News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Local Labor Unions Commemorate 25 Years of TeenWorks™ Impact

February 15, 2024
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • United Way President David Lewis receives TeenWorks Hero Award at 25th Annual Dinner
  • Fisola Oyerokun receives TeenWorks Project of the Year Award at 25th Annual Dinner
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks Board and Lehigh Valley Labor Council receive TeenWorks Zach Krauss Spirit of Service Awards at 25th Annual Dinner
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks Annual Dinner 2024 Sponsors
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • Fisola Oyerokun accepts TeenWorks Project of the Year at 25th Annual Dinner
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks empowers community-minded student leaders to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.
  • TeenWorks award attendees at the 25th Annual Dinner

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and local Labor Unions celebrated 25 years of young people making a difference in our community at the TeenWorks™ 25th Anniversary Dinner. Since 1999, the collaboration between United Way and organized labor has provided more than $500,000 in funding to support over 500 community-service projects.

“This is truly a celebration of the great accomplishments of some of the best young people in the Lehigh Valley,” said John Werkheiser, United Way Labor Liaison. “TeenWorks began as a bridge between organized labor and high school kids but evolved into a mutual bond for a better Lehigh Valley. Here’s to 25 years of inspiring leadership and countless more to come!”

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.

Organized and led by youth board members with the support of generous partners and sponsors, the TeenWorks 25th Anniversary Dinner was held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Northampton Memorial Community Center. This special evening of celebration honored exceptional community service projects, recognized the efforts of the TeenWorks board and showcased results from TeenWorks volunteers and investments.

TeenWorks Project of the Year was presented to Fisola Oyerokun. This award was designed to honor a student who made a significant difference and contribution to their community by identifying and leading a project that would create a lasting impact. Fisola’s Eagle Scout project involved the beautification of the amphitheater at Macungie Memorial Park, which included power washing and laying new paving bricks over a large area in front of the stage.

TeenWorks Zach Krauss Spirit of Service Award was presented to the TeenWorks Board and Lehigh Valley Labor Council. The Zach Krauss Spirit of Service Award recognizes a student or group of students who have demonstrated a commitment to making their community a better place to live by completing an outstanding, altruistic project that was innovative, meaningful and impacted people in their community. The awards were accepted by Polina Dorman and Maeve Yanes, TeenWorks Co-Chairs, Ron Labar, TeenWorks Adult Board Chair and Jim Irwin and Gregg Potter of Lehigh Valley Labor Council.

TeenWorks Hero Award was presented to David Lewis, United Way President. The Hero Award is given to a person who demonstrates a commitment to the ideals and purpose of the TeenWorks mission. Someone who embodies the qualities of hard work, honesty, and a commitment to giving back to his/her community through acts of compassion and selflessness. Throughout his many years leading United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, David has been a tremendous supporter of the TeenWorks program, and the program would not be as successful as it is today without his leadership and advice. The award is a small token of our appreciation of his efforts.

The event program also included keynote speaker Paige Knowles, Parkland High School graduate, and highlighted all the projects that received TeenWorks funding in 2023:

  • Quinn Colognato rejuvenated the Healing Garden at KidsPeace, Orefield Campus. The Healing Garden is a place where people can go for serenity and solitude during difficult times.
  • Griffen Christman worked on an Eagle Scout project building shelves and a large ice chest at Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown.
  • Roosevelt Elementary “Little Leaders”; Leader: Jayleen Bell beautified the area around the Fearless Fire Station, which is across the street from the school in Allentown. This project in conjunction with the “Girls on the Run” initiative.
  • Evan Biery’s Eagle Scout project was the refurbishing of the Evergreen Trail at Jordan UCC in Lehigh County. United Church of Christ in Allentown. The trail had overgrowth and other debris that had to be removed.
  • The TeenWorks Board completed one of their own projects this year that involved creating activity kits for Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital patients.

