News

Women United Honors Renae Yeager of PPL Corporation as the 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year

September 23, 2021

Allentown, PA, September 23, 2021 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Renae Yeager with the 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest honor.

Women United recognizes the Philanthropist of the Year as a member who is active in the community, is a philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley, and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The group’s founding president Betsy Torrence is recognized as the model of the Philanthropist of the Year awardee.

“It is an extremely high honor to receive a nomination for the Philanthropist of the Year award, let alone to receive it,” said Darlene Pors, President of Women United. “Renae Yeager lives and breathes all that Women United’s mission stands for. Her leadership, passion and selfless service to our community have helped so many of our neighbors endure challenging and critical issues; none more apparent than in the last year and a half. Women United is so lucky to have Renae as part of our organization, and we are so proud to recognize her with this award.”

Members will present Yeager’s award at Women United 2021, sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank and First Commonwealth Credit Union. This annual event will be held at virtually on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at noon. Registration is available HERE.

Renae Yeager, 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award

“I am deeply humbled,” said Renae Yeager. “A wise friend said to me that every time you are honored by an organization, it’s a chance to share the organization’s story with a wider audience. This recognition isn’t about me doing my part, it’s about all the women, who on a daily basis, give back to the community in which we all live.”

Yeager currently chairs Women United’s Impact Investments Committee (formerly known as the Signature Projects Committee) and has been a member of the group’s advisory cabinet since 2017.  She has served on various other nonprofit boards in the Lehigh Valley during her professional career, such as The Literacy Center, one of Women United’s Signature Projects.

“The Literacy Center congratulates Renae Yeager for winning Women United’s 2021 Philanthropist of the Year award,” said Jennifer Doyle, Executive Director of The Literacy Center. “As a volunteer board member, Renae has been a passionate champion for The Literacy Center.  Her invaluable guidance and support helped to make 2021 the organization’s best year in its 44-year history.  It is an honor to work with Renae to bring vital programs and services to Lehigh Valley women who are experiencing language, education, and employment barriers.  We at The Literacy Center commend Renae for this award for which she so richly deserves.”

Yeager has been a board member of The Literacy Center since 2016 and currently serves on the finance committee. She also participated in The Literacy Center’s mentoring program for immigrant professional women.

In her professional career, Yeager has held the position of vice president corporate audit at PPL Corporation since 2015.  During her 38 years with the company, she has also held management positions in information technology, ethics, and PPL Electric Utilities regulatory operations. She is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Fraud Examiner. 

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United makes a difference in the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley with philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities. For more information, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/wu.

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U.S. Education Secretary Tours Lehigh Valley Community School

August 19, 2021
Community Schools have been working in the Greater Lehigh Valley for 15 years
Photo credit: Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

On the cusp of a new school year, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona recently spent time touring Donegan Elementary School in Bethlehem Area School District to see first-hand how Community Schools support Lehigh Valley students and families.

Secretary Cardona was joined by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Noe Ortega and U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild during a visit to Bethlehem on Tuesday, August 10.

Principal Erin Medina and Community School Coordinator Rosa Carides-Hof led guests on a tour highlighting the realities within education right now and how Donegan operates as a Community School to address needs so that students, families, and communities can thrive.  

“Community Schools have been working in the Greater Lehigh Valley for 15 years. Secretary Ortega was inspired by the collaboration and strength with our local community partnerships and is eager to hear more about our model to advance this work so that it can be expanded to other Pennsylvania communities. Overall, our United Way and Lehigh Valley Community Schools shined a little brighter in the eyes of people seeking solutions to pressing educational and community conditions,” remarked Jill Pereira, Vice President, Education and Impact, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).

Pereira participated in the tour along with Senior Director of Education Beth Tomlinson, representatives from UWGLV partners Lehigh University and Wind Creek and BASD Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy, who also serves on the UWGLV Board of Directors.

