News

United Way Honors Brown-Daub Dealerships with PPL LIVE UNITED Award for Decades of Improving Quality of Life

March 28, 2023

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 1^st Federal Credit Union
In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, Rich Mar Florist, Working Dog Press

News

Lehigh Valley Phantoms and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley with support from PPL Foundation donate over 3,500 pairs of socks to local shelters

March 08, 2023

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.

Photo credit: Marco Calderon Photography

News

Lehigh Valley Reads Launches Million Minute Challenge on Read Across America Day

March 07, 2023

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

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley conducted a one-of-a-kind information session in partnership with the Bethlehem Health Bureau

February 28, 2023

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.

To learn more about Project Lifesaver visit Project Lifesaver International | Bringing Loved Ones Home

News

Lehigh and Northampton Counties become the nation’s first dual-county Age-Friendly Community

February 23, 2023

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.

For more information visit AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

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Photo Gallery: United Way Night at the Phantoms Presented by PPL

February 18, 2023

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.

News

PA 211 resources are a lifeline to residents who may be experiencing housing instability

February 01, 2023

When a crisis hits, having somewhere to turn is invaluable. For millions of people, that place is 211.

211 is the only free, confidential, 24/7/365 service that connects Pennsylvanians with all the health and human services in their area that are available to help. It’s the first stop for Pennsylvania residents experiencing housing insecurity. Whether they are seeking help with utility bills, housing assistance, after-school programs for kids or have other requests, dialing 211 will connect them with a local resource specialist for free.

On February 11, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will join United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania 211 network to celebrate PA 211 Day to recognize and amplify the important work of this vital resource available statewide.

The economic fall-out of the pandemic continued to impact people in our community—particularly low-income families and those in underrepresented populations. Last year, PA 211 received 31,203 calls for UWGLV’s service area of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Of those requests, 72.6% were for housing and utilities.

In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills and connect to other essential services. Our 211 is part of a national network, United to help as many people as possible.

To access these resources, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. To chat online with a 211 resource navigator, visit www.pa211.org, start a search for resources, and select the option to chat. PA 211 also features a new chat translation tool at www.pa211.org which allows customers to interact with 211 in 75 different languages.

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Photo Gallery: TeenWorks Annual Dinner 2023

January 28, 2023

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and our Labor partners celebrated TeenWorks™ at our annual dinner. We recognized TeenWorks’ accomplishments, awarded Project of the Year and honored our TeenWorks’ Hero.

News

United Way Community School in Easton opens food pantry to meet their families’ needs thanks to partnership with Lafayette College

January 19, 2023

In partnership with Lafayette College and Family Connection of Easton, Paxinosa Elementary School, a United Way Community School, opened a food pantry available to all students, families and community members. The pantry offers a large selection of diverse food choices to meet all of their families’ needs. The new collaboration and partnership with Lafayette is called Pax Partners.

The pantry is open once a month to any community member living in Easton—no matter if they have a child that attends school in the district or not. Lafayette raised over $2,000 for Paxinosa to restock their pantry while Family Connection of Easton supports the pantry under the direction of Keela Vincent.

News

Photo Gallery: Tocqueville Winter Celebration

January 19, 2023

Tocqueville Society celebrated reaching its new membership goal for the 2022 campaign at a lively winter gathering sponsored by Dual Temp Company Inc. on Thursday, January 19 at The Wilbur Mansion in Bethlehem. Approximately 150 members and prospects enjoyed tours of the newly renovated mansion, while receiving campaign updates from campaign co-chair Ashley Russo as well as updates on our healthy aging work from Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, Marci Lesko. Russo shared that Tocqueville Society exceeded its goal of 70 new members for the campaign, while also adding more than 40 new workplace partners overall.