News

Lehigh County’s COVID-19 Relief Nonprofit Block Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

September 01, 2022

Lehigh County, PA – Applications are now available for Lehigh County’s COVID-19 Relief Nonprofit Block Grant Program. In partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV), and through funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Lehigh County will be administering funding to all eligible nonprofit organizations that apply. Applications are open until September 30, 2022.

All eligible applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of Lehigh County Administration, the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners and UWGLV. This committee will then make application recommendations to the County Executive who will bring the final recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners will consider each application for approval or denial.

“The funding from this program can benefit Lehigh County residents in so many ways, and I encourage all nonprofits who are eligible to apply to do so. The full and staggering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming known, and it is thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan that we are able to lend a hand and make a personal difference for our residents as we all rebuild and recover,” said Lehigh County Executive Phillips M. Armstrong.

General Guidelines for Nonprofits:
Financial assistance is available in the form of grant funding to help eligible nonprofit organizations respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Funding priorities include, but are not limited to, providing services to Lehigh County residents that:

  • Provide assistance for food access (grocery shopping resources, pantry resources or other meal delivery services).
  • Reduce social isolation for all ages through virtual programming, resources to provide connectivity and equipment, and training to build skills.
  • Provide assistance to bridge the digital divide in grades PreK-12 through training, connectivity and equipment.
  • Provide resources to assist with added maintenance requirements brought on by COVID-19, such as additional PPE, sanitizing and disinfecting requirements in order to operate safely and in accordance with mandated guidelines.
  • Provides assistance to create an environment that can be safely experienced by Lehigh County residents due to requirements brought on by COVID-19, i.e., social distancing, masks, etc.
  • Provide resources to people experiencing homelessness or supporting housing and homeless prevention.
  • Provide positive youth development, social emotional and mentoring services, support at home learning materials and virtual tutorials, purchase of curriculum for in person or online digital platforms with summer learning. These services can be provided either virtually or in person.

Funds can be used to cover operating costs.

“For over 100 years, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has invested in solutions that make life better for people in our community. Today, more than 50% of our neighbors are just one paycheck or one emergency away from hunger or homelessness, and this grant opportunity will provide support for more programs to ensure that community need is met,” said Carmen Bell, Director, Healthy Aging at UWGLV.

All nonprofits must:

  • Report on the number served and how served, and the impact on the community.
  • Identify the community need and how the service will mitigate that need.
  • Provide non-aggregated data that clearly identifies the demographics of those served.

All grant expenditures must be directly related to COVID-19. Expenses can be charged from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. All COVID-19 grant funds MUST be spent by December 31, 2024.

The full application and a complete list of program guidelines can be found at unitedwayglv.org or on the Lehigh County website at lehighcounty.org.

News

St. Luke’s University Health Network and Just Born Quality Confections Dedicate Buddy Bench to United Way Community School Leaders

August 31, 2022

On Tuesday, Eric Fontanez and Cesar Cordova were celebrated for their commitment to the Marvine Elementary School community with a dedication of a buddy bench in their honor by St. Luke’s University Health Network and Just Born Quality Confections, Marvine Community School partners.

Eric, outgoing principal, and Cesar, outgoing Community School Coordinator, collaboratively built Marvine’s community school initiative that greatly impacted the students, families and staff. Both will remain a part of Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) with Eric as the Supervisor of Equity Initiatives with BASD and Cesar as a physical education teacher at Liberty High School.

The buddy bench will help make Marvine a more welcoming and engaging place for students and their families.

This dedication is part of St. Luke’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. In 1872, as the Lehigh Valley’s first hospital, St. Luke’s began providing local access to health care in the Bethlehem community. As part of these celebrations, St. Luke’s will be awarding Marvine, Donegan and Fountain Hill Elementary Schools, along with the Boys and Girls Club, special grants as these partner schools and nonprofits are working every day to make a positive impact in our community.

Photo Credit: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and St. Luke’s University Health Network

MARVINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BENCH DEDICATION

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PPL Foundation and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Announce Be a Housing Hero Campaign

August 25, 2022
The initiative, funded by the PPL Foundation, seeks to raise awareness and funds to support housing insecurity prevention and intervention.

Allentown, PA – Today, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) and PPL Corporation (PPL), along with representatives from Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV) and the City of Allentown, announced an initiative to increase awareness and funding around the region’s growing housing crisis. The event, held at Sixth Street Shelter in Allentown, officially kicked off Be a Housing Hero with PPL Foundation and United Way as an added initiative to United Way’s 2022 campaign.

PPL Corporation and UWGLV believe that a strong, resilient and united community can address the area’s housing crisis and invest in prevention and intervention solutions. In support of the PPL Corporation’s United Way campaign, the PPL Foundation has committed up to $500,000 this year through a matching program for all new or increased campaign contributions. The funds will go directly to United Way’s work in the community to aid neighbors and families experiencing housing insecurity.

