News

See the Impact: CarbonCorps Mentors Coordinate Thanksgiving Meal Drive for Nearly 60 Families

December 06, 2021
Volunteers serving bags of food

Nesquehoning, PA – Panther Valley families prepared for Thanksgiving with a food drive on November 19, 2021. Over 50 local families received turkeys and Thanksgiving sides at the holiday food drive coordinated by members of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) CarbonCorps Mentoring program in partnership with local businesses.

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. Nicole Pollinger, St. Luke’s Family Development Specialist, coordinated the donation and food drive to support Panther Valley families during the holiday season. 

Panther Valley Elementary School received a donation of turkeys from Koch’s Turkey Farm in Schuylkill County and Union workers from the AMETEK-Westchester plant in Nesquehoning purchased additional turkeys to supply the Thanksgiving food drive. AMETEK also donated the accompaniments, including stuffing, applesauce, cranberry sauce, gravy, and sweet potatoes. “It means the world to me to be able to give back to the school district I attended from K-12.  To be able to relieve some of the burden felt by families is a feeling like none other,” said Marsha Macalush, CarbonCorps program manager.

​”I feel great knowing that kids I see and work with every day are able to have Thanksgiving dinner with their families. I know it must mean the world to those families to be able to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones,” said Gabrielle Obert, a CarbonCorps mentor at Panther Valley Elementary School. 

CarbonCorps mentors build relationships with families in the school and encourage the Carbon community to reach out if they need assistance.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Awards $120,000 in Equity Grants to 6 Local Partners

December 06, 2021

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) has ensured that persons-with-disabilities and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ populations have more programs and services focused on their needs by providing $120,000 in grants to six local agencies.  

The first-of-its-kind Closing the Equity Gap grant program provides six, one-time grants of $20,000 each to organizations that explicitly support programs, services and organizations that aim to close equity gaps in our community.

Nationally, a fraction of grant dollars goes toward organizations led by and serving these communities. Only 10% of funding goes to specifically support people of color, only 28 cents of every dollar awarded by U.S. foundations supports LGBTQ+ issues and 3.5% of foundation grants support persons with disabilities.

“United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley envisions a community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives. We are proud to support leaders and organizations who center equity and community voice in their work,” said Erin Connelly, Associate Vice President, Impact for UWGLV.

The grants will support programs and services within our current Bold Goal areas—Education, Healthy Aging, Food Access and Emergency services.

The grants have been awarded to the following agencies:

  • Cohesion Network
    • Support a Community Block Ambassadors program to increase public safety, help neighbors in times of crisis, organize community connection points (Emergency Services)
  • Eastern PA Trans Equity Project
    • Support for transgender individuals to overcome many of the obstacles they face including name changes, shelter, food access (Emergency Services/Food Access). Funding will also support cultural competency training, site audits and consulting services for local nonprofit organizations
  • Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
    • Support a comprehensive, choice-based food access program to support people with disabilities (Food Access)
  • Unidos
    • Support for technology infrastructure development for their education programming, hiring a part-time program coordinator and providing stipends for their tutors (Education)
  • Operation Address The Homeless
    • Support adding a commercial kitchen in OATH’s facility to offer hot meals. Funding will also support connection to employment opportunities, life skills, and rehabilitative services (Emergency Services)
  • Mother2Mother
    • Support workshops for mothers and families to address trauma and grief. The funds will also be used to assist families with the cost of funerals and providing meals. (Emergency Services)

“So many people of transgender experience live at the intersections of gender, race, and educational/economic disparities,” remarked Corinne Goodwin, Executive Director at Eastern PA Trans Equity Project. “We are grateful that UWGLV has recognized the need to support our Community and are even more excited to put these funds to work helping trans folk do more than strive. Now they will be given the opportunity to thrive,” she added.

“Funding will go to support The Community Block Ambassador Program. Community Block Ambassadors (CBA) engages homeowners and renters in fostering safe, vital and hospitable neighborhoods where neighbors build relationships and share resources,” remarked Darian Colbert, Executive Director at Cohesion Network. “The1st & 6th Ward CBA groups meet monthly and have 30 neighbors in attendance. We have representation from the APD, ASD, the Parking Authority, and regular attendance of those in city government. Our neighbors are seeing what they need in their community and at the same time seeking the resources to address these needs.”

UWGLV commits to continue examining our funding practices, ensuring that organizations that receive United Way funding are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and can demonstrate that commitment in values, policies and practices.

News

Crayola and Employees Surpass $1 Million in Annual Giving

November 22, 2021

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley congratulates Crayola on becoming our newest partner to contribute more than $1 million a year to improving lives in our community.
 