Much praise and appreciation was directed to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley for what we have built with Community Schools. Secretary Cardona recognized United Way’s advocacy for collective impact. With federal budget funds available to support the expansion of Community Schools, he asked to learn more about the infrastructure needed to bring this systemic model to more communities around the country.

Donegan Elementary School is one of 31 Community Schools serving 18,888 students in four districts across the Greater Lehigh Valley. For more on Secretary Cardona’s visit, click here for coverage from lehighvalleylive.com.

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Thanks to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley funding, Resilient Lehigh Valley and Partners to Offer Trauma-Informed Mindfulness in Summer Learning

August 12, 2021

Childhood trauma is sadly way too common. While traumatic events can happen at any time in our lives and have a lasting, negative impact, these events have the most significant impact when they occur during childhood, when the young mind and body are still developing. If traumatized children and teens have healthy coping mechanisms to process stress, like mindfulness practices, and have at least one relationship with a safe and supportive adult, they are better equipped to build resiliency and heal from past traumas. This is one reason why it is important to connect youth with high-quality summer learning programs and camps. And why summer learning providers – as well as all other educators and all those who work with youth – should be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to adopt and integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive mindfulness practices into daily classroom routines.

This year, our summer learning community’s priority is welcoming back students and preparing them for a back-to-school fall transition. Summer learning opportunities throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley include school-based and community-based program options including Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM), athletics and recreation, youth and social development, and more.

Thanks to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) funding, Resilient Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Summer Learning Coalition partnered with the Pratyush Sinha Foundation to offer the Mindful Education System’s Trauma-Informed Mindfulness for Educators (TIME) program spring and summer sessions. Lehigh Valley educators will conduct summer learning programming that’s vital to ensuring our students are supported academically and social-emotionally.

Mindful Education System is a research-based 6-hour trauma-informed mindfulness experience focusing on: 

  • Essential self-care and daily practices
  • Understanding, identifying, and supporting trauma survivors, including ourselves
  • Historical and Racial Trauma and supporting healing and difficult discussions
  • Science-based brain research supporting mindfulness and our brain’s healing capabilities
  • Exploring challenging emotions, including those caused by the pandemic, supporting self-regulation, and a common language to discuss emotions 
  • Integrating mindfulness into your life and your classroom or program 

As a result of real-life experience working for more than eight years in schools with 50–70% of BIPOC students, Mindful Education System trainers witnessed how systemic inequities create a great divide in understanding the needs of these students and schools. 

“Adopting a trauma-informed and culturally responsive mindfulness approach helps build safe and authentic relationships with youth and is key to helping students regulate their emotions in healthy ways,” said Beth Tomlinson, Senior Director of Education, UWGLV and lead staff for Resilient Lehigh Valley. “United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Resilient Lehigh Valley are proud to partner with an organization that empowers educators and staff with mindfulness education that fosters productive mindsets and trauma-informed environments. We’re excited to offer summer opportunities that help underprivileged children continue to thrive even when school’s out.”

As schools break for the summer, students tend to lose 2-3 months of learning and valuable time with schools and educators who provide traumatized youth a safe, stable, and predictable environment and relationships with caring adults. Summer learning programs and camps are valuable tools for preventing the “Summer Slide” and are essential for meeting the child’s social-emotional and relational needs. This year, students are more likely to be 5-9 months behind academically due to a “Covid Slide” and more social, emotional, and mental health challenges, dramatically increasing the need for trauma-informed professionals. 

girl holding school supplies

Summer learning positively impacts children’s academic and social-emotional development by providing structure to their summer experiences, making them more likely to stay engaged and focused. It also helps maintain their intellectual growth and, in some cases, makes it possible for them to get ahead. According to UWGLV, low-income students not engaged in summer learning fall 2–3 grade levels behind their peers by the end of 5th grade.

Seven Lehigh Valley summer learning community providers are expected to attend or have attended TIME training this summer, including:

All named partners are providing meals and learning activities for at-risk youth this summer.

