News

United Way Honors Crayola with PPL LIVE UNITED Award for Improving the Lives of Those in Need

March 31, 2022
Award will be presented at United Way Celebration of Caring event which recognizes donors, volunteers and community partners. 

Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) will honor Crayola with the PPL LIVE UNITED Award for improving lives and quality of life across the region. The award will be presented at United Way Celebration of Caring on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 to recognize the transformative impact donors, volunteers and partners made throughout the year.

“The Greater Lehigh Valley came together to build a stronger community. Celebration of Caring recognizes the collective impact of United Way donors, volunteers and partners,” said United Way Campaign Chair Laurie Hackett, Air Products Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy.

The event, which is also presented by Crayola, celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way.

Crayola 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 quality of life for those in need. Under President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Wuerthele’s leadership, Crayola contributed more than $1 million during its recent United Way campaign, representing the largest corporate gift and most employee donations in the company’s long history of giving. Crayola had a 19% increase in the number of employee donors and utilized creative, innovative ways to motivate giving.

“The PPL LIVE UNITED Award is our organization’s highest honor, and Crayola continues to show up as one of our most dedicated partners. They exemplify what it means to ‘LIVE UNITED’ in their commitment to giving back and making a true impact in our community,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.

The following awardees will also be honored during Celebration of Caring:

David Noel – Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime of philanthropic leadership and inspiring service to the Lehigh Valley community. The Lifetime Achievement Award is not given out annually, but rather when someone has truly impacted the community in such a deep and powerful way.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center – Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award
Accepted by Bill McGlinn, Interim Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
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, readiness to serve as an example to others, and strategic impact on the Lehigh Valley community.

Just Born Quality Confections – Campaign Chair’s Award
Accepted by Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist, Just Born Quality Confections
Presented to a company that has demonstrated leadership and innovation in conducting its United Way campaign and an ability to increase awareness throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Dean Young – Community Builder Award
Accepted by Dean Young, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Easton
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.

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
In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, RichMar Florist, Working Dog Press

Community members are invited to join United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Campaign Chair Laurie Gostley Hackett of Air Products as we recognize the collaborative efforts of the community. Registration is $60 and required. Click here or email [email protected] to register, or call 610-758-8010 with questions.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Partners Work to Address Child Care Staff Shortages Through Participation in Child Care Hiring Days for PA Event

March 30, 2022

Allentown, PA, March 29, 2022 – Connecting individuals to employment has proven difficult throughout recent months, and the child care industry is no exception. A recent survey reports that nearly 100 classrooms are closed in the Greater Lehigh Valley and over 92% of programs have a staffing shortage.

“With a staffing crisis greatly affecting our child care sector, access to high quality early learning and child care opportunities are decreasing for families. We are taking action to connect job seekers to open opportunities available,” stated Akshara Vivekananthan, Director of School Readiness, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).

Across the state of Pennsylvania, child care providers have faced serious challenges in staffing their facilities, which prevents them from providing the quality care they strive to maintain. In response to these shortages, hundreds of child care programs from across Pennsylvania are coordinating Child Care Hiring Days for PA from March 29 through March 31, 2022.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has partnered with PennAEYC, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Greater Valley YMCA and the Children’s Center to ensure that Lehigh Valley child care organizations have a presence and to raise local awareness of the statewide staffing shortages.

“When child care programs can’t open classrooms or open at all due to staffing issues, it makes it challenging for parents to work and ultimately impacts business productivity and the overall economy,” said Jen DeBell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), a statewide, non-profit membership organization that advocates for high-quality early care and education opportunities for children and families and appropriate compensation and support for the professionals that provide these programs.

Over these three days, participating programs will host walk-in hiring events, featuring on-the-spot interviews at their locations. Many locations will be offering competitive salary and benefits, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, continuing education and on-the-job training.

“In a moment of truth, we know this hiring event is a temporary solution. We are counting on our legislators to save child care as we need continued investments so all children have equitable access to a healthy start,” Vivekananthan added.

