Women United is proud to support ProJeCt of Easton Inc.’s Family Literacy and Parent Education Program. The program utilizes a “teach the parent, reach the child” model to assist parents in becoming the first and most important teacher, promote a child’s success in school and advance the family educationally and economically. ProJeCt shared success stories of three students and their families who have greatly benefited from the Program.
Jacqueline joined her family in the United States just four months ago. She and her granddaughter, Zoey, attend ProJeCt’s Parent Education and Early Childhood Education classes every day. Jackie’s goal is to utilize the literacy strategies taught in her Parent Education class to support her grandchildren’s success in school. As an active participant in the Program, Jacqueline increased her vocabulary in speaking, listening, reading and writing on the intermediate level and broadened her understanding of American culture in a short time.
Esmeralda, mother of three, is working hard to keep life stabilized for her family despite various health issues. With the goal of earning a G.E.D., she attends classes at ProJeCt while her youngest son, Emmanual, participates in the preschool program. Through the Family Literacy and Parent Education Program, Esmeralda and Emmanual get to work on literacy development together in the classroom. The Program gives Esmeralda the confidence in teaching and advocating for her children’s success in school and helps prepare Emmanual for his transition to kindergarten.
Yariana attends ProJeCt’s adult literacy class for English skills while her two-year-old son, Diego, participates in the preschool program. Diego initially struggled with being separated from Yariana, so the teachers created an opportunity for them to learn and play together. During that time, Yariana practiced the teaching strategies she learned in the Parent Education class and incorporated speaking opportunities and other educational aspects during their playtime. Thanks to ProJeCt, Yariana has advanced from Intro to English class to the Advanced ESL class and feels more confident as her child’s first teacher. Diego no longer struggles with separation from Yariana, and now looks forward to playing with his new friends in the preschool program.
Thank you for joining the ’50s Sock Hop, an age-friendly event that promotes inclusion and intergenerational social interactions. Community tables were present to promote services and programs, along with refreshments, dancing, basket raffle, health screenings, art activities and a photo booth.
As part of its 2022 United Way campaign, Crayola launched a $100K Challenge – an opportunity for Crayola employees to designate monetary contributions from Crayola to the United Way-funded agency of their choice.
Participating Crayolians were chosen at random from a raffle system. The winners received entry points for the exclusive raffle based on their 2022 United Way contributions and participation. Two Crayolians were selected to give away $10,000 and 16 were selected to give away $5,000.
Some of the benefiting organizations include Bethlehem Area School District, Domestic Violence Service Center, Easton Area Community Center, Miller-Keystone Blood Center and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
More than 18,500 donors and partners united to raise a record-breaking $22,642,018 during United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) annual fundraising campaign. The campaign was chaired with remarkable dedication and leadership from Vince Sorgi, president and CEO of PPL Corp., and Ashley Russo, president and owner of ASR Media Productions, and their spouses, Michelle Sorgi and Joe Russo, MD. This represents the largest annual campaign in the organization’s 100+ year history and 13 consecutive years of growth.
“Early on in our campaign, we saw the ripple effects of the pandemic starting to truly impact our community. Families are finding it hard to meet their basic needs, schools are overwhelmed, and there is a measurable shift in the needs of older adults. Campaign contributions provide critical services to meet these needs and develop long-term solutions,” said Russo.
The housing crisis in our community has increased due to many factors, including the past two years’ health and economic crises. With an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness and serious financial instability in the region, the PPL Foundation partnered to create Be a Housing Hero. In honor of every new or increased gift to United Way, PPL Foundation made an additional contribution to aid neighbors and families experiencing housing insecurity. As a result, almost $3 million more was donated.
“PPL Foundation’s pledge of up to $500,000 will provide support for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity right here in the communities we serve,” stated Sorgi. “By partnering with United Way, we know that these funds will be invested into organizations whose missions align with addressing housing insecurity through prevention and intervention.”
The support includes the creation of a new no- to low-barrier rental assistance program. Developed in partnership with Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board, the program will provide up to three months to help families stay in their homes.
“Because of caring supporters, over 46,000 people will receive emergency services such as housing and disaster relief; nearly 27,000 people will have access to healthy and nutritious food; over 45,000 students will have better opportunities to thrive in school,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“We are grateful for each and every person who stepped up to create lasting and measurable change in the Greater Lehigh Valley, and we’d especially like to thank Vince, Michelle, Ashley and Joe for rallying unparalleled support,” said Lewis.
