2,500 in Wegmans gift cards, presented to Saramma Hoffman of PPL Corp.
Martin Guitar valued at $1,799, presented to Kelly Blanar of Air Products