TeenWorks 25th Anniversary Dinner was made possible thanks to presenting sponsor, Capital Blue Cross, and additional sponsors: Teamsters Local 773, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, IBEW 126, Lehigh Valley Labor Council, IBEW 375, UAW Local 677, AFSCME DC 88, Bethlehem Education Association, PSEA Eastern Region, UFCW Local 1776, Allentown Education Association, Banko Beverage Co., Blue Chip Sound, Carpenters Local 167, Northeast Pennsylvania Area Labor Federation, Pa Joint Board, Workers United, SEIU and Rich Mar Florists.

To learn more about TeenWorks, apply for funding or get involved, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/teenworks.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Recognizes the Vital Community Hotline on 211 Day

February 08, 2024
  • PA 211 responded to 62,289 requests in 2023
  • PA 211 responded to 34,446 requests for housing help in 2023
  • PA 211 responded to 2,492 requests for mental health support in 2023
  • PA 211 responded to 5,108 requests for help with utilities in 2023
  • PA 211 responded to 4.236 requests for food relief in 2023
  • Thank you PA 211 Call Specialists

Sunday, February 11 (2/11) is 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to 2-1-1 resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in the Greater Lehigh Valley– be connected to information about local resources and services. Last year, in the Greater Lehigh Valley, housing requests have doubled, requests for utilities supports increased 166%, food support requests increased 291% and mental health requests increased 217%.

211 is a vital resource utilized by almost 67,000 residents in the Greater Lehigh Valley who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing, utility payment, veteran services, childcare and other related needs. In 2023, the service received over 38,000 calls, which included email, text, chat and website messages from people in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

The top requests in our region were for shelter, rent assistance and low-cost housing (37,018 requests), utilities (6,065 requests), food (4,062) and mental health services (2,493). Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton Counties are in the top 10 with the highest rates of housing and shelter requests in the state (Lehigh is #3, Northampton is #8 and Carbon is #10).

click here to donate and help our families and neighbors in times of crisis

“211 helps people, improves lives and strengthens communities,” said Patricia Espinosa-Vargas, Director, PA 211 East. “During 211 Day, we celebrate this service that has helped a number of Greater Lehigh Valley people.”

Established in 2000 by the Federal Communications Commission as the three-digit number to reach information and referral services for health, human, and social organizations, today 211 is a resource for help and hope in communities, like the Greater Lehigh Valley, across North America. Last year, the 211 network received 18 million requests and made a total of 19 million referrals for local services.

During 211 Day, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley encourages residents to:

  • Call, text, or chat 211 if they or someone they know needs help
  • Share 211 widely with their neighbors, family, and friends to connect others to help and supports
  • Advocate to your local policymakers for the importance of and need to strengthen 211

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Names Marci Lesko to Chief Executive Officer Starting June 2024

February 03, 2024
Our future is bright. Marci Lesko named Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

Lesko currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and will succeed President David Lewis, who is stepping back after 36 years with United Way.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Board of Directors has named Marci Lesko as Chief Executive Officer effective June 3, 2024. Lesko currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and will succeed President David Lewis, who is stepping back after a 36-year career with United Way.

“I’m humbled and honored to lead this outstanding organization and solidify United Way as the philanthropic home for donors in the region,” said Lesko. “I’m coming into the role laser-focused on deepening and expanding our work in Education, Healthy Aging and Community stability and delivering the increased resources needed to achieve it.”

Lesko joined United Way in 2006 and is an integral part of the organization’s executive leadership team, having previously served as Vice President of Community Impact, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact Officer and Corporate Secretary. She was appointed COO by the Board of Directors in 2023. With a graduate degree in organization leadership and an outstanding track record of turning donor investments into lasting results, Marci has transformed key areas of the organization including impact, grants, data, communications, human resources and technology. She has been a national leader in Collective Impact, which she brought to the region in the early 2010s; she started the highly successful and nationally recognized Community Schools model in the Lehigh Valley, and she developed the results-based investment strategy United Way continues to follow today.