“Crayola has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and proudly contributed to our community through our involvement with United Way.  While Crayolians have always been generous with their time, talent and treasure, I am extremely proud that they saw the needs in our community and answered the call to help with such enthusiasm!” remarked Crayola President & CEO, Rich Wuerthele.
 
In addition to surpassing $1 million in annual giving, Crayola employees increased their contributions by 28% during the 2021 United Way campaign.  
 
“Crayola and their team are valued partners, and their support strengthens our ability to build a community that is safe, equitable and strong,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “United, we can Build Tomorrow Today, and their deep commitment will allow us to continue to meet the Greater Lehigh Valley’s ever-changing needs.”
 
Crayola joins Air Products, City Center Allentown and PPL as one of four companies to contribute $1 million or more to UWGLV. Crayola is a long-time member of the United Way Cornerstone Society, which consists of 20 generous and deeply committed partners who make a special effort to go above and beyond helping our community with annual contributions of $100,000 or more.
 
Thanks to Crayola for leading the way to lasting change in the Greater Lehigh Valley. For a full list of our Cornerstones, click here.

News

Partner Spotlight: Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

November 11, 2021

Our Cornerstone Society consists of a generous and deeply committed group of partners who make a special effort to go above and beyond helping our community.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley congratulates Alvin H. Butz, Inc. for their 34th year of 100% participation in their United Way campaign. 

“Commitment to this community is part of our company’s mission and our employees are leading contributors to United Way. I’m incredibly proud that we have had 100% employee participation in our workplace campaign for the past 34 years,” said Michael Butz, Director of Business Development and Administration.

“We are grateful to have Alvin H. Butz, Inc. as a dedicated United Way partner for over 30 years,” remarked Paul Hurd, Chief Development Officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Their impact can be felt throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley and we are honored to have them in our corner.”

Thanks to the team at Alvin H. Butz, Inc. for their continued dedication and deep commitment to our community. For a full list of our Cornerstones, click here.

News

City Center Investment Corp. Continues Its Support of Allentown School District as United Way Community School Corporate Partner

November 11, 2021

Allentown, PA – City Center Investment Corp. strengthened its commitment to revitalizing Downtown Allentown by renewing its corporate partnership with Central Elementary Community School for another three years. As corporate partner, City Center will continue to provide support to Central’s students and families in collaboration with Allentown School District, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV), Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania and Women United.
 
Specifically, City Center has made its second consecutive, three-year commitment to support the school with a $50,000-a-year grant and approximately 400 employee-volunteer hours annually. Since 2018, City Center’s employees have volunteered at Central Elementary for jobs ranging from reading to students to organizing the food pantry to landscaping the playground.

Through its extensive community partnerships, City Center also provides in-kind donations valued at thousands of dollars to benefit Central’s students, families and teachers and coordinates enrichment programs to benefit students each year.
 
“Central Elementary School is our company’s neighborhood school, which has made our employees’ relationships with Central’s students and families especially meaningful,” said J.B. Reilly, president of City Center Investment Corp. “City Center is committed to helping create a healthy, thriving community for everyone downtown, and we enjoy sharing our resources with Central’s families to create enriching learning experiences and strengthen their connection to the many benefits downtown Allentown has to offer.”
 
Using schools as hubs, Community Schools organize programs and services in one central place for students and families. These programs and services remove barriers to learning, create positive youth development, and empower parents to strengthen their role as partners in education. The model convenes companies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers and other community supports to ensure higher success rates for students. As a result, Community School students have increased reading and math scores and excel in other academic areas.
 
“Simply put: Community Schools work. And they work, thanks to the generosity and the leadership of partners such as City Center,” remarked David Lewis, President, UWGLV. “City Center’s commitment to Central Elementary School has made a transformative impact. We are so grateful for continued resources and support that City Center and its employees dedicate to Allentown students and families.”
 
As a result of City Center’s involvement, a Community School Coordinator will continue to connect Central’s students, families and nearby residents with the resources they need to thrive, including medical and dental care, early learning opportunities, after-school programs, access to nutritious food and clothing resources.
 
“Central is one of the longest standing schools in center city Allentown, and since City Center has partnered with us, we truly feel like a part of the revitalization. From our school to now our playground as the neighborhood grows around us, City Center makes it possible for Central to grow with it!” added Rebecca Bodnar, Principal, Central Elementary School.
 
This Community School partnership is part of an ongoing community engagement initiative of City Center and its employees and principals called Building Community. The initiative aims to revitalize downtown Allentown and its surrounding neighborhoods by providing financial support, in-kind donations and volunteer service, focusing on three key results-oriented areas: arts, community development and education. In 2020, CCIC donated more than $3.8 million total to 75 organizations and its 25 employees volunteered at nearly 45 organizations, donating more than 2,000 total hours.
 
