Our nonprofit partners are UNITED in creating lasting solutions to our community’s greatest challenges. New United Way partner, JOSHWAY, empowers youth in the Lehigh Valley to thrive in today’s digital world.
Founded in 2023 by David Robertson in memory of his brother Joshua, their innovative programs combine Korn Ferry-inspired leadership development with creative exploration, addressing mental health challenges and social pressures through tools like digital storytelling and financial literacy workshops. Known for dynamic workshops in partnership with Apple that blend liberal arts and technology, JOSHWAY is transforming nonprofit collaboration by connecting youth-focused organizations with leading experts to maximize impact.
JOSHWAY’s mission closely aligns with United Way’s priorities in youth development, mental health and community stability, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to partner with them as they continue this important work. Learn more at joshway.org
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley supporters raised $26,231,833, marking 15 consecutive years of growth and significant investment in the region’s most pressing needs. Led by Campaign Chair Chris Martin and Martin Guitar, the campaign’s success reflects the unwavering generosity and dedication of local donors, volunteers and corporate partners.
“I’ve been involved in supporting United Way since I was a kid, so serving as this year’s Campaign Chair was a full-circle moment,” shared Chris Martin, Executive Chairman of C. F. Martin & Co. “I am incredibly proud to see how this community rallied together to make real change. It’s been an honor to witness the generosity and compassion that defines the Greater Lehigh Valley.”
United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates the collaborative spirit and lasting impact achieved through the dedication of organizations, donors, volunteers and partners who helped improve the lives of more than 200,000 people across the Greater Lehigh Valley this year.
“This year, our network of deeply invested donors and partners connected over 41,000 students and families with the tools to succeed in school and life, supported almost 9,500 older adults and caregivers through programs that promote health and social connection and ensured nearly 110,000 people had access to food, housing, mental health care and emergency services,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “We’re especially grateful to Chris Martin for his inspiring leadership as Campaign Chair and for bringing together the people and partnerships needed to make this year such a success.”
Altogether, a strong network of partners and donors increased their contributions to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2024 to March 2025. PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation contributed more than $7,000,000 this year—a first for our United Way and their third consecutive year raising over $6,000,000. Air Products raised more than $6,000,000, marking their fourth straight year raising more than $5,000,000. CAI, City Center Group and Crayola each raised more than $1,000,000.
“United Way’s mission is only possible because of the dedication of our partners, donors and volunteers who show up year after year to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the community,” stated United Way Board Chair Joe Savage, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Victaulic. “Together, we are providing hope, stability and opportunity to everyone who calls the Greater Lehigh Valley home.”
During the event, guests were treated to a special musical showcase featuring Martin Guitar artists, adding a unique and memorable touch to the evening filled with gratitude and community. The celebration also included the presentation of five awards recognizing the outstanding commitment of dedicated organizations and community leaders to United Way’s mission:
PPL LIVE UNITED Award – Dual Temp Company Inc. Campaign Chair’s Award – Vince and Michelle Sorgi Community Builder Award– Slate Belt Angels Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award – Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Lifetime Achievement Award – Lee and Dolly Butz
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:
Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc. Gold sponsor –PPL Corp. Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross; Just Born Quality Confections Pearl sponsors – Alvin H. Butz, Inc., Fulton Bank; Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health; Quadrant Capital Friends of United Way – Equinox Benefits Consulting; Moravian University In-kind contributors – ArtsQuest Center; ASR Media; Rich Mar Florist; Social T. Marketing & PR; Working Dog Press
For more information about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its impact in the community, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
Our nonprofit partners are UNITED in creating lasting solutions to our community’s greatest challenges. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley congratulatesVictory House of Lehigh Valleyfor its 40th year Anniversary.
Victory House remains at the forefront of offering shelter and assistance to transitional males in the Lehigh Valley. Their comprehensive services encompass emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, healthcare and supportive services, guiding and empowering residents in their journey toward independent living.
Moreover, Victory House serves as an internship site for several esteemed colleges and universities, including Cedar Crest College, Desales University, Penn State University and others. Notably, they are the exclusive Department of Veterans Affairs contracted Service Intensive Transitional Housing program in the Lehigh Valley, underscoring their commitment to supporting those in need.
For over three decades, since 1985, Victory House has been dedicated to helping our homeless neighbors succeed. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to recognize and thank Victory House for their decades of partnership, compassion and commitment to improving lives in our community. Here’s to continuing this impactful work—together.
Downtown Allentown Alliance Announces Partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Allentown, PA, April 2, 2025 —The Downtown Allentown Alliance (DAA), a new organization formed to build on the tremendous success downtown Allentown has achieved over the past decade, announced today its new partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The DAA, which officially launched in 2025, is dedicated to strategically increasing activation and engagement, retail variety and support, clean and safe streets, recognition of diverse cultures and positive public perception of downtown Allentown. The DAA works to meet its goals for continuously improving downtown Allentown through community input, public and private funding and, effective immediately, a new partnership with United Way.
