News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Recognizes Outgoing Board Members

June 30, 2022
Among the community leaders finishing their Board term is outgoing Chair, Joanne H. Raphael.

Allentown, PA – During her tenure as Chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Board of Directors, Joanne H. Raphael’s leadership and vision guided the organization during unprecedented times as our community recovered from the pandemic. Under her leadership, UWGLV united more donors and partners leading to a record-breaking campaign investment in organizational history and launched vital community services and programs such as Full Cart Virtual Food Pantry and T.R.E.E (Trauma-Informed, Restorative Practices, Emotional Intelligence and Equity) Workshop. Ms. Raphael, PPL Corporation retiree, served as United Way’s Board Chair since July 2020.

“Joanne demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a stronger community for every person in the Greater Lehigh Value during her time as Board Chair,” stated David Lewis, President, UWGLV. “Her passion pushes us to be even better stewards for this community and we couldn’t do this work with her help and support.”

Ms. Raphael will remain on the UWGLV Board and a member of the executive committee as the immediate past board chair.

Also ending their tenure on the board are Peter Ruggiero, Ashley Russo and Joseph Topper.

Peter Ruggiero has been a member of UWGLV’s board since 2009. Mr. Ruggiero is Chief Operating Officer for Crayola LLC, the global leading consumer products brand in the children’s creative expression category. Mr. Ruggiero began his career with Deloitte & Touche and Union Pacific Corporation. At Crayola, Mr. Ruggiero has been a key part of a senior leadership team that has transformed Crayola into an innovation company and diversified its business model through its expansion into international markets and by opening multiple Crayola Experience locations. In addition to his involvement with the United Way, he also serves the community as a Trustee of Lafayette College.

Ashley Russo has been a member of the board since 2014 and has been named UWGLV’s 2022-23 Campaign Co-Chair alongside her husband Joe, and Vince Sorgi and his wife Michelle. President and owner of ASR Media Productions, Ms. Russo is a four-time Emmy® award-winning executive producer and on-air host. Along with the UWGLV, Ms. Russo sits on the boards of Children’s Home of Easton, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Hospital Central Services, Inc.& Affiliates (HCSC). She is an active committee member, supporting the NCC Foundation, Wildlands Conservancy, Equili-brium, American Heart Association, and United Way Women United.

Joseph Topper has been member of UWGLV’s Board since 2019 Mr. Topper currently runs the Topper Family office and is Chairman of The Board of CrossAmerica Partners, a company taken public in October 2012 under the name of Lehigh Gas Partners. He is on the Board of Directors of CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. and Coastal States Bank. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Villanova University, Lehigh Valley PBS, and the Lehigh Valley PBS Foundation. Mr. Topper also served as a board member for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown.

UWGLV would also like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Carlos Hodges for his leadership during his tenure. Dr. Hodges was a member of the UWGLV board since 2014 and resigned in December 2021. He is an owner and surgeon at Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center and has been caring for pets in the Lehigh Valley area since 1996. Dr. Hodges co-hosts the Animal Doctor Show on Channel 69 WFMZ-TV Allentown, with Kathy Craine. He is also a frequent participant on MyFox Philly 29 and WCAU-TV Philadelphia. Dr. Hodges has hosted a Wednesday’s Foster Child segment sponsored by Freddie Mac from WCAU-TV Philadelphia. The segment won the PVMA’s Media Award in 2004.

News

700 Volunteers Cover the Valley in Community Service During United Way’s 29th Day of Caring, Presented by Crayola

June 23, 2022
Volunteers from 40+ companies and organizations participate in Greater Lehigh Valley’s largest, single-day volunteer effort.

Allentown, PA June 23, 2022 – More than 700 energetic volunteers united to complete community service projects at over 40 area nonprofits during the 29th United Way Day of Caring, presented by Crayola in partnership with Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

“Today is a great day to live, work and give in the Greater Lehigh Valley. You could feel the LIVE UNITED spirit in every corner the community. I’m grateful to and inspired by the hundreds of people who rolled up their sleeves and invested their talent and energy in serving our community during Day of Caring,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).

United Way kicks off its annual campaign with Day of Caring, which is the largest single-day volunteer effort in the community.

“This is just the beginning. Day of Caring gives volunteers and donors the opportunity to see their impact in action. By working together with United Way, we can achieve so much more, and we encourage everyone to get involved and help in any way they can,” said ASR Media Productions President Ashley Russo, who is co-chairing the United Way campaign with her husband Dr. Joseph Russo as well as PPL President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Sorgi and his wife Michelle.