More information about Mindful Education System’s TIME classes can be found here. To learn more about summer learning, click here. 

News

Air Products Fresh Food Promise Aims to Expand Food Access Across Greater Lehigh Valley

August 02, 2021
Air Products Fresh Food Promise

Allentown, PA – Air Products and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced today that they are partnering to expand access to healthy, nutritious food with a new initiative called the Air Products Fresh Food Promise. For every new donor to United Way during the 2021-22 annual campaign, Air Products Foundation will make a contribution in support United Way’s food access work to provide fresh, healthy food for local families.

“Air Products and United Way believe that no one should wonder where their next meal is coming from and families should not have to worry about food insecurity,” remarked Air Products director of community relations and philanthropy Laurie Gostley Hackett, who serves as 2021 campaign chair for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

“With the Air Products Fresh Food Promise, we encourage and invite everyone in our community to step up and make a difference by contributing at any level. Food insecurity is a major challenge facing our community, and when we invest in United Way, all of us become part of the solution,” added Hackett.

Air Products Fresh Food Promise is a direct response to increased demand for emergency food programs. At the height of the pandemic, United Way-supported food pantries served 50% more people, and statewide surveys reveal that providing food for their families remains a top priority for Pennsylvania families living paycheck to paycheck.

“At United Way, we envision a community where every person belongs and every person thrives. That is only possible when everyone’s basic human needs, such as food, are met. Achieving that goal takes a UNITED approach, and we applaud Air Products’ innovative leadership in this space,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.

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

News

Community Schools: 15 Years of Supporting Student Success, Thanks to You

July 13, 2021
“There is nothing more important in a child’s life than having access to a good education.”

Bill Spence
Former PPL Corporation Chairman and CEO

For 15 years, Community Schools have supported student success in the region’s highest-need schools by focusing on students’ basic needs and building trusting relationships with children and their families.
 
That’s why former PPL Corporation Chairman and CEO Bill Spence and his wife Denise have joined United Way in providing the resources to make Sheridan Elementary School in Allentown School District the newest school in the Lehigh Valley Community Schools Network.
 
“There is nothing more important in a child’s life than having access to a good education,” said Spence. “We felt that partnering with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, a trusted and highly regarded organization, would provide the oversight and insights needed to ensure that Community Schools will be successful.”
 
Thanks to dedicated supporters like you, Community Schools serve almost 19,000 students and their families in 31 schools in Allentown, Bangor Area, Bethlehem Area and Easton Area school districts.
 
The Spences have joined the Barnes and Lovett families as Tocqueville Society members who pledge their support to Community Schools.
 
“We grew up in families where access to a good education was a family affair, and viewed as foundational to success, a fundamental right of every child and a community responsibility. United Way has taken that concept to a whole new level, and it is so inspiring to see the amazing improvements for the students,” said Dan Barnes, who supports Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem Area School District with his wife Susan.
 
“It is an honor to be a part of this nationally recognized initiative. We hope many more donors will join this movement to adopt a school and help United Way to continue to expand this extraordinary program, especially after the devastating setback experienced by our students during this pandemic,” added Susan Barnes.
 
Using schools as hubs, Community Schools organize programs and services such as food, housing and health care in one central place for students and families, while also providing enhanced academic experiences for kids and engagement opportunities for parents. As a result, Community School students have increased reading and math scores and excel in other academic areas.
 