This state wide hiring event aims to simplify the job search and hiring process for job seekers, help participating programs reach potential applicants and promote the rewards of working in early childhood education. Interested programs can learn how to participate with the Child Care Hiring Days for PA by visiting ECEhire.com or emailing Akshara Vivekananthan at [email protected].

Job seekers interested in making a difference in the lives of youth and families can view the entire list of careers and locations performing interviews during the Child Care Hiring Event on ECEhire.com.

News

The Air Products Foundation Contributes $500,000 to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

March 28, 2022

The Air Products Foundation’s support will expand education and food access programs in partnership with Bethlehem Area School District, Greater Easton Development Partnership and Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley and is given in recognition of campaign chair Laurie Gostley Hackett.

From left to right: Victoria Montero, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley; Jared Mast, Greater Easton Development Partnership; Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products; Simon Moore, Air Products; David Lewis, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley; Dr. Joseph Roy, Bethlehem Area School District

Easton, PA, March 28, 2022 – The Air Products Foundation has announced a gift of $500,000 to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to expand education and food access programs with trusted community partners.

“The data is clear that access to healthy food and quality mental health and educational services, remain significant challenges for many of our community’s children and families. Air Products is proud to be a part of the solution to these challenges with our continued partnership with United Way,” said Simon Moore, Air Products’ Vice President of Investor Relations, Government Relations and Sustainability, and President of the Air Products Foundation.

According to Feeding America, unfortunately, one in 10 Lehigh Valley residents face food insecurity, including one in six children. Local food pantries supported by United Way served approximately 45,000 people last year, an 88 percent increase since the pandemic started. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the lives and education of Lehigh Valley students, resulting in what the U.S. Surgeon General has described as a national “youth mental health crisis.”

“Our community has great needs, and our community partners have adapted and innovated to meet those growing and changing needs. This support will help to launch three new community initiatives that will ultimately make our students and families healthier, safer and more successful,” said Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products’ Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy, who chaired the annual United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley campaign.

“The full and lasting impacts of the pandemic on our local children and families are just becoming known. Air Products and United Way have a strong partnership in evaluating community needs and providing the resources to meet them. With this donation, Air Products will create a far-reaching impact at a time when it is so needed,” added David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

The $500,000 contribution, which will be distributed over three years, was announced in Easton and will support the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership’s (GEDP) West Ward Market. In year one, the funding will support the creation of the outdoor market located near 12th and Northampton streets as well as provide additional support for students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Bethlehem Area School District and expand food access in partnership with Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.

The West Ward Market, run by the West Ward Community Initiative and Easton Market District, which are both programs of GEDP, will launch this summer and increase neighborhood access to fresh food and community programming. Partners will include Paxinosa Elementary School, Easton Area School District, Lafayette College, YMCA of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Community Bike Works, Kellyn Foundation, Crayola as Paxinosa Elementary School’s United Way Community School partner, and the City of Easton.

“We are grateful for this support from Air Products, which will allow us to bring an outdoor, neighborhood market to the people of the West Ward and surrounding neighborhoods. Our market will support local businesses and farmers, and connect to a broader effort to support food entrepreneurship in Easton,” said Jared Mast, Executive Director, Greater Easton Development Partnership.

The Air Products Foundation’s support will also meet critical needs of students in the Bethlehem Area School District. Air Products is the Community School partner at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Moravian University. Community Schools improve student outcomes by transforming high-poverty public schools into resource hubs that offer a range of support and opportunities to children, families and the surrounding neighborhood.

“Young people who receive appropriate mental health support and opportunities to participate in after-school programming have improved academic achievement, are more likely to graduate and are more likely to attend and successfully complete college. This support from Air Products will allow us to expand services for students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary with a behavioral health specialist and an after-school activities coordinator,” said Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District.

Funding will also support a new transportation vehicle for the food pantry program at Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley. During the pandemic, the food pantry program distributed 62,000 pounds of food to clients and delivered almost 20,000 pounds of foods to the homes of 52 seniors isolating and following safer-at-home orders. 