“United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is the perfect partner to help launch our new organization,” said Sen. Nick Miller, who helps lead the DAA Steering Committee. “United Way’s expertise in leadership development, donation management, grant writing and much more will accelerate the startup of DAA and provide invaluable guidance and support until DAA becomes fully independent.”
“Thriving downtowns sit at the heart of thriving communities. At United Way, we’re honored and excited to play a role in developing the new Downtown Allentown Alliance with many outstanding public and private partners. By providing strategic guidance, we look forward to building on the foundation of a vibrant district for businesses, residents and visitors for many years to come,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way.
Last year, the DAA Steering Committee, including Sen. Miller and the Allentown Economic Development Corp., partnered with Public Sphere Projects, a national planning consultant, to develop a comprehensive strategy to cohesively manage and boost Downtown Allentown’s many assets. Using public input from surveys and events, retailer market analysis and stakeholder focus groups, the firm recommended DAA focus on four strategic pillars:
Enhance Engagement & Vibrancy
Inspire Loyalty & Advocacy
Curate a Dynamic Retail Landscape
Celebrate and Elevate Cultural Heritage
To learn more about the DAA, sign up to receive email updates here.
In response to a devastating fire that tore through the Hotel Lafayette in Easton on March 22, displacing more than 40 individuals from their homes, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and local partners have established an emergency relief fund to provide urgent assistance to those affected.
The fire was contained to a single room on the fifth floor, however, extensive water damage spread to the second, third and fourth floors. As a result, 36 units were affected, with 12 units in need of significant repairs. American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter is partnering with Greater Shiloh Church Chapel in South Easton to operate a shelter for those affected by the fire, offering three meals a day and a place to stay until residents find safe housing. Safe Harbor Easton is also providing support to those displaced. The Red Cross shelter will remain open until all displaced residents have alternate housing accommodations.
The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief to the impacted residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including shelter, food, and emergency supplies. Now, United Way will work with partners to provide long-term assistance, with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.
“This tragic fire has displaced dozens of people who are now faced with the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “The strength of our partners and community lies in our ability to come together quickly and support those in crisis. Every donation to this relief fund will provide vital resources and a path forward for those impacted.”
Donations can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Hotel Lafayette Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “REBUILD” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.
Resurrected Community Development Corporation (RCDC), a United Way grant recipient, is a nonprofit organization serving Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley. RCDC provides a variety of education programs for school-aged children. Its flagship programs include the Resurrected Life Children’s Academy, a state-licensed early childhood education facility, and Freedom Schools, a six-week summer literacy initiative in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund.
With support from United Way, RCDC launched the ABLE Program (Amistad Institute for Black Liberation and Leadership), engaging over 100 parents and caregivers in civic education, community engagement and leadership training through a racial equity lens.
Looking ahead, RCDC is embarking on a historic $7.5 million renovation of its Old Allentown campus, scheduled to begin this year, in addition to continuing operations at its newly renovated downtown location. Learn more at https://rcdclv.org/.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley honor Dual Temp Company Inc., Vince and Michelle Sorgi, Slate Belt Angels, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and Lee and Dolly Butz with awards for their exceptional commitment to creating meaningful impact across the region. Awards will be presented at United Way’s Celebration of Caring on Thursday, April 10, 2025, as part of an evening dedicated to honoring donors, volunteers and partners united in building a stronger, healthier and more thriving community.
“Celebration of Caring is about honoring the extraordinary dedication of our donors, volunteers and partners who are deeply committed to building a stronger, healthier community,” remarked Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “Their compassion and collaborative spirit have helped create real and lasting impact for tens of thousands of people across the Lehigh Valley.”
Presented by Crayola, this event honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact through the annual United Way campaign chaired by Chris Martin of Martin Guitar.
Dual Temp Company Inc. will receive United Way’s highest honor, the PPL LIVE UNITED Award, recognizing their long-standing leadership as a partner in United Way’s Cornerstone Society—a generous and deeply committed group of partners contributing $100,000 or more annually to strengthen the community—and through impactful workplace giving campaigns. Innovative programs such as their “100 Cool Acts of Kindness” initiative with United Way’s Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley resulted in increased safety and comfort for seniors in their homes. Additionally, Dual Temp continuously supports United Way through event sponsorships, creating engagement opportunities for donors and partners, and by participating in Day of Caring with dozens of volunteers year after year.
“Dual Temp’s commitment to our community goes far beyond financial support. They are true changemakers who combine generosity with innovative service,” remarked Paul Hurd, Chief Philanthropy Officer at United Way. “Their impact extends beyond financial contributions, creating real change through hands-on service and strategic partnerships.”