“The community needs a strong United Way that brings partners together around a shared purpose. David Lewis has unlocked the organization’s potential over his ten years as President, and Marci is perfectly positioned to take us to the next level. She knows the community, she knows United Way, she knows the donors, and she knows how to get results,” remarked Board Chair Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Partner, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC Law Firm.

With 36 years in the United Way network, Lewis led the local organization to triple revenue to $28 million during his decade-long tenure as President. That tenacity has solidified the organization as the top performing local United Way in the network of approximately 1,000 local affiliates.

“The Greater Lehigh Valley is so unique, because people here care so much about helping their neighbors, and they really embrace the power of collaboration. I can’t imagine anyone better than Marci to continue the growth we’ve seen over the past decade,” remarked Lewis.

Lewis’ growth mindset and focus on volunteer engagement, stewardship, data and major gifts have placed the organization in excellent financial footing.

“It’s hard to even quantify the impact David has made. Suffice to say, tens of thousands of people have directly benefited from his work here. The community is better today, because of him,” added Lesko. “As we look to the future, all the data is telling us that community needs in education, housing and mental health are climbing. We know that our donors and partners are ready to be part of the solution. Let’s get to work,” said Lesko.

News

Valley Wealth Alliance: Breaking the cycle of financial inequality

February 02, 2024
valley wealth alliance logo

Valley Wealth Alliance, a new United Way qualified partner, is a nonprofit organization established in Allentown in 2020. Their mission is to break the cycle of financial inequality by providing financial literacy programs in the low to moderate income areas of the Lehigh Valley.

They offer student and adult programs focused on areas of understanding the banking system, building and establishing credit, opening bank accounts, life skills, budgeting, utilization of credit cards, starting a business, mentorships, money concepts for kids and more. Their programs educate participants on what they need to know, coach them through putting what they learned into practice, and connect them to the resources they need to be financially successful.

“As we embark on the journey to build a THRIVING tomorrow today, we recognize that being UNITED is the key. We look forward to the impact our partnership will bring, educating, coaching and connecting individuals to the resources needed for financial success,” said Priscilla Rosado, United Way Director of Partner Engagement.

Visit valleywealthalliance.org to learn more.

  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.
  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.
  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.
  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.
  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.
  • Valley Wealth Alliance is breaking the cycle of financial inequality.

News

Transforming Spaces, Transforming Futures: Talk Read Sing Early-Learning Corners

February 01, 2024

Research shows that talking, reading and singing with your child regularly from birth builds their brain as well as important language, math, reading and social-emotional skills to help prepare them for school and beyond. Together with partners, Talk Read Sing, lifted by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, has created early-learning corners in community spaces throughout the region to provide children and families with engaging environments to learn and play while they wait for services.

Space transformations were completed in Star Community Health Fowler Center in Bethlehem and several locations in Allentown including Star Community Health Sigal Center, Casa Guadalupe’s WIC/Nutrition Clinic, Allentown Health Bureau, Refugee Community Center, Ripple Church, Valley Health Partners Children’s Clinic at 17th St. and Christ Lutheran Church.

Talk Read Sing inspires families to help children develop strong language skills by turning everyday activities into learning moments. Installing these spaces provides families with more opportunities to connect to Talk Read Sing resources like a bookshelf filled with diverse children’s books, Talk Read Sing character cutouts and decals, toys, a whiteboard, informational resources and new children’s furniture to help them learn and develop. 

In addition to each location helping with the transformations, United Way utilized our current AmeriCorps VISTA cohort and created volunteer opportunities during our 30th Day of Caring to complete some of the early-learning corners.

All of the furniture came from Lakeshore Learning Materials, and our books came from First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, can succeed, by removing barriers to equitable education. Special thanks to Leonard Parker Pool Institute of Health for their partnership in completing the spaces at Allentown Health Bureau, Refugee Community Center, Ripple Church, Valley Health Partners Children’s Clinic and Christ Lutheran Church.

