United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of over 300 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Jarrett and Mandy Laubach, Tocqueville donors since 2018, recently spoke about their personal reasons for giving back through United Way.
“United Way assures us that our contribution makes a purposeful impact. The flexibility to direct dollars to causes important to our family while also investing in United Way programming that supports community needs is influential to our giving.”
The Laubachs reside in Bethlehem with their 2 children: John (10) and Sarah (4).
On Tuesday, Emily Parker, Philanthropic Investment Officer for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, received the Rising Star Award at the 2022 National Philanthropy Day Awards Breakfast held by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter.
“I think giving back to the community is extremely important,” shared Emily. “This award is a great honor. Thank you so much to everyone involved.”
This event, presented by Air Products, celebrated an amazing group of individuals and organizations who are shining examples of the incredible spirit of philanthropy that exists here in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Other award recipients honored during the event:
2022 National Philanthropy Day Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award J. Robert “Bob” & Sandy Lovett
Outstanding Philanthropists Rob & Kristen Bennett
Outstanding Foundation Carbon County Community Foundation
Outstanding Business Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group/Red Robin
Outstanding Fundraising Group Ai Orthodontics
Outstanding Volunteers Air Products Volunteers
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Ben Austin
Rising Star Emily Parker
BIPOC Leader in Fundraising Winston Alozie, Bethlehem Boys’ & Girls’ Club
IDEA Champions Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center Easton Area School District Youth Council
Lehigh Valley locations have been designated as winter warming stations for the community throughout the winter months. For the most up-to-date listings and information on volunteering at these locations, contact PA 211 East by phone at 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org.
Greater Valley Y-Allentown Opened November 1st through April 30th 2023 from 7pm-7am daily Meals will be served Monday-Friday 425 S 15th St., Allentown, PA 18102, entrance through auxiliary gymnasium from Elm Street 610.351.9622
Bethlehem Emergency Shelter Will open November 15th through April 15th 2023 from 5pm-7am Dinner will be served between 5:30-7:30pm Breakfast to go bags will be distributed as guests depart 75 E Market St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 484.379.6694
Safe Harbor Easton (Once their flier is ready for distribution, I will be sure to send it along to everyone) Will open December 1st through March 31st, 2023 from 7pm-7am daily 536 Bushkill Drive., Easton, PA 18042 610.258.5540
On the evening of October 13, Women United, a United Way affinity group, hosted their annual meeting–the first in-person annual meeting held since 2019. About 85 members and guests gathered at the beautiful Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem to mingle, celebrate and learn about the work at their Signature Projects: Central Elementary School in the Allentown School District, New Bethany Ministries, ProJeCt of Easton and The Literacy Center.
Congratulations to Laurie Hackett who was recognized during our celebration for our highest honor—the 2022 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year. Laurie is the true definition of a philanthropist and her selfless service has greatly impacted our community.
Special thanks to the Women United 2022 sponsors: Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank and People First Federal Credit Union, and favors provided by Frosted Chaos.
During the annual meeting, Darlene Pors, WU President, and Lisa Daugherty, Vice President, made the exciting announcement that the next round of impact investments for 2023-2026 were finalized. Because of the contributions designated to Women United, $268,000 will be invested annually in 10 Signature Projects to directly benefit the women and children in our community:
New Bethany Ministries – Women & Children in Transition
Work to mitigate the trauma of homelessness and help women and their children work their way to self-sufficiency through one-on-one coaching and supportive services
16 single mothers and children/year
ProJeCt of Easton Inc. – Family Literacy and Parent Education
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
Boys and Girls Club of Allentown Inc. – SMART Girls
Small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls in 3 age groups. Through dynamic sessions, highly participatory activities, field trips, and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and value as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults. SMART Girls will be offered to a total of 80 girls annually
The Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley – Women Rising Administrative Professional Job Training Program
The program prepares women for administrative office positions
The program will help 20 women from the community find employment as administrative professionals
Communities In Schools of Eastern PA – Out of School Time and Kindergarten Readiness
Central Elementary School in the Allentown School District
Programs (before enrollment and after enrollment) focused on reducing barriers to school and family success
Community Bike Works – G.E.A.R.S.S. (Girls Evaluating and Redefining Social Standards)
Three “Girls Earn a Bike” classes each year in which girls will work with women mechanics to learn bike mechanics and bike riding in order to build self-confidence and esteem. Girls who complete a class will then be invited to deepen their relationship with women mentors, including through youth-led discussions, STEAM activities, bike rides, and field trips
The program will allow 60 girls/annually to take classes
Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley Inc. – Rape Crisis and Support – Expand Bilingual Staff
Expand bilingual staff in order to serve Spanish-speaking women who have experienced rape or sexual assault
Funding would be for a part-time person
Unidos Inc. – Emergency Kits for Families in Need
Various kits to support crisis and disaster response (e.g. FireSafe Prevent, Rapid Response, FosterCare, etc.)