“PPL Foundation’s pledge of up to $500,000 will provide support for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity right here in the communities we serve,” stated Vince Sorgi, President and Chief Executive Officer of PPL Corporation and co-chair of the 2022 UWGLV campaign. “By partnering with United Way, we know that these funds will be invested into organizations like Sixth Street Shelter and others in the community whose missions align with addressing housing insecurity through prevention and intervention.”

Sorgi, along with his wife, Michelle and fellow co-chairs, Ashley and Joe Russo, are committed to investing in United Way solutions to combat the growing housing insecurity felt by so many.

“At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that through a united approach, we can truly make a difference,” said David Lewis, president of UWGLV. “I am grateful to the PPL Foundation and for Vince, Michelle, Ashley, and Joe’s leadership and passionate commitment toward this growing need.”

Between now and March 31, 2023, the community is encouraged to Be a Housing Hero and make a donation to the campaign by texting HOUSE to 40403. Additionally, PPL Foundation’s gift will apply to all new or increased participation in corporate campaigns or online donations made to unitedwayglv.org/housinghero.

“Many people in the Greater Lehigh Valley are only one paycheck or emergency away from hunger or homelessness,” reported Dawn Godshall, executive director, CALV. “Through the PPL Foundation’s commitment, Community Action’s Sixth Street Shelter, with vital assistance from United Way, can invest in more solutions to help the ever-growing need in our area.”

The housing crisis in our community has increased due to many factors, including the past two years’ health and economic crises. The Lehigh Valley’s most recent homeless reports depict a 36% increase in people experiencing homelessness in the region since 2020, including 50% more families with children and almost twice as many veterans. 122,000 families (or 44%) are also currently experiencing serious financial instability and are forced to make difficult decisions daily, such as whether to buy groceries or pay rent.

“There is no doubt that the nationwide housing crisis is being felt right here in our communities,” said Sorgi. “With thousands of people at risk of homelessness or eviction, PPL Foundation is honored to help those impacted by this situation.”

Additional information about UWGLV can be found at unitedwayglv.org.

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

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Tocqueville Society Members tour James Lawson Freedom School to experience the lasting impact of the summer learning program

August 05, 2022
Last month, Tocqueville Society members had the unique opportunity to tour the James Lawson Freedom School campus at Christ Lutheran Church in Allentown.

Last month, Tocqueville Society members had the unique opportunity to tour the James Lawson Freedom School campus at Christ Lutheran Church in Allentown.

Established and led by Resurrected Community Development Corporation and in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund, the James Lawson Freedom School empowers school-aged children and young adults to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves and in their families, communities, country and world with hope, education and action.

Attendees participated in Harambee, which means “let’s pull together” in Swahili, with the scholars, putting everyone in a positive mindset. The teachers, known as Servant Leaders, led everyone on classroom tours and gave them a behind-the-scenes look on how they implement integrated reading curriculum on a daily basis. The energy was palpable, and Tocqueville Society members left feeling encouraged and inspired.

Rev. Dr. Gregory James Edwards, Senior Pastor of Resurrected Life Community Church UCC and President of the Resurrected Community Development Corporation spoke to the group, sharing “you can’t fall in love with reading until you fall in love with yourself. And that’s what we’re here to do for these scholars.”

Through culturally relevant literacy programming, 77% of participating students maintained or increased their reading skills in 2021. Thanks to funding secured by U.S. Representative Susan Wild, all four of the James Lawson Freedom School campuses grew to reach even more students throughout Allentown and Easton this summer.

2022 TOCQUEVILLE IMPACT IN ACTION TOUR

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“United Way reinforced my understanding of collective impact – the difference made when organizations work together within our communities.”

August 04, 2022

Members of United Way’s Tocqueville Society are deeply committed to giving back through their leadership and service.

Ed and Marika Harakel know that good things happen when people committed to change lean in and take action. 11 years ago, Ed joined fellow PPL employees for United Way’s Day of Caring, working to rehab some rooms at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown.

“That initial experience with United Way reinforced my understanding of collective impact – the difference made when organizations work together within our communities.”

He has remained connected to the community, from being a United Way team captain at PPL to helping recruit and grow the Emerging Leaders to over 100 members. Ed was hooked and shares his enthusiasm for philanthropy with his wife, Marika, a dental hygienist.

Together, they have committed to Tocqueville because they value the positive change and results that occur when leaders come together.

The Harakels reside in New Ringgold with their two children, Mason (10) and Hunter (7).

News

Teenworks Awarded the Community Leader – Organization Award at Celebrating Excellence Awards

August 02, 2022

TeenWorksTM an affinity group of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, was awarded the Community Leader – Organization Award for 2020 at the Celebrating Excellence Awards presented by the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).

Since 2005, PSEA’s Celebrating Excellence Awards Dinner honors winners of the PSEA Adler Friend of Education Award and the PSEA Human and Civil Rights Awards.

PSEA hosts the dinner each year to provide a special opportunity to recognize individuals, local associations and organizations going the extra mile for our schools and communities. This annual celebration has not been held since 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Pictured are members of the TeenWorks Board, who made the trip to Gettysburg, as well as officers of the PSEA.

