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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The weather was perfect, the venue welcoming, and the company? Spirited!
Tocqueville members came out in force on May 5th at an intimate gathering at Anne and Brad Baum’s home to usher in the 2022 campaign season. Tocqueville Chair, Frank Lawler, welcomed the members and guests to the first in-person Tocqueville event since last fall. He took the opportunity to thank previous Campaign Chair, Laurie Gostley-Hackett, for her record-breaking 2021 results and welcomed incoming chairs, Vince and Michelle Sorgi and Ashley and Joe Russo. Seasoned Tocqueville donors, Ed Harakel and Virginia Oskin, along with new members Tyrone and Ingrid Russell, spoke about their personal reasons for giving back through United Way.
Please enjoy photos from this event at The Barn at Fox Hollow Farm hosted by Anne and Brad Baum along with Campaign Chairs Ashley and Joe Russo and Vince and Michelle Sorgi.
Tom and Marion Edwards presented with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the Brown-Daub Family of Dealerships
$10,000 donation will support United Way’s United for Ukraine Global Fund and World Central Kitchen
Easton, PA – On March 18, United Way supporters Tom and Marion Edwards, of Center Valley, were presented with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the Brown-Daub Family of Dealerships. The Edwards are the grand incentive prize winners of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) 2021-22 Campaign.
“We’re really excited to support United Way and the community. If it weren’t for the dedication and participation of our employees who have increased their giving through the COVID-19 pandemic, we wouldn’t be able to offer these incentive prizes,” said Laura Lueders, Corporate Charity Officer, Brown-Daub.
Long-standing supporters of United Way and the community, the Edwards will donate the prize to United Way’s United for Ukraine Global Fund and World Central Kitchen to support Ukraine relief. “There’s a lot of need here in the local community, but due to current world events, we determined we’re going to donate to Ukrainian relief. That is the greatest human need right now,” stated Tom Edwards, when asked why they decided to donate their prize.
Brown-Daub has been a United Way Cornerstone Society member for over a decade and supports many United Way events throughout the year. United Way Cornerstone Society consists of 20 generous and deeply committed partners that help our community with annual contributions of $100,000 or more. For the past 8 years, Brown-Daub has provided a significant incentive prize of $10,000 cash or a new vehicle for donors who contributed to the campaign at a certain level, which encouraged individuals to give more.
As an Air Products retiree, Edwards’ donation will be matched by the Air Products Foundation, which matches all contributions of its employees and retirees to maximize the impact.
“Dedicated partners like Air Products and Brown-Daub are the cornerstones of our community and we’re extremely thankful for the huge impact their organizations, employees and retirees have made throughout the community for decades,” stated Paul Hurd, Chief Development Officer, UWGLV.
“We’re proud and impressed by the Edwards’ generosity and Air Products’ match to such a great cause,” Lueders added.
Individuals who became an Everyday Hero by contributing at least $365 to UWGLV’s 2021-2022 campaign became eligible to win one of three incentive prizes.
Grand Prize: $10,000 provided by the Brown-Daub Family of Dealerships, presented to Tom and Marion Edwards
First Prize: $2,500 in Wegmans gift cards, presented to Jason Mengel of Buckeye Partners;
Second Prize: A Martin Guitar valued at $2,229 courtesy of C.F. Martin & Co., presented to Graham Christensen of Lutron Electronics.
“Thank you to Brown-Daub, Wegmans and Martin Guitar for encouraging the spirit of giving and for their continued support of UWGLV,” added Hurd.
Jason Mengel with Bob Malecky, President of Buckeye Partners, and Robin Billger, Employee Campaign Champion at Buckeye, presented with Wegmans incentive prize
Graham Christensen of Lutron Electronics presented with Martin Guitar incentive prize
About Brown-Daub Brown-Daub has grown from a single Chrysler Plymouth franchise purchased in 1936 by William J Daub and Thomas M. Brown into the Lehigh Valley’s largest auto group. Currently led by the third generation owner, Thomas A. Daub, Brown-Daub is celebrating 86 years of servicing and supporting the community with its 9 new car franchises, commercial truck center, and auto body repair shop. For more information, please visit www.browndaub.com.
About World Central Kitchen Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. WCK has served more than 60 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world. WCK’s Resilience Programs strengthen food and nutrition security by training chefs and school cooks; advancing clean cooking practices; and awarding grants to farms, fisheries, and small food businesses while also providing educational and networking opportunities. Learn more at wck.org.
More than 20,000 donors unite to advance education, healthy aging and community stability during campaign chaired by Air Products and Laurie Gostley Hackett.
Allentown, PA – More than 20,000 donors and partners united to raise a record-breaking $19,741,940 during United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) annual fundraising campaign. Contributions will provide critical services in the areas of education, healthy aging and community stability.
“Many in our community are still struggling with the devastating effects of the pandemic. More than ever, our families, our kids and our older adults need help to meet some very basic needs like healthy food, a safe and warm place to live and economic security. We came together like the true community that we are,” said Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy, who chaired the annual campaign on behalf of Air Products.