Resurrected Community Development Corp – James Lawson Freedom Schools
Evidence-based, summer learning literacy model created by the Children’s Defense Fund that contains a research-backed literacy curriculum focused on: academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social action, intergenerational servant leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health
Focused on addressing academic losses over the summer that widen the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Funding would support approximately 17 children
Mother2Mother – Closing the Equity Gap
Utilize Grief and Healing workshops to educate families on healthy coping skills and strategies for the loss of a child due to violence, drug overdose or unexpected death
With your continued support, we’ll be able to invest $1 million in the next 4 years. Give today. To learn more about Women United, visit unitedwayglv.org/wu.
The Tocqueville Society of United Way is an alliance of over 300 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Paul and Rebecca Francis, Tocqueville donors since 2021, share their personal reasons for giving back through United Way.
“Giving through United Way provides us with a simpler and more structured way to support the charities and organizations we believe in. Being a member of Tocqueville has helped us on our journey to be more charitable members of our community.”
Rebecca and Paul reside in Center Valley and have 2 children, Priya (18) and Tessa (15).
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Laurie Hackett of Air Products with the 2022 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest accolade.
Women United recognizes the Philanthropist of the Year as a member who is active in the community, is a philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The group’s founding president Betsy Torrence is recognized as the model of the Philanthropist of the Year awardee.
“It is an extremely high honor to receive a nomination for the Philanthropist of the Year award, let alone to receive it,” said Darlene Pors, President of Women United. “Laurie Hackett is the true definition of a philanthropist. Her selfless service has impacted our community and has made the lives of others so much better as a result. Women United is so grateful for Laurie using her voice and position to help inspire and bring change.”
Members will present Hackett’s award at Women United 2022, sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank and People First Federal Credit Union. This annual event will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Saucon Valley County Club from 5-7:30 p.m. Registration is available HERE.
“Women United’s commitment to creating a stronger community is truly inspiring,” said Hackett.” “Receiving this award in return for doing what I love is exciting and I am honored by this amazing recognition, in the name of Betsy Torrence and Women United!”
Hackett is Air Products’ Director of Corporate Relations and chaired the 2021 campaign for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley on behalf of Air Products, which resulted in a record-breaking $19,741,940—the largest annual campaign in UWGLV’s 100+ year history and 12 consecutive years of growth. “Laurie’s work reflects her values and deep commitment to this community, and it is no surprise that she’s our philanthropist of the year,” shared Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President for UWGLV. “Women United represents the best of women coming together to do what’s right for all and Laurie embodies that in every way. Congratulations, Laurie.”
In Hackett’s role at Air Products, she connects and collaborates throughout the company and the community. Her work with the Air Products Foundation supports programs, activities and agencies that are working hard every day to improve the quality of life for all.
She invests her time volunteering with nonprofits throughout the area including The Century Promise Board, Miller-Keystone Blood Center Vice Chair, WDIY Radio Program Host, Greater Easton Development Partnership Board, Lehigh Valley Chamber Executive Committee, Iron Pigs Charities Board and Phantoms Charities Board.
UWGLV Women United fights for the education and stability of women and children in the Lehigh Valley through philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities.
On Thursday, United Way Community School Coordinators (CSCs) were celebrated at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem during a special event sponsored by Crayola.
To thank them for their deep commitment to the students and their families, CSCs were treated to a glass blowing class where they learned the craft and took home individual pieces. Those who attended shared that they really appreciated the unique teambuilding idea.
Thank you, Crayola, for your continued support of United Way Community Schools and the communities they serve.