In all, more than 18,500 individual donors and 300 partners contributed to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2022 to March 2023. PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation have contributed more than $6,000,000—the first in UWGLV’s history; Air Products raised more than $5,000,000 for the second consecutive year; City Center Allentown and Crayola each donated more than $1,000,000. Their continued support helps raise the bar for our work in the community.
“Together with the Board, your United Way identified three new and bold goals to ensure our community is stable and strong with increased access to food, housing, mental health and emergency services. The investments that United Way is making in our community would not be possible without the unwavering support and trust of our donors and partners. Their investments are well-spent, are well-stewarded and are making a direct impact on one in every six people in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties,” said UWGLV Board Chair Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Partner, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC Law Firm.
United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way. Award recipients included:
PPL LIVE UNITED Award – Brown-Daub Dealerships Community Builder Award – Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Campaign Chairs’ Award – Tony Salvaggio and Tom and Destiny Salvaggio Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award– Greater Easton Development Partnership Labor Achievement Award – Gregg Potter, Capital Blue Cross
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include: Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – PPL Corp. Silver sponsor – Air Products Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, Just Born Quality Confections, Olympus Corporation Pearl sponsor – Members 1st Federal Credit Union In-kind contributors – ASR Media Productions, Rich Mar Florist, Working Dog Press
More than 18,500 donors made life better for over 130,000 people in the region through community stability, education and healthy aging during campaign chaired by Vince Sorgi of PPL Corp. and Ashley Russo of ASR Media Productions.
Allentown, PA, March 28, 2023 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) will honor Brown-Daub Dealerships with the PPL LIVE UNITED Award for their significant contribution toward improving the quality of life of those in need across the region. The award will be presented at United Way Celebration of Caring on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 while honoring donors, volunteers and partners united to build a stronger, healthier and more thriving community.
“Celebration of Caring recognizes the transformative and collective impact of United Way donors, volunteers and partners made to better the lives of well over 130,000 people this year,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.
Presented by Crayola, this event honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact through the annual United Way campaign chaired by Vince Sorgi, president and CEO of PPL Corporation, and Ashley Russo, president and owner of ASR Media Productions and their spouses, Michelle Sorgi and Joe Russo, M.D.
Brown-Daub Dealerships will receive United Way’s highest honor, the PPL LIVE UNITED Award. This award is presented to an organization or company whose engagement in the Lehigh Valley community results in a significant contribution toward improving the quality of life for those in need, demonstrates community leadership and also encourages its employees to lead. Owned and operated by long-time United Way supporters Andy and Tom Daub, Brown-Daub is one of UWGLV’s most dedicated partners and champions for education initiatives, particularly in the Easton area. In addition to running workplace campaigns in seven dealerships, Brown-Daub has donated our grand prize incentive for donors of a new car or $10,000 cash for the past eight years.
“The PPL LIVE UNITED Award is our organization’s highest honor, and Brown-Daub has been one of our most dedicated partners for decades. They continuously find innovative ways to engage their employees and community to dig deep to make a true impact in our community. Brown-Daub exemplifies what it means to ‘LIVE UNITED’,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.
The following awardees will also be honored during Celebration of Caring:
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission – Community Builder Award Presented to an individual or organization that supports United Way in its community-building efforts, encourages cooperation, contributes talent and resources to further partnerships, creates a common ground and perseveres in the face of challenges.
Tony Salvaggio and Tom and Destiny Salvaggio – Campaign Chairs’ Award Presented to a partner that has demonstrated leadership and innovation during United Way’s campaign and an ability to increase awareness throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Greater Easton Development Partnership – Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award Presented by Air Products, the Leonard Pool Impact Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates commitment to exceptional community leadership, outstanding stewardship of community resources, active and meaningful volunteer engagement and strategic impact on the Lehigh Valley community.
Gregg Potter, Capital Blue Cross – Labor Achievement Award Presented to an individual member of organized labor whose volunteer efforts significantly advance the work of United Way and labor.