“Our food pantry program provides clients with emergency food resources once per month. To ensure the food is both nutritious and fresh, food pantry staff picks up a weekly donation from a local grocer. A reliable vehicle is essential for this since we provide close to 2,000 pounds of food every week to our clients. A reliable vehicle enables us to provide continuous, uninterrupted services of our most vital programs and reach our neighbors in need,” remarked Victoria Montero, Executive Director, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.

Through United Way’s annual campaign, Air Products and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley have partnered to expand access to healthy, nutritious food with the Air Products Fresh Food Promise. For every new donor to United Way during the 2021-22 annual campaign, the Air Products Foundation will make a contribution in support of United Way’s food access work to provide fresh, healthy food for local families.

There is still time to make a contribution to The Fresh Food Promise as it remains available for all new donations received by March 31, 2022.

News

New Report Shows Many Lehigh Valley Seniors Struggle with Barriers to Healthy Aging

March 21, 2022

Allentown, PA – A new survey of Lehigh Valley seniors finds that one in three older adults feel that they lack companionship and one in four often feel isolated since the start of the pandemic. The report by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) reveals that low-income respondents who live alone and are unemployed or retired report greater feelings of loneliness when compared to those who have a higher socioeconomic status.

“Our research shows that older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they are connected to each other, feel respected and have access to resources they need,” said Carmen Bell, Director of Healthy Aging, UWGLV.

“As we build an Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, our seniors need increased connections to basic needs and community hubs that are in accessible areas,” Bell added.

The Lehigh Valley Seniors: Healthy Aging 2021 Update was prepared for UWGLV by the Lehigh Valley Research Consortium and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. The telephone-based survey questioned more than 1,000 seniors age 65 and older living in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

“We surveyed over 1,000 seniors living in the Lehigh Valley to learn more about the relational nature of aging in place. Although the vast majority of seniors report very positive experiences aging in our community, many continue to struggle with barriers to healthy aging, including income, loneliness and experiences with ageism,” reported Lanethea Mathews-Schultz, Ph.D., Muhlenberg College Professor and Chair of Political Science.

According to the report, approximately 116,500 people ages 65 and older reside in Lehigh and Northampton counties, a 22% increase since 2010.The Urban Institute estimates that the number of U.S. adults ages 65 and older will more than double in the next 40 years, reaching approximately 80 million by 2040.

The vast majority of seniors in the Lehigh Valley convey positive feelings toward their communities; however, 23% of older adults have reported decreased companionship since before the pandemic and 18% report increased isolation. “Our goal is to increase awareness of social isolation and coordinate efforts to address social isolation to promote a better quality of life for those individuals,” stated Bell.

Visit www.agefriendlylv.org to view the Lehigh Valley Seniors: Healthy Aging 2021 Update.

News

Read Across America Day Celebrated at Cheston Elementary

March 16, 2022

On Wednesday, March 9, Cheston Elementary School, a United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Community School in Easton, hosted a Read Across America Day for 1st and 2nd grade students. Leaders and executives from Cheston’s lead Community School partner, Victaulic, were guest readers during the event.

Rick Bucher, Victaulic President & CEO, and his wife Amy Bucher, read The Cat in the Hat to a class of 2nd grade students. The students enjoyed hearing one of their favorite stories, followed by an activity where they cut out and colored a Cat in the Hat themed bookmark.

“As a Community School Coordinator, I felt so inspired after the event. It was so uplifting to see how the employees came in and enjoyed their time in the classrooms,” said Stacee Banko, Community School Coordinator at Cheston Elementary School. “It left me inspired for all the wonderful things we can do together for the children.”

Joe Savage, Victaulic EVP & CFO, and his wife Suzanne Savage, read the book to a 1st grade class. Students attentively listened and asked questions about the story, and after, created Cat in the Hat finger puppets.