The following awardees will also be honored during Celebration of Caring:
Vince and Michelle Sorgi – Campaign Chair’s Award Presented to partners who demonstrate leadership and innovation during United Way’s campaign and an ability to increase awareness throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Slate Belt Angels – Community Builder Award Presented to an organization that supports United Way in its community-building efforts, encourages cooperation, contributes talent and resources to further partnerships, creates common ground and perseveres in the face of challenges.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival – Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award Presented by Air Products, this award recognizes a nonprofit that demonstrates exceptional community leadership, resource stewardship, volunteer engagement and strategic impact in the Lehigh Valley.
Lee and Dolly Butz – Lifetime Achievement Award This award honors individuals demonstrating a lifetime of philanthropic leadership and inspiring service to the Lehigh Valley community.
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:
Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc. Gold sponsor –PPL Corp. Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross; Just Born Quality Confections Pearl sponsors – Alvin H. Butz, Inc., Fulton Bank; Quadrant Capital Friends of United Way – Equinox Benefits Consulting; Moravian University In-kind contributors – ASR Media; Rich Mar Florist; Social T. Marketing & PR; Working Dog Press
Community members are invited to join United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Campaign Chair Chris Martin and Martin Guitar as we recognize the collective impact of the community. The evening will be filled with gratitude, music and community in celebration of the collective effort to build a better Lehigh Valley. Registration is $60 and required. Visit unitedwayglv.org/UWCelebrates or email [email protected] to register or call 610-807-5708 with questions.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe in partnerships that transform lives and create lasting change. As a new United Way partner, NicNac Charities’ dedication to sustainability, innovation and veteran support reflects our commitment to community stability and well-being.
NicNac Charities sources pallets of surplus goods from Fortune 500 companies and redirects them where they are needed most. Whether it’s providing theater students with repurposed spray paint for set designs or distributing warm clothing to families during the winter, NicNac ensures that valuable resources don’t go to waste but instead serve the community.
Beyond meeting material needs, NicNac Charities is driving impact through critical research efforts aimed at veteran suicide prevention. By developing an AI-powered referral network, they are working to bridge gaps in mental health support. Their initiative equips nonprofits with mobile devices to collect minimal but essential data, connecting veterans to critical resources efficiently. This technology empowers organizations, including United Way-supported programs, to better serve veterans in need.
With a simple ZIP code entry, this network will help caseworkers, 811 agents and reintegration officers quickly identify and connect veterans to trusted NGOs and local services—ensuring no veteran falls through the cracks.
Together, we are expanding access to essential resources and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. We’re excited to see the continued impact of NicNac Charities throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley held an art-making event for caregivers and individuals living with Dementia last month. It was designed as a space for creative expression, connection and joy. The event proved to be a meaningful and engaging experience for those who attended. An intimate gathering, the attendees were able to connect and receive hands-on guidance.
The session began with a mini gallery walk, setting the stage for inspiration and creative exploration. This was followed by an art-making session led by teaching artist Cindy Rodriguez, who guided participants through a collage-making activity. The attending couple, who are avid cruisers, created sea-inspired collages, reflecting their cherished travel memories.
The attendees shared that they had a wonderful time, appreciating the opportunity to engage in art together in a relaxed and supportive setting. Their positive feedback reinforces the importance of creative programming for caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Moving forward, insights from the attendance survey will be used to refine outreach and accessibility efforts.
Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley remains committed to fostering inclusive, enriching experiences and looks forward to hosting more opportunities for creative engagement.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley proudly presented a $20,000 check to Battle Borne as a part of the United for Veterans’ Mental Health Grant initiative. This grant supports programs and organizations dedicated to improving mental health resources for veterans. This funding will assist Battle Borne in expanding its reach into Carbon County and its rural areas to build out key initiatives including promoting mental health and resilience and ensuring that veterans, first responders and their families in these underserved communities receive the support they need to reintegrate successfully into civilian life.
“Together we rise’ is not just a catchy motto, it’s what we believe,” shared Chris Yarnell, Battle Borne President & Founder. “Our team would like to personally thank United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley for visiting our Veterans Resource Center and for affording us this amazing opportunity. It is truly an honor for us to be one of the five veteran non-profits awarded a grant to extend our mental health services to a new area. We are excited about the partnerships we have already developed in Carbon County and are looking forward to serving the veteran community.”
Battle Borne held their monthly Military Share Food Distribution Program at their Veterans Resource Center last month in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Nearly 70 families were given 10lbs of produce in addition to dairy and meat. Volunteers show up every month to donate their time to support those in need.
“I served in the Army from December 1985 to 1996, and now I work for Amazon, where we have a Warriors affinity group for those who have served. Through them, I learned about Battle Borne and have been volunteering for about eight months. I like helping fellow Veterans in need. With the economic challenges of the last couple of years, many Vets are in a tough spot, and that’s why I want to help my Brothers and Sisters in arms,” shared Vet and Battle Borne Volunteer, Samantha Reith.
We are excited to see the positive impact this grant will have on veterans, first responders and their families. United Way is proud to support such a dedicated organization, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and watching the growth of Battle Borne as they expand their services to even more veterans in need.