United Way’s Community School Network serves approximately 19,000 students in Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area and Bangor Area school districts. As a Community School with lead partner Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania and support from Women United, Central Elementary School engages approximately 200 volunteers each year and involves more than 400 students in school activities including after-school programs, sports and academic clubs.

News

District Attorney, Law Enforcement and School Officials Review Resilient Lehigh Valley Handle With Care Program

November 04, 2021

On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, District Attorney Jim Martin provided an update on the Handle With Care program that has law enforcement notify schools regarding a child’s exposure to traumatic events.

Handle With Care is aimed at ensuring that school-aged children who are exposed to trauma receive the proper support and resources to help that student to address trauma before it takes a toll in the form of academic, emotional and/or behavioral issues.

On Wednesday morning, law enforcement officials, representatives from the District Attorney’s office, educators and officials with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Resilient Lehigh Valley met to review the first year of the Handle With Care program.

There were more than 200 referrals from law enforcement for the past school year through the Handle With Care program in both Lehigh and Northampton counties.

A number of those referrals came from Whitehall Township Police who have used Mark43, a new records management system launched last year for law enforcement agencies, to help streamline the process of making a Handle With Care referral.

The success of the pilot year of the Handle With Care program shows the cooperation between police departments and school officials to help children with anything from an extra meal at school to pairing them with resources like counseling, Martin said.

The partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Resilient Lehigh Valley, area school officials and local law enforcement has proven to be an invaluable aid to students dealing with trauma.

“Often law enforcement is aware of an event that school officials do not know has occurred. Thus, this simple message, without releasing details in order to protect the child’s and its family’s privacy, suggesting to school officials that they ‘handle with care’ a specific child, can be very helpful to a child dealing with trauma,” Martin said.

“Law enforcement and education officials agree that the best way for students to survive in overcoming trauma is to address it before it takes a toll,” he said.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Expands Dementia Initiatives with Support from the Fleming Foundation

November 03, 2021

Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) announces that it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Fleming Foundation to help improve the lives of Lehigh Valley residents who have Alzheimer’s and dementia, and for those who care for them. 

“The Alzheimer’s journey is a very long and difficult one for the patient and family caregivers. In loving memory of my mother Peggy Fleming, it is my hope that we can provide guidance and support to those affected so that their journeys are not any more difficult than they need to be,” remarked Trinka Arnold of the Fleming Foundation.

The local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that almost 25,000 individuals in the Lehigh Valley are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This number, which does not include undiagnosed cases, is expected to triple by 2050.

“As a public health crisis, dementia impacts healthcare systems, delivery of long-term care, worker shortages, community infrastructure, families and most importantly, the quality of life for people living with dementia,” said Carmen Bell, Director, Healthy Aging, UWGLV. “The Dementia-Friendly Lehigh Valley coalition, in partnership with UWGLV and Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, is working to ensure organizations and individuals are equipped to support people living with dementia so they can remain in the community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living.” 

United Way will take action to build a dementia-friendly community that fosters quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Initiatives will focus on decreasing stigma, increasing opportunities for meaningful social interaction, increasing early diagnosis, and providing support in addressing the changing needs of people living with dementia. 

“United Way envisions an Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley where every person belongs and every person thrives. We want every person to have the opportunity to age successfully. Our plan will improve the quality of life for at least 6,000 individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers,” added Bell.  

The four-year grant from the Fleming Foundation will provide funding to: 

  • Expand the Savvy Caregiver program to provide culturally responsive outreach and support to more individuals with dementia and their care givers in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Health Network Fleming Memory Center, St. Luke’s Senior Care Associates and Dr. Ken Hepburn of Emory University. 
  • Grow the community based, public safety program Project Lifesaver to protect more individuals with dementia who are at-risk of wandering in partnership with Bethlehem Health Bureau. 
  • Provide self-care and mental health training for professionals, caregivers and older adults to address the grief that comes with being a caregiver and for those experiencing the tremendous life change that comes along with dementia.
  • Equip healthcare providers and others with information about dementia to increase the number of individuals who receive early Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis, treatment and resources. 

“Because of incredible philanthropists in the Lehigh Valley, we are focused on solutions to our community’s greatest issues and needs. We could not do what we do without partners like the Fleming Foundation and the LVHN Fleming Memory Center,” remarked Paul Hurd, Chief Development Officer at UWGLV. 

For more information about Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, click here.

News

TeenWorks Board Member Becomes One of First Females in State to Join Ranks of Eagle Scouts

October 12, 2021
TeenWorks Color

Jenaye, a TeenWorks™ Board member, is one of two Lehigh Valley girls – and first in Pennsylvania – to become an Eagle Scout. TeenWorks awarded Jenaye two grants – one for her Gold Star project and one for her Eagle Scout project, which involved leading 20+ fellow Scouts, relatives and friends in painting a mural on the walls of the waiting room in the Sixth Street Shelter. 