News

Empowering Financial Literacy in Lehigh Valley | United Way’s Grant Recipient Spotlight

January 30, 2024

In an effort to directly promote equity within communities, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley actively supports organizations that are making a difference through its Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant program. Through the grant program, United Way gifted a total of $310,000 to support 21 organizations in the Lehigh Valley, which progresses United Way’s goal of advancing economic prosperity.

One of the recipients, the Financial Literacy Center, is dedicated to enhancing financial knowledge and skills among people of all ages by providing free, comprehensive education that leads to tangible transformation among its students. 

Financial Literacy Center is dedicated to enhancing financial knowledge and skills among people of all ages by providing free, comprehensive education that leads to tangible transformation among its students.

The Financial Literacy Center’s mission is clear: to increase economic literacy in the Lehigh Valley. The primary course offering is a weekly 90-minute lesson for eight weeks, covering essential topics such as basic banking, budgeting, retirement planning and investing. However, its mission goes beyond imparting knowledge; it also focuses on building students’ confidence and critical thinking skills to empower them to take control of their financial futures.

“Our organization has grown and thrived thanks to the invaluable support of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity grant,” said Gabriel Rendon, executive director and founder of the Financial Literacy Center. “These funds have enabled us to serve more students and make a meaningful difference in the financial literacy landscape of Lehigh Valley.”

The significance of the organization’s mission is underscored by the fact that financial literacy education is often lacking in traditional educational settings. Many individuals graduate from high school without the fundamental knowledge needed to manage their finances effectively.

One of its key partnerships is with BankOn Allentown, managed by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, as part of the BankOn Lehigh Valley coalition. The partnership between nonprofits and financial institutions provides training and better access to safe and affordable banking in a coordinated effort to help people break the cycle of poverty. The BankOn Allentown coalition stands out as the only BankOn coalition with a third-party educator involved in the education process. Most coalitions rely on the banks to educate participants.

Thanks to funds received by United Way, the Financial Literacy Center hopes to expand its reach and impact in 2024. It has evolved from a one-teacher organization to a team of multiple educators, allowing it to offer more courses and accommodate more students. Currently, it can teach up to 50 students a month and sees the potential to educate even more individuals.

Moreover, the organization plans to translate its courses into Spanish and Arabic, making financial education more accessible to diverse communities in the Lehigh Valley.

The impact of the FRJE grant on the Financial Literacy Center is already evident. The grant has enabled the organization to replenish its resources and prepare for more courses, ultimately serving more students in the Lehigh Valley. The organization offers one-on-one coaching for course graduates, helping individuals work toward their financial goals while reinforcing the lessons learned during the courses. Additionally, it is exploring opportunities to provide financial literacy workshops for staff members of other nonprofits, recognizing the universal importance of financial literacy across social sectors.

The Financial Literacy Center’s dedication to improving financial literacy in Lehigh Valley is commendable, and its innovative approach to education, unbiased content, and commitment to helping individuals take control of their financial well-being make them a valuable asset to the community. As the organization continues to grow and expand its reach, the impact of its work will undoubtedly contribute to a more financially informed and empowered Lehigh Valley.

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 grant program by visiting our Fund for Racial Justice and Equity page.

News

United Way AmeriCorps VISTAs and members volunteer at area nonprofits in honor of MLK Day of Service

January 23, 2024

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s AmeriCorps VISTAs and members came together to serve at two of our nonprofit agencies for Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service. This year, they volunteered at Family Promise in Nesquehoning in Carbon County to clean, and organize goods provided to clients and at the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter to prepare, cook, serve and clean up dinner for guests.

  • Volunteers on MLK Day
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food
  • Volunteers preparing food

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by PennSERVE (Pennsylvania’s State Service Commission), enrolling individuals in national community service positions. AmeriCorps members represent the best of America, tirelessly serving people and communities across the country. 

UWGLV is proud to have AmeriCorps members serve in various positions to gain professional experience. Members work closely with United Way staff and assignments are based in the UWGLV office, school districts and nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

News

Tocqueville Member Spotlight: Bill Schaninger, Ph.D. Supports Innovative Solutions with Measurable Results

January 11, 2024

As a former United Way Board member, Bill Schaninger, Ph.D. became an ardent supporter of education and Community Schools after seeing the direct and positive impact on students and their families.