With an increasing number of area residents experiencing food insecurity, Air Products and United Way partnered to create the Air Products Fresh Food Promise. In honor of every new donor to United Way, Air Products Foundation made an additional contribution to provide fresh, healthy food for local families. As a result, over 9,000 more donors joined the cause.
“Because of caring supporters, up to 45,000 people will have access to healthy and nutritious food; more than 20,000 people will receive emergency services such as housing and disaster relief; almost 30,000 students will have better opportunities to succeed 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 become part of the solution, and we’d especially like to thank Laurie Gostley Hackett and Air Products for their leading this community campaign,” said Lewis.
In all, more than 20,000 individual donors and 400 partners contributed to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2021 to March 2022. Air Products’ and PPL Corporation’s employees, retirees and corporate foundations each contributed more than $5,000,000; City Center Allentown and Crayola each donated more than $1,000,000. This represents the largest annual campaign in the UWGLV’s 100+ year history and 12 consecutive years of growth.
“United Way represents the ideal way to leverage your giving to the maximum extent and thus help the most people possible. By building sustainable programs and solutions that lift our communities, United Way delivers real results on meaningful bold goals and is truly making a difference thanks to donors and partners who invest in the work,” said UWGLV Board Chair Joanne Raphael, retired Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of PPL Corp.
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:
Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award – Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Campaign Chair’s Award – Just Born Quality Confections Community Builder Award – G. Dean Young, Boys & Girls Club of Easton Lifetime Achievement Award – David Noel, Dual Temp Company Inc. PPL LIVE UNITED Award – Crayola
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include: Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc. Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, Just Born Quality Confections Pearl sponsor – BSI Corporate Benefits In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, RichMar Florist, Working Dog Press
The Company’s 2021-22 Contribution is the Largest Single-Year Campaign Contribution by any Company in the History of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Air Products’ (NYSE:APD) employees, retirees and the Air Products Foundation raised and contributed more than $5.3 million for the 2021-2022 United Way Campaign to support those in need throughout the Lehigh Valley and across the country.
The total contribution of $5,314,809 is the largest single-year campaign contribution by any company in the history of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“The collaboration with Air Products on this campaign has been amazing. Because of the contributions of Air Products and its employees, more than 17,000 people will receive emergency services, such as housing and disaster relief, 25,000 students will have better opportunities to succeed in school and more than 38,000 people will have access to healthy and nutritious food,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“The challenges of the past year brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic greatly increased the need among families struggling across the country. I am so proud of the responsiveness and generosity of our Air Products family to so strongly support those in need,” said Victoria Brifo, Air Products’ Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, who was also a co-chair of this year’s Air Products United Way Campaign. “The strong results of this campaign will have a positive impact on many families and children in our communities.”
Photo Courtesy of Air Products: Victoria Brifo, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, and co-chair of this year’s Air Products United Way Campaign; Chris Bongo, Process Engineer and co-chair of the Air Products United Way Campaign; Laurie Gostley Hackett, Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy, and chair of the overall campaign for the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley; and Simon Moore, Vice President, Investor Relations, Corporate Relations and Sustainability, and President of the Air Products Foundation.
Contributions to the United Way support students, families and older adults who are in need of safe housing, education support and economic stability. Employee and retiree contributions, as well as the matching support from the Air Products Foundation, will be utilized to support programs in the communities across the U.S. where Air Products’ employees and retirees live and work.
“Air Products is committed to our host communities, and we are honored to step up and serve,” said Chris Bongo, an Air Products Process Engineer and co-chair of the Air Products United Way Campaign. “This year’s campaign showed nearly a 30 percent increase over last year’s and is a testament to the spirit and compassion of our employees and retirees.”
Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products’ Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy, served as chair of the overall campaign for the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. As part of the campaign, Air Products also worked with the United Way to launch the Air Products Fresh Food Promise. As part of that initiative, for every new donor to the United Way’s 2021-22 annual campaign, the Air Products Foundation made an additional contribution to support the United Way’s food access work to provide fresh, healthy food for local families.
“Food scarcity is a real issue for many families with one out of 10 people in the United States facing food insecurity,” said Gostley Hackett. “Our Air Products’ Fresh Food Promise initiative generated 9,000 new donors throughout the community, which translates to thousands of healthy meals for people who might otherwise not have access.”
Today’s overall contribution announcement includes the Air Products Foundation’s matching gift program as well as the recently announced plan to contribute an additional $500,000 to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley in recognition of campaign chair Gostley Hackett. The additional funds, which will be distributed over three years, will be used to expand education and food access programs in partnership with the Bethlehem Area School District, Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.
The Air Products Foundation is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to build meaningful relationships with charitable organizations that share the values inherent in the Air Products’ higher purpose and enhance the Company’s positive relations with employees, communities, customers and shareholders.
About Air Products Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the Company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the global leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment. The Company develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world’s largest industrial gas projects, including: gasification projects that sustainably convert abundant natural resources into syngas for the production of high-value power, fuels and chemicals; carbon capture projects; and world-scale low- and zero-carbon hydrogen projects supporting global transportation and the energy transition.
The Company had fiscal 2021 sales of $10.3 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $55 billion. More than 20,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