“Our community can do great things when we work together.  Community Schools has been a great vehicle to allow us to do this.  East Allentown has been underserved for many years.  Community Schools has allowed us to support East Allentown in the important field of education,” said Bob Lovett, who directs support to Mosser Elementary School in Allentown School District along with his wife Sandy.

click to donate

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See the Impact: CarbonCorps Launches New Book Buggy for Panther Valley School District Students and Families

July 08, 2021
Nicole Pollinger, UWGLV CarbonCorps Member, with Robert Palazzo, PVES Principal

Nesquehoning, PA – On Wednesday, July 7, Panther Valley School District families received free books and enjoyed live entertainment at a community event to launch the new Panther Valley Book Buggy.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Panther Valley Elementary School’s (PVES) library was shut down this year. Rob Palazzo, Pleasant Valley Elementary Principal, and Nicole Pollinger, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley CarbonCorps member, brainstormed ways to engage students and families around literacy and the idea of a mobile library was born.

Rob Bennett of Bennett Toyota donated a van to PVES to act as their local library after Nicole reached out about partnering to support literacy and third grade reading goals.

“Literacy is so important that no child should be without. This Book Buggy has provided the opportunity to spread books to all students at their doorsteps,” said Nicole.

The Book Buggy will be out in the community to ensure books are accessible for students and their families to enjoy reading together.

Thank you to Bennett Automotive Group for partnering with the Panther Valley School District to create this venture to promote literacy in the community.

Read more:
Times News Online: Panther Valley Book Buggy grand opening
WNEP: Book Buggy helps promote literacy

News

See The Impact: TeenWorks, Capital Blue Cross and Local Labor Unions Build Shelves and Organize School Uniforms at Roosevelt Elementary School

June 29, 2021
Volunteers organizing school uniforms

On Tuesday, June 22, volunteers from TeenWorksTM, Capital Blue Cross and local labor unions combined efforts to build shelving and sort and organize uniforms at Roosevelt Elementary School, a Community School in the Allentown School District. In an effort to make the transition from virtual learning to the classroom for students easier when they return in September, volunteers organized the clothes so students will be able to find their size effortlessly. Community Schools Coordinator, Samantha Johns of Communities in Schools of Eastern helped organize the program and with volunteers from local unions PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association), Workers United, Operating Engineers Local 542, Carpenters Local 167, and Teamsters Local 773.
 
TeenWorks is an affinity group of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and is made up of a diverse group of local middle school and high school students and local members of organized labor. This organization, which operates solely in the Lehigh Valley, began in 1999 as a partnership with the labor community and United Way. The group meets monthly and helps to fund community service projects throughout the Lehigh Valley from various youth groups. Over 500 organizations have received grants of up to $1,000.00 for their projects, including 370 Eagle Scouts. In addition to funding projects, TeenWorks board members have a strong group of volunteers who can be counted on to do anything from building shelves to distributing mulch.
 
TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross have shared the financial support for this Community School for the past three years. TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross entered into this unique relationship twenty years ago and have produced significant results.

News

Community School Coordinator Spotlight: Roosevelt Elementary School

June 04, 2021

Samantha Johns recently joined the team at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown School District. An employee of Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, Miss Johns serves as the Community School Coordinator thanks to financial support provided by Capital BlueCross and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley TeenWorksTM.

Miss Johns’ job is to help surround students with a community of support that empowers them and their families. Students and families may connect to Miss Johns for support with:

  • basic needs
  • clothing
  • food
  • housing
  • school supplies and more.

In her new role, Miss Johns will connect with community partners to coordinate needed programing and events for students and families at Roosevelt. Her current projects include: Backpack Buddies, the food cupboard and clothing assistance through “Bear Essentials.”

Miss Johns looks forward to building positive relationships with Roosevelt students, families and staff. She can be reached at 484-765-4468 or [email protected]. For more Community School information about Roosevelt Elementary School, click here.

Welcome to Teddy Town, Miss Johns!

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Announces $37,500 in Summer Learning Grants to 15 Local Partners

May 25, 2021

With summer quickly approaching, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has ensured that more local children will have the opportunity to learn, play, grow and heal by providing $37,500 in micro-grants to 15 local partners.

“This pandemic has taken a real toll on our students’ emotional and mental health. That’s why we’re so proud to support summer learning efforts that not only meet our kids’ academic needs, but also give them opportunities to have fun and build positive relationships,” said Akshara Vivekananthan, Assistant Director, Education, UWGLV. 