In the Greater Lehigh Valley, 700 participants from over 40 companies and organizations contributed more than 3,500 hours of service, valued at over $98,000, to more than 50 nonprofits in Lehigh and Northampton and counties. Some Day of Caring projects included:

  • Painting and refreshing The Salvation Army Easton Corps with Crayola
  • Organizing and painting Community School spaces at Central Elementary School in Allentown with City Center Allentown
  • Renovations and cleaning at Sixth Street Shelter in Allentown with Dual Temp Company Inc.
  • Updating the homeless facility at Easton Area Neighborhood Center with Martin Guitar Company

“Today’s volunteers should know that together they made a huge impact on our nonprofits and made a real difference for a lot of people who rely on them,” said Karen Daly Smith, CEO, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

Day of Caring’s presenting sponsor is Crayola with additional support from Bronze Sponsors Amazon Fulfillment, Capital Blue Cross and Just Born Quality Confections; Pearl Sponsors AAA East Central, and in-kind contributors ASR Media Productions, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Uline, Wegmans and Working Dog Press.

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About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
United Way fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley and envisions communities where every person belongs and every person thrives. We strive to achieve this goal by assessing community needs, raising funds, investing in solutions and mobilizing our community to action. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.

About the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley
The mission of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is to be the premier resource to connect, empower, and transform an inclusive and engaged diverse culture within the Greater Lehigh Valley by partnering with people, businesses, and non-profits through volunteer coordination, leadership development, and recognition.

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News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Announces 2022 Campaign Chairs

June 17, 2022
2022 Campaign Chairs (l to r), Joe and Ashley Russo, Michelle and Vince Sorgi

After a record-breaking 2021 campaign, the organization names two families to help raise funds to support community stability, education and healthy aging.

Allentown, PA – Vince Sorgi, president and CEO of PPL Corporation, and Ashley Russo, president and owner of ASR Media Productions, have been named United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) 2022 Campaign Chairs. The two business leaders will oversee the campaign alongside their spouses, Michelle Sorgi and Joe Russo, M.D.

Mr. Sorgi and Ms. Russo have a long tenure in UWGLV service. Both have held the role of Tocqueville Cabinet Chair and in 2018, led the donor group together. Ms. Russo has also been an active board member since 2014. A dedicated partner of UWGLV, PPL has offered a dollar-for-dollar employee campaign match since 2017. In 2021, the organization’s annual campaign surpassed $5 million.

ASR Media Productions boasts 100% employee campaign participation since 2019 and their team actively volunteers with UWGLV and other nonprofit organizations throughout the year.

“Vince and Ashley have always sought ways to make a difference in our community,” said David Lewis, UWGLV president. “Along with Michelle and Joe, we look forward to this dynamic group connecting with our donors and helping to ensure United Way can continue to make a significant regional impact.”

With more than 25 years of experience in the utility industry, Mr. Sorgi oversees PPL’s high-performing, award-winning regulated utilities in the United States. Penn State University’s Alumni Association named Sorgi an Alumni Fellow — the organization’s highest award — for his outstanding leadership and performance. He also received the Da Vinci Visionary Leadership Award and the 2018 Spirit of Verrocchio Mentorship Award. Mr. and Mrs. Sorgi were honored with the Philanthropists of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern PA in 2020. Sorgi serves on the board of directors for the St. Luke’s Health Network, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and Edison Electric Institute. He is a member of EPRI’s Executive Committee and is chair of EPRI’s Low-Carbon Resources Initiative Board Working Group and also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Da Vinci Science Center.

Sorgi stated, “Michelle and I are honored to co-chair this year’s campaign with the Russos following the record-breaking effort led by Laurie Hackett and Air Products in 2021. Despite the almost $20 million that was raised last year, we know that only about half the need in our community is being met, and so our goal this year is to once again raise more money than ever before to help provide the needed resources to strengthen our communities.”

A twenty-five-year media veteran, Ms. Russo is a four-time Emmy® award-winning executive producer and on-air host. The recipient of several leadership awards, she was most recently honored with the LifePath and PICPA Community Service Person of the Year award, recognized for Girl Scouts of Eastern PA’s Take the Lead, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Community Builder, and received the Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year from Women United. Along with the UWGLV, Ms. Russo sits on the boards of Children’s Home of Easton, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Hospital Central Services, Inc.& Affiliates (HCSC). She is an active committee member, supporting the NCC Foundation, Wildlands Conservancy, Equili-brium, American Heart Association, and Women United.