Read more at The Morning Call.

News

Parent Workshop Equips Families with Tools to Manage Trauma and Build Resilience

October 01, 2021
T.R.E.E. training aims to break the cycle of family and community trauma

When her son Johnathan was murdered in 2019, Jennifer Rodriguez-Cox says it impacted more than her immediate family. Active in the Allentown community, his death left a void that many continue to feel today.

“It affected everyone involved. It even changed the community,” said Jennifer.

So when she was invited to a new workshop focused on trauma and healing, Jennifer decided to join to help herself and her family navigate their loss and learn how to keep our children and community safe.

“The program really helps you see the different ways trauma affects everyone, not just yourself. It affects the community. It helps you see generational trauma, how we bring that to our kids and how to break the cycle,” she added.

Jennifer is among 20 caregivers who recently participated in the T.R.E.E. course, which stands for Trauma-Informed, Restorative Practices, Emotional Intelligence and Equity.

“T.R.E.E. was developed here in the Lehigh Valley to support families and caregivers at the neighborhood level in understanding the role that trauma has in decision making and behaviors in our health and life outcomes,” said Dr. Hasshan Batts, Executive Director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, who developed the program.

“It’s led by credible messengers, so people from the community are doing the training to help us to understand what’s really going on when someone is escalating or a child is escalating,” he added.

Promise Neighborhoods offered the free workshop virtually this spring in partnership with Resilient Lehigh Valley and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley thanks to financial support from Women United and Baker Foundation.

“The program aims to build resilience, so that we can break the cycle of family and community trauma,” said Monica Georges of United Way and Resilient Lehigh Valley, who helped develop the curriculum.

In six weekly sessions, the program coaches parents and caregivers in the face of trauma and adversity and equips families with tools to manage toxic stress.

Father hugging 2 young daughters

“As a single dad, it helped me with my son and also my own childhood trauma,” reflected Gerardo Murrias, an Allentown father of three. “There are people who are willing to help and classes that will give you the tools and the support you need.”

T.R.E.E. is one of several community programs supported by Resilient Lehigh Valley, a cross-sector, collective-impact effort dedicated to increasing youth resiliency through creating a trauma-informed and resilient community.

“Two-thirds of adults in this country have been impacted by childhood trauma which has been shown to have lasting effects on their mental and physical health as well as lead to a range of social problems.  

The solution is to build resilient people, resilient neighborhoods and resilient service systems, so that our residents can be more successful, safer and healthier,” added Beth Tomlinson, Senior Director of Education for United Way and co-founder of Resilient Lehigh Valley.

Both Gerardo and Jennifer said they continue to use the tools and mindfulness strategies they learned in the T.R.E.E. program.

“The program shows us what not to do to repeat that cycle of trauma. I’ll never be 100% after my son’s death, but it helped me reframe myself around my grandkids when I’m overwhelmed,” added Jennifer. “A lot of our families would really benefit from the program.”

News

More than 500 Volunteers Participate in Projects as United Way’s Day of Caring Makes Its Return

September 30, 2021

Allentown, PA, September 30, 2021 – More than 500 energetic volunteers united to complete community service projects at 50 nonprofits during the 28th United Way Day of Caring, presented by Crayola in partnership with Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

“You could feel the LIVE UNITED spirit in every corner of the Greater Lehigh Valley today. 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 2021 campaign with Day of Caring, which is the largest single-day volunteer effort in the community.

“Our community has needs, and when we support United Way, we all become part of the solution. Today, we could give back by volunteering our time, and we encourage everyone to continue to get involved and help in any way they can,” added United Way Campaign Chair Laurie Gostley Hackett of Air Products.

Participants from 38 local businesses and organizations contributed $80,000 in volunteer hours to various projects at several area nonprofits in Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties. Some project examples include:

  • Painting murals and adding motivational statements to the pathways leading into Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton with Crayola
  • Re-organizing the pantry and supply room at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School with Air Products
  • Landscaping and sprucing up the grounds at Friends of Johnston with PPL
  • Organizing and beautifying inside and out of Central Elementary School with City Center Allentown
  • Completing a makeover for the student relaxation room at Raub Middle School with St. Luke’s University Health Network

“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 is presented by Crayola in partnership with the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, with additional support from Bronze Sponsors Amazon Fulfillment, Capital Blue Cross and Carbon Chamber & Economic Development. Snack sponsors include Costco and Wegmans Food Markets, and in-kind contributors are ASR Media Productions and Uline.

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