Several other Victaulic leaders attended the event, read to students and even dressed as characters from the book.

This event, in honor of the National Education Association’s Read Across America effort, highlights Victaulic’s dedication to its partnership with the Communities in Schools program. Victaulic has partnered with the organization since 2015 and continues to work toward bettering the communities where they live and work.

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT CHESTON ELEMENTARY

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United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley VISTAs Volunteer at New Bethany for MLK Day of Service

March 14, 2022

On Thursday, February 24, UWGLV VISTAs volunteered at New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem for MLK Day of Service. VISTAs assisted Laura Stoudt, Northside Service Coordinator at New Bethany, in deep cleaning the common areas and organizing the kitchen.

“It was truly inspirational to see how much of an impact it has to create a healthier eating environment for the community New Bethany services,” said Haley Rogers, LV Community Schools Network VISTA.

New Bethany Ministries is a nonprofit organization providing hope and support to people who experience poverty, hunger and homelessness in the Lehigh Valley. New Bethany addresses immediate needs while also encouraging long-term change that will lift individuals out of poverty.

Americorps encourages every VISTA to participate in this day of direct service, benefiting the communities where they serve.

Americorps VISTA is a national service program that builds permanent infrastructure in non-profit organizations in order to help them more effectively bring individuals and communities out of poverty. To learn more about UWGLV Americorps VISTAs, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/take-action/volunteer.

VISTAS VOLUNTEERING AT NEW BETHANY MINISTRIES

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News

​UWGLV Staff Promotions Announced

March 14, 2022

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is excited to announce 2 recent promotions:

Heather Turoczi has been promoted from Director, Product Development & Grants to Sr. Director, Data and Evaluation. In this role, Heather will lead the org-wide data strategies, encompassing donor data, impact data and data related to all aspects of our work and operations: communications engagement, human capital, finances and technology resources. Heather has been securing grant revenue for UWGLV for more than 6 years and has led, operationalized and developed systems to support product development.

Fonta Reilly was promoted from Finance Grants Administrator to Director, Grant Development. Fonta is a Certified Grant Professional (GPC) with more than 20 years’ experience researching, writing and developing successful grant programs. She has expertise in grant lifecycle management including application and budget development, financial oversight, monitoring performance measures, renewal and sustainability funding, and grant close-out.

News

United For Ukraine Fund Established to Support Ukraine’s Displaced Civilians

March 11, 2022

The scale of civilian casualties in Ukraine is alarming and heartbreaking. It’s in moments like these that the mission of United Way is most urgently needed.

United Way has established the United for Ukraine Fund to support the vital work on the ground to help more than a million people who have fled the violence, looking for safety and desperate for hope.

Through our trusted partnerships on the ground in Romania, Hungary, and Poland, we are addressing the immediate needs for those escaping the violence and looking for safety and hope. United Way Romania, United Way Hungary and Fundacja Dobrych Inicjatyw (Good Initiatives Foundation) in Poland stand ready to aid those who have been displaced by this crisis.

The immediate support will cover: 

  • Transportation 
  • Shelter
  • Food and medicines 
  • Critical childcare supplies, including infant formula and diapers 
  • Hygiene kits, and more 

By donating to United Way, you’re supporting vetted, nonpartisan organizations on the ground and providing vital help to those who need it most. This situation is fluid and there is no doubt the needs will be great and will continue for some time.

As the crisis evolves, United Way may identify additional partners on the ground to support the needs of Ukraine’s displaced.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley CarbonCorps Member to Receive the AmeriCorps Member of the Year Award

March 10, 2022

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) CarbonCorps is pleased to announce that Devoratt Martinez, serving with CarbonCorps at Weatherly Area School District, has been chosen to receive this year’s AmeriCorps Member of the Year Award.

As part of the celebration of AmeriCorps Week 2022 starting March 13, all agencies participating in PennServe State and National programming were asked to nominate members for the award. A presidential appointee from the AmeriCorps Agency will announce Devoratt’s award during the 1-2:30 p.m. plenary on March 14.

During AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of the more than 1.2 million Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and millions more who have served in AmeriCorps Seniors and their community partners, and to encourage more Americans to follow their footsteps in service. There will be an opening day full of virtual activities for all PennServe programs and mentees along with professional development sessions throughout the week.

CarbonCorps, a school-based mentoring program led by UWGLV AmeriCorps Program, aims to connect students and their families to important resources in the Carbon County Community. 

PennSERVE encourages, develops, and facilitates volunteerism and service to enhance the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. In 2021, PennSERVE administered 27 AmeriCorps programs and planning grants that address community needs across the commonwealth. From K-12 education to COVID-19 response to workforce development, AmeriCorps programs supported by PennSERVE are embedded in communities and engaged in innovative solutions to significant challenges.

Please join us in congratulating Devoratt on this award. Visit americorps.gov/americorpsweek for more information about AmeriCorps Week.

News

Faces International, ArtsQuest and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Announce ‘HEROES’ Exhibition with Renowned Artist Bart Cooper

February 09, 2022

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Faces Int, in partnership with ArtsQuest and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, is proud to present “Heroes,” an exhibition by 2022 Musikfest artist Bart Cooper. The exhibition opens on March 18 and will be free to the public seven days a week at ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory Arts Center. The exhibition will be accompanied by virtual seminars exploring topics such as: What is Fine Art, The Business of Art and the Impact of Art, spread across March, April and May. The artist will also host youth educational programs at the artist’s former school in the Whitehall School District.

“When Bart Cooper first showed me the ‘Heroes’ collection it made such an impression, I knew Faces had to help enhance its reach. I am excited for the impact ‘Heroes’ will have on the Lehigh Valley community. Our partnership with ArtQuest and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will enhance the reach of ‘Heroes’ and showcase the power of collaboration to change the narrative,” says COO of Faces Int, Kevin Greene.

“Heroes” is a project of artworks, educational and public programming and outreach events that feature the experimental work of Bart Cooper. The installment invites viewers and attendees to examine heroes in popular culture. Toying the line between the real and fictional worlds, Cooper uses mixed media methods to create portraits of powerful Black women, matching them up to suitable comic book characters to highlight the connection between America’s favorite comic characters, and the country’s history of powerful, gritty, brave Black women leaders.

“ArtsQuest is proud to partner with Faces Int and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley on this community-wide project,” Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest said. “We are grateful to have an artist of Bart Cooper’s caliber come back to the Lehigh Valley to inspire the next generation of artists. This exhibition and accompanying educational events will spark creativity and conversations.” 

Focusing on themes of social justice and equity, the juxtaposition of each woman and the Marvel characters emphasizes their true power. The powerful Black women depicted in the images are met with fine art techniques that are inspiring and moving, as a result of the skilled layering, shading and texture of each image. “Their intelligence, their trials and tribulations, their willingness to lead shows strength and resilience. These people had powers and practiced them rigorously, and not only for themselves, but for others,” says the artist, Bart Cooper.

“It’s exciting to play a role in bringing Bart’s art and timely perspective to the Lehigh Valley,” stated Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “It’s true in the arts, as in our lives, that inclusion, representation and raising diverse voices deepens and strengthens racial equity for our community.”

To kickoff this partnership, Cooper will host a mini residency on February 15 at Whitehall High School (WHS). Cooper, a WHS alum, will lead a variety of activities for WCSD students including artist talks and art-making demonstrations. He will also hold an event for WCSD families in the Whitehall High School Auditorium on Tuesday, February 15 from 7 – 8 p.m. Additional events will be announced throughout the year.

The Heroes Exhibition would like to thank presenting partners PPL Corporation, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and Crayola, as well as community partners Moravian University, United Way Women United, Penn State Lehigh Valley, Capital Blue Cross and People First Federal Credit Union.

To learn more about the “Heroes” project, programming and artwork, visit heroeslv.com.

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