“This is the first year that our United Way has four co-chairs,” stated Russo. ”Vince, Michelle, Joe, and I are dedicated to the success of this year’s campaign and will work together to help ensure a community where every person belongs and every person thrives. We are honored to serve alongside an organization making a remarkable impact on education, healthy aging, and community stability.”

United Way’s 2022 annual campaign runs through March 31, 2023.

Photo credit: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley/Marco Calderon Photography

News

“We challenge more people who look like us to step up and participate with partners like United Way”

June 15, 2022

When asked “Why United Way,” new Tocqueville members Tyrone Russell, CEO of Faces International, and his wife Ingrid, bilingual program assessor for PA Keys, said they give because of the people who work within the halls of our United Way. People like Marci Lesko, Jill Pereira, and Erin Connelly have confidence in the Russells and others to lead their communities the way they say their communities should be led.

“We don’t give based on the belief that the organization does the work,” reflects Tyrone. “We give because the people in the organization believe and have confidence in leaders like Dr. Hasshan Batts, Kevin Greene, and me. They say, ‘it’s your world, it’s your community, tell us what should be done, and we will follow your lead.’ So anywhere they go, Ingrid and I will go and continue to serve the community.” 

Tyrone also wants everyone to know that every dollar matters when giving to your United Way and you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to give back to your community. “United Way is open for people like us to come in and have a part in the process of funding. We challenge more people who look like us to step up to the table and start to participate with partners like United Way who have been committed to our community for so long in different ways.”

The Russells reside on the East Side of Allentown with their 2 children, Nyomi (10) and Celeste (7).

News

UWGLV Staff Promotions in Impact and Data Announced

June 13, 2022

Abhilasha (Ashi) Singh has been hired as a full-time employee as the Director, Impact Data. Previously Ashi served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Impact department for more than three years. In her new role, Ashi is responsible for all data required to measure and evaluate community impact including collective impact efforts, UWGLV initiatives and programs and the work of partner agencies. Ashi holds a BA in Psychology from University of North Carolina and is currently pursuing a master’s program at Bryn Mawr with a focus on macro-level social work.

Monica Georges has accepted a part-time Dementia Outreach Coordinator Position funded via a grant from the Fleming Foundation. Monica has been a part of the UWGLV team since 2019 as a PCCD Project Coordinator, a grant-funded position which ends in June of 2022. Her support and efforts have been instrumental in the implementation of the Handle with Care and Trauma Informed Care Programs, which are part of UWGLV’s Resilient Lehigh Valley work. In her new role, Monica will support efforts in creating an Age-Friendly and Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley.

Autumn Spencer has been promoted from Manager, Digital Giving Portals to Director, Data Systems. In her new role, Autumn will assist in the development and integration of the organizational data systems to ensure accurate data flow and consistency across systems. Autumn joined UWGLV on the finance team in 2017 and was promoted to the Strategic Technology team in 2019.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Receives Grant from Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

June 07, 2022

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley received a $5,000 general operating grant from Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF). The Community Foundation distributed over $185,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving youth and families. Several Lehigh Valley nonprofits specializing in mental health needs in young people and youth leadership development received flexible funding.

This grant distribution is a part of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s community investments outreach, which focuses on supporting Lehigh Valley youth and families. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will use the grant to support youth and family initiatives in the organization.

News

UWGLV Staff Promotions in Finance Announced

June 06, 2022

Mo’Naje Walker has been promoted from Administrative Assistant to Accounting Manager. In this role, Mo’Naje will be responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable and reporting for both United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountain United Way. Mo’Naje has been with UWGLV since August of 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus in Finance and a master’s degree in Accounting.

Kaitlin Jackson returns to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as Manager, Grant Administration. Previously Kaitlin served as a Summer Meals Associate and AmeriCorps VISTA, Attendance& Rural Education for UWGLV. In her new role, Kaitlin will ensure accurate documentation and reporting of grant expenditures and compliance with grant requirements to efficiently manage UWGLV’s non-campaign grants. Kaitlin gained experience in grant management working for St. Luke’s. She holds a master’s in Public Health from East Stroudsburg University.