“Education is the pathway to a brighter future, and I really believe in United Way’s mission to ensure that all kids are afforded the opportunity to graduate high school prepared for life, college and career,” said the Senior Partner at Modern Executive Solutions and former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company.

“When I make a financial commitment, I want to know that it’s actually making an impact,” he added.

So when housing become a top need among students in United Way Community Schools during the pandemic, Schaninger invested in an innovative Housing Advocate pilot program to keep families in their homes, and therefore, children in their schools. During the first year, advocates assisted 40 families in the Bethlehem Area School District, and 100% maintained stable housing and education.

Several years later that program has become a model to address the connection between student achievement, housing stability and mental health by helping families to:

  • Mitigate eviction 
  • Prevent homelessness 
  • Improve housing security 
  • Decrease student mobility 
  • Support student achievement 

News

Round Up to Donate at Weis

January 10, 2024

United Way and Weis Markets partner to offer you another way to support your community. All round-ups at self-checkout during January 2024 will directly support your local United Way.

So, choose YES when checking out to support your neighbors in need.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to partner with our local businesses and organizations to develop innovative ways to give back to our community.

News

United Way Community Schools Improve Academic Growth and Attendance among Students

December 22, 2023

Students in United Way Community Schools demonstrated academic growth in every school during the 2022-23 school year, according to the organization’s 2023 Annual Report. Over the course of the school year, the schools reported:

  • 28% more students performing on grade-level in literacy from the beginning to end of the school year (from 32 to 41%), with some schools reporting increases as high as 90%.
  • 56% more students performing on grade-level in math from the beginning to end of the school year (from 16 to 25%), with some schools reporting increases as high as 89%.
  • 30% improvement in student attendance and chronic absence.
  • 124% increase in family engagement.
  • 48% increase in families connected to food assistance.

United Way Community Schools also demonstrated greater growth than the Lehigh Valley region and Pennsylvania between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. While the state and region overall increased third-grade reading proficiency by 3.8% (2.0 percentage points), Community Schools students grew by 9.5% (2.9 percentage points).

“These measures indicate that Community Schools are making a difference.  Ultimately, all the wrap-around supports that are provided by United Way, the school districts and our partners ensure that students learn and grow academically,” remarked Marci Lesko, United Way Chief Operating Officer.

United Way Community Schools serve 19,814 students in 33 public schools in Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area, Bangor Area and Panther Valley school districts. Two new schools joined the Community Schools network in 2022 and 2023: Ramos Elementary School in Allentown and Panther Valley Elementary School in Nesquehoning.

Community Schools improve academic success by focusing on students’ basic needs and build trusting relationships with children and their families by offering a range of services that include: 

  • basic needs support such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies; 
  • connections to critical resources such as healthcare and housing; 
  • academic engagement experiences such as field trips and after-school programming; 
  • parent engagement workshops and activities; and
  • on-site physical, mental and behavioral health services.

During the last school year, one in four students were identified as needing behavioral health supports​ and referrals to health services doubled​. Community Schools connected 81% of students identified as needing support with mental health resources.

“Our goal is 100%​, that every student who needs services is able to access the resources they need. The progress is encouraging, and we have more work to do to remove barriers,” added Lesko.

Funding and support for United Way Community Schools is provided by United Way donors and Community Schools partners including: Air Products, Allentown School District, AMETEK, Dan and Susan Barnes, Bangor Area School District, Bethlehem Area School District, Brown-Daub Family of Dealerships, Capital Blue Cross, City Center Group, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, Crayola, Easton Area School District, Follett Corporation, Just Born Quality Confections, Lehigh University, Bob and Sandy Lovett, Moravian University, Northampton Community College, Northstar Construction, Panther Valley School District, PPL Corp., Bill and Denise Spence, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Topper Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, United Way TeenWorks, United Way Women United and Victaulic.

For more information on United Way Community Schools, click here.