“With a specific focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we hoped to make this a simple grant process that would allow us to expand our summer learning partnerships across the region,” added Vivekananthan.

Made possible with financial support from Crayola, the 2021 Community-Based Summer Learning Microgrant Program is designed to support the summer learning efforts serving Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,600 have been awarded to the following partner programs:

  • Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center Providing Recreational Summer Learning to Trans Youth
  • Community Bike Works Junior Earn a Bike
  • Easton Area Community Center Summer Camp
  • The Greater Valley YMCA Day Camp Enrichment Program
  • Lehigh Valley Summerbridge
  • National Museum of Industrial History Summer Learning with Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers
  • Northeast Community Center Summer Camp
  • Northampton Community College Horizons for Youth Summer Camp
  • Lehigh Valley Girls Rock Camp
  • ProJeCt of Easton SIZZLE!®
  • Slater Family Network Northampton County Family Center
  • Unidos Foundation CyberLearning Club
  • Valley Youth House Brave Space Summer Learning Experiences for LGBTQ+ Tweens &Teens at Camp Fowler
  • Via of the Lehigh Valley Teen Summer Experience

“This grant will support our free CyberLearning Club summer program focused on culturally appropriate academic development, enrichment through the arts, and social emotional learning with character development and early intervention support for inner-city children of the Allentown School District,” added Yamelisa Taveras, founder of grant recipient Unidos Foundation.

To learn more about summer learning opportunities in the Greater Lehigh Valley, visit www.lehighvalleyreads.org where a full list will be available starting June 1.

News

Air Products’ Laurie Gostley Hackett to Chair United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 2021 Campaign

May 18, 2021

Allentown, PA – Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products’ director of community relations and philanthropy, will chair the 2021 campaign for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).  

“With the strong support of Air Products, I step into this role with great optimism, enthusiasm and hope. The community has been through so much together over the past year, and my colleagues and I are inspired by the passion, partnership and potential of United Way. United Way is truly the Greater Lehigh Valley’s community builder, helping our community to be strong, stable and accessible,” said Hackett.

Hackett brings a unique perspective to the 2021 campaign, which will raise funds to meet today’s emerging needs while investing in sustainable solutions to challenges in the areas of education, emergency services, food access and healthy aging. Hackett’s work with the Air Products Foundation supports programs, activities and agencies that are working hard every day to improve the quality of life for all. She is actively engaged as a volunteer with dozens of Lehigh Valley-based nonprofits and has served on UWGLV’s Board of Directors since 2019.

“There is a special spirit of community and deep commitment to serve that is so evident in the Greater Lehigh Valley. This campaign belongs to the entire community, and we invite and encourage everyone to participate at all levels. We know there are great needs. By investing in United Way, all of us become part of the solution,” added Hackett.

cornerstone air products

Air Products raised a record-breaking $4.1 million for the communities it serves around the country during the company’s 2020 United Way campaign. The donations were raised by Air Products’ current employees as well as retirees, and the Air Products Foundation provided $1.9 million to match those contributions. 

“When you speak to Laurie, her love and her passion for the Greater Lehigh Valley are just so apparent. We are so fortunate to have her leadership and the support of Air Products as we focus on the future and continue the fight for the health, safety and education of every person who calls the Valley home,” said David Lewis, President of UWGLV. 

In addition to her role as United Way Board Member, Hackett volunteers with numerous nonprofits including Workforce Board Lehigh Valley Chair, R.K. Laros Foundation Trustee, St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Board, Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board of Governors, Miller-Keystone Blood Center Board Member, Iron Pigs Charities Board and Phantoms Charities Board. She is a recipient of the Moravian College Shining Star Award, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Girl Scouts Take the Lead Award, Bethlehem Chamber Spirit of Bethlehem Award and Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. 

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