Kim Kitashima has been promoted to supervisor of the donor relations and gift processing team in Finance. Kim’s title remains Director, Finance and Donor Relations. She will direct the finance team in all matters of gift processing, honoring donor intent and agency financial relations. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kutztown University.

News

Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Names Lehigh Valley Reads as Finalist for Pacesetter Communities

June 03, 2022

Bethlehem, PA. – The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced Lehigh Valley Reads as one of 22 nationally recognized communities as Pacesetter finalists for exemplifying extraordinary vision and best practices for their 2021–22 efforts. All communities chosen as finalists, including Lehigh Valley Reads, were deemed as making significant observable progress in the seven “Must Do Priorities” for Early School Success: 

  • Stop playing catch-up
  • End chronic absence
  • Reverse the summer slide
  • Address health-related challenges
  • Equip parents to succeed
  • Advance grade-level reading and math
  • Slow learning loss and accelerate equitable learning recovery

“Lehigh Valley Reads is honored to be recognized again nationally for the work we are doing that directly impacts children and families. With the amount of good work going on across the nation, we are humbled that The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has seen our progress and hope to continue to build our infrastructure and sustainability to continue to make change,” said Angela Zanelli, Campaign Director for Lehigh Valley Reads.

CGLR is a collaborative effort by funders, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and active citizenship. CGLR focuses on promoting early school success as an important building block of more hopeful futures for children in economically challenged families and communities.

“These Pacesetter finalists really stand out for the ways they bring to life the seven ‘must do’ priorities we’ve identified as important for early school success. Congratulations to them for this achievement and we know our entire network will learn from their example,” says Ralph Smith, managing director of CGLR.

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About Lehigh Valley Public Media™
Lehigh Valley Public Media is home to PBS39, WLVR News, and various community initiatives. We are the regional leader in the publicly funded, non-profit media space and serve a vibrant and growing economic region through a dedication to local, unbiased journalism, primary and secondary education, workforce development and health and wellness. PBS39 broadcasts four additional channels of content: PBS39 Extra, WORLD, Create TV and France 24. Lehigh Valley Public Media is licensed in Allentown to the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. For more information, visit PBS39.org.

About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Since its launch in 2012, the GLR Communities Network has grown to include more than 350 communities, representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two Canadian provinces — sponsored by 5,200+ local organizations, institutions and agencies and supported by 500+ state and local funders, including 200+ United Ways. To learn more, visit gradelevelreading.net and follow the movement on Twitter @readingby3rd.

News

Marvine Elementary School Dedicates New Marvine Family & Community Center

May 25, 2022

Marvine Elementary School, a Community School in Bethlehem, officially dedicated the Marvine Family and Community Center on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. The new Community Center allows families to have access to food, clothing, parenting resources and community school services all in one place. The Marvine Family and Community Center will allow Marvine Elementary School to continue providing outstanding support to the larger Marvine and Northeast Bethlehem community.

Five years ago, Marvine’s Community School Coordinator Cesar Cordova began his role at the school, engaging families, building trust and listening to their needs. Marvine Principal Eric Fontanez and Cesar worked side-by-side to listen to families, connect with community partners and develop this integrated community resource center. The Community Center will also feature Pre-K Counts and Parents as Teachers, two additional programs helping parents and students.

Many community partners helped make the Marvine Family and Community Center happen, including Just Born Quality Confections, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Second Harvest Food Bank. With the support of these partners, this dream became a reality.

MARVINE FAMILY & COMMUNITY CENTER

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Freedom Schools Summer Learning Program Receives $575,000 in Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Wild

May 25, 2022

The James Lawson Freedom School, established and led by Resurrected Community Development Corporation (RCDC) serves underrepresented communities in the Lehigh Valley. Freedom Schools empower school-aged children and young adults to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves and in their families, communities, country and world with hope, education and action.

Thanks to Congresswoman Susan Wild, $575,000 in Community Project Funding was awarded to RCDC Freedom School for team training, program fees and support technology to enhance the program. This funding ensures a continuous, high-quality summer learning program will be available to our children. Two new programs will launch at Muhlenberg College and Shiloh Baptist Church and its Easton location at Christ Lutheran Church have expanded.

To elevate and grow the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program to reach more students throughout the Lehigh Valley, Resurrected Community Development Corporation created the Lehigh Valley Freedom School Partnership. The Partnership looks forward to their second summer program launching on June 20th.