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include: Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – PPL Corp. Silver sponsor – Air Products Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, Just Born Quality Confections, Olympus Corporation Pearl sponsor – Members 1st Federal Credit Union In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, Rich Mar Florist, Working Dog Press
On Saturday, February 18, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) held “Be a Housing Hero” Night, presented by PPL Foundation, at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms game. All fans in attendance were encouraged to bring a new pair of socks to support local shelters in need. The sock drive was part of UWGLV and PPL Foundation’s Be a Housing Hero initiative that benefits families experiencing financial insecurity in the Lehigh Valley.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic disruptions exacerbated the current housing crisis devastating our community forcing families to make difficult decisions between buying groceries or paying rent. PPL Foundation and UWGLV believe that a strong, resilient and UNITED community can address the area’s housing crisis and invest in prevention and intervention solutions.
Participants were entered in a raffle drawing for prizes including an overnight stay at the Americus Hotel in Allentown, a Martin Guitar and a $100 gift card to Tacos Y Tequila restaurant. Accompanying the grand prize was a $1,000 PPL Foundation donation to the charity of the winner’s choice. United Way Night at the Phantoms proved to be a great success–raising over $3,000 and collecting 3,577 socks from nearly 300 donors.
Socks are a major need among local shelters and are vital for protection during the colder months. The donations will be distributed to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, Safe Harbor Easton and other organizations in the area.
United Way and Lehigh Valley Reads celebrated Read Across America and National Reading Month with a full week of events at United Way Community Schools all across the Greater Lehigh Valley. Volunteers read to students while mascot Corey delivered reading materials, supplies and more to Cheston Elementary School in Easton Area School District; Fountain Hill Elementary School in Bethlehem Area School District; and Central, Hays and Sheridan Elementary Schools in Allentown School District. Guest readers included volunteers from PPL, Crayola, Victaulic, Truist, People First and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
This celebration of reading serves as the official kickoff of Lehigh Valley Reads’ Million Minute Challenge, sponsored by CAI, People First and Truist, which also provided additional books and supplies for several schools. Everyone is invited to participate in this regional campaign to collectively read 1,000,000 minutes or more throughout the month of March. Families, individuals, schools and groups can pledge their minutes online through March 31 at www.lehighvalleyreads.org.
Lehigh Valley Reads is a regional literacy campaign, powered by PBS39 and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to ensure all Lehigh Valley students read on grade level by the end of third grade.
Photo credit: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley/Marco Calderon Photography
In collaboration with the Bethlehem Health Bureau, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) conducted a Project Lifesaver information session at the YWCA of Bethlehem on February 13.
Project Lifesaver is a search-and-rescue program strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering, including those diagnosed with cognitive impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Bethlehem Health Bureau works with local police departments to locate loved ones, with the goal to determine their location within 30 minutes. Officers are trained on Project Lifesaver technology, strategic protocols and basic understanding of cognitive conditions.
Community Health Specialists from the Bethlehem Health Bureau, Brittany Pantoni and Zory Garcia, presented on Project Lifesaver transmitter bracelets, which rely on radio frequencies rather than GPS tracking. Officer Jeffrey Fehr from the Bethlehem City Police Department and Officer Steven Santiago from the North Catasauqua Police Department both gave demonstrations of the technology and discussed their experience with Project Lifesaver in the field.
“Education is the first step to action. By learning about Project Lifesaver, families can make an informed decision as to whether this program is right for them. If their loved one goes wandering, this program ensures that individual can be found quickly and increases the overall likelihood of a positive outcome for all parties involved,” shares Erika Newhard, Dementia Outreach Coordinator at UWGLV.
Eligible attendees were also fit with bracelets at the end of the session and families were trained on how to maintain proper upkeep for the device.
This month, both Lehigh and Northampton counties were awarded certification into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, making the Lehigh Valley the nation’s first dual-county community to receive certification in the World Health Organization/AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
Members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities become part of a global network of communities that are committed to giving their older residents the opportunity to live rewarding, productive and safe lives. Age-friendly communities treat all residents and visitors with respect, regardless of age, income or physical ability. They are accessible, equitable, inclusive, safe, secure, and supportive – meeting the needs of those ages 5 to 105.
United Way’s Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, led by Carmen Bell, Director of Healthy Aging, has worked directly with AARP Pennsylvania to achieve this certification since 2018. Specific actions for the community are outlined in the recently released Age-Friendly LV Action Plan. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has been a key partner in the work to bring the plan to fruition.
This new step as a certified age-friendly community means that people of all ages can benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services and more.
Thank you for joining us for United Way “Be a Housing Hero” Night presented by PPL. All fans in attendance who brought pairs of socks received a raffle ticket for the opportunity to win one of many great prizes that night.