On September 29, over 50 people gathered at the the Rigo Peralta Art Studio for the opportunity to hear more about the expansion of African American philanthropy in the Lehigh Valley. The reception was hosted by community leaders Hasshan Batts of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, and Kevin Greene and Tyrone Russell of Faces International Marketing and Development.
Special thanks to Rigo Peralto Art Studio, Hasshan Batts and Katarah Jordan, Kevin and Skye Green and Tyrone and Ingrid Russell for hosting this special event.
On October 1, nearly 30 PPL team members and their families took part in their PPL Family Day of Caring where they organized, cleaned and helped stock up supplies at the Sixth Street Shelter in Allentown.
Thank you to PPL Corporation and all the families that came out and made an impact in the community.
Photo credit: Marco Calderon Photography/PPL Corporation
David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV), represents your United Way at the White House for the Communities in Action: Building a Better Pennsylvania event.
UWGLV serves a tri-county area about 60 miles north of Philadelphia that includes Allentown – Pennsylvania’s third-largest city – and Lehigh County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Over the past two years, UWGLV has worked with Lehigh County to distribute $8 million in funding to 140 nonprofits – impacting 50,000 people with food and housing services, education programs and resources for older adults.
“Lehigh County trusted us and knew we had the processes, the partnerships and the experience to deliver the funding quickly, rapidly and equitably,” said Lewis. The majority of funds supported organizations that were either led by or serve historically marginalized populations.
Communities in Action: Building a Better Pennsylvania is part of a new series that will feature local elected officials and community leaders working on behalf of their communities to create opportunities and improve people’s everyday lives.
David Lewis with Michael Tukeva of Pocono Mountains United Way and PJ O’Brien of United Way of Bucks County
SEE THE IMPACT
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUNDS
Partnership with Lehigh County:
This funding stabilized 140 agencies, allowing them to keep their doors open, providing rental assistance, access to food, supporting youth programs to combat COVID learning losses, bridging the digital divide and reducing social isolation for seniors.
Organizations like Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Center used this funding to ensure that they could keep their building clean and safe enough to offer in-person support services for LGBTQ community members.
Unidos provided 100 K-12 students with laptops, mobile hotspots, headphones and more to bridge the digital divide.
New Bethany Ministries used the funding to support food access in their food pantry and meal center.
Cohesion Network used the funds to support community block ambassadors and neighborhood engagement initiatives.
CHILD TAX CREDIT
Over 44% of households (122,000 families) in the Greater Lehigh Valley are living paycheck to paycheck and 1 in 10 are food insecure (1 in 6 are kids).
Part of a population that earns above the Federal Poverty Level but makes less than what’s needed to afford basic essentials. We call this ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. 37% of households with children are ALICE in the Greater Lehigh Valley
The child tax credit had an immediate and direct impact on ALICE families with children. Enabled them to cover childcare, food costs, ensure that they were in stable housing.
UWGLV was able to supplement this with programming like:
Full Cart (food pantry delivery program) – 350 individuals served
BankOn (partnership with the City of Allentown to create banking product for the unbanked)
2,587 families connected with food assistance and 495 families connected to housing assistance through United Way Community Schools
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Of the 2,700 calls to PA 211 (our state’s health and human services help line, powered by United Way) from our region in the past month, 63% of callers were seeking housing resources.
More than half of all renters and more than a quarter of all homeowners in the Lehigh Valley are burdened by their housing costs.
UWGLV supports the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board, whose members issued tens of millions of dollars of rental assistance to families. In one year, $13 million was distributed and over 4,000 evictions were prevented.
We are also engaged in efforts to provide eviction defense services as well as engage landlords to expand the amount of safe, affordable homes for low-income families.
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
The Inflation Reduction Act will protect Medicare recipients from catastrophic drug costs by phasing in a cap for out-of-pocket costs and establishing a $35 cap for a month’s supply of insulin.
57% of our senior population is living paycheck to paycheck.
There has been a 60% increase in food insecurity among older adults since the pandemic started.
Prescription drug costs were cited as one of the top concerns from older adults in our region.
Seniors on Medicare will be able to spend money that would have been spent on prescription drugs to boost savings, ensure that they are in stable housing and have access to fresh, healthy food.