Additional awards recipients:

Human and Civil Rights Awards

  • Educational Leader Award – Sue Mulvey – Crawford Central Education Association
  • Student Leader Award – Maeve Yanes
  • Community Leader Award – Organization – TeenWorks
  • Community Leader Award – Individual – Gisele Fetterman
  • Adler Friend of Education Award – Jay Costa, Pennsylvania State Senator
  • Presidential Award – Marylou Stefanko
Maeve Yanes, Teen Chair of TeenWorks and Anne Radakovits, Adult Chair of TeenWorks accepted the award on behalf of TeenWorks.

News

Lehigh Valley Reads Nationally Recognized for Advancing Early School Success

July 28, 2022
Building Home Libraries Initiative and Online Preschool program awarded for community’s contributions by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

Allentown, PA – The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) recently announced that Lehigh Valley Reads received Pacesetter Honors for its work in 2021-22 to ensure more students are ready for kindergarten and more families have access to diverse books at home.

“Lehigh Valley Reads is honored to be recognized again nationally for the work we are doing that directly impacts children and families,” said Angela Zanelli, Campaign Director for Lehigh Valley Reads. “With the amount of good work going on across the nation, we are humbled that The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has seen our progress and hope to continue to build our infrastructure and sustainability to continue to make change.”

CGLR is a collaborative effort by funders, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and active citizenship.

“Our focus is on finding the bright spots and silver linings that highlight how dozens of states are working to advance early school success and accelerate equitable learning recovery,” says Ralph Smith, managing director of CGLR. “We applaud the civic leaders and local funders whose time, talent, energy and imagination have fueled progress in these Pacesetter Communities.”

Each year, the CGLR uses its Pacesetter Honors to highlight communities across the United States that exemplify extraordinary vision and best practices for their work on key indicators of early school success. This month, CGLR awarded Lehigh Valley Reads with Pacesetter Honors in two categories: implementation of an online preschool option and their Home Libraries Initiative.

Lehigh Valley Reads, powered by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Public Media, partnered with Waterford.org to provide 125 children access to Waterford Upstart PreK program last year. Despite the pandemic, the results showed an overwhelming success, with 93% of students enrolled entering school on the first day ready for kindergarten. Waterford Upstart is an in-home, early education program that prepares 4-year-old children for kindergarten. The program provides positive parent-child interactions while delivering personalized, online instruction 15 minutes a day, five days a week.

“This may have been a small pilot, but it was a mighty one,” stated Angela. “Nearly all of the students who participated in the program entered kindergarten ready to learn this year. We believe this program could be one additional tool in our toolbox when it comes to ensuring that all our children are ready for kindergarten.”

Lehigh Valley Reads’ Building Home Libraries Initiative was created during the height of pandemic when schools transitioned to virtual learning. In response to the state of the community, and the world, Lehigh Valley Reads prioritized providing books to students that reflect diverse beliefs, cultures and lifestyles so that all students could see themselves in the books they read, as well as learn about others. The initiative has continued to expand since its introduction in 2020 and has distributed more than 7,500 books across the region.

Lehigh Valley Reads is a regional literacy campaign committed to ensuring that all Lehigh Valley students read on grade level by the end of third grade by 2025. Third grade is the pivotal moment when children transition from learning how to read, to reading to learn, and it is the most important predictor of high school graduation and future life success.

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About Lehigh Valley Public Media™
Lehigh Valley Public Media is home to PBS39, WLVR News, and various community initiatives. We are the regional leader in the publicly funded, non-profit media space and serve a vibrant and growing economic region through a dedication to local, unbiased journalism, primary and secondary education, workforce development and health and wellness. PBS39 broadcasts four additional channels of content: PBS39 Extra, WORLD, Create TV and France 24. Lehigh Valley Public Media is licensed in Allentown to the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. For more information, visit PBS39.org.

About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Launched in 2010, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a collaborative effort of funders, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation to ensure that many more children from low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and active citizenship. Since its launch, CGLR has grown to include more than 300 communities, representing 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two provinces in Canada — with 5,000+ local organizations and 510 state and local funders (including 200+ United Ways). To learn more, visit gradelevelreading.net and follow the movement on Twitter @readingby3rd.

News

UWGLV New Staff Announcements

July 18, 2022

Jacky Guadalupe joined the UWGLV Admin Support Team at the beginning of June. Jacky comes to us most recently from MassMutual where she supported a team of 20 financial professionals as a New Business Coordinator. Jacky holds an Early Childhood Certificate from LCTI.

Nicole D’Andrea joined the UWGLV Admin Support Team at the end of June. The majority of Nicole’s career has been with The Meet Group where she worked her way up and across the organization from administrative roles to sales support and advertising team support. More recently she gained experience as an administrative assistant with a law firm. 

News

Greater Easton Development Partnership Debuts New West Ward Market in June

July 13, 2022

Easton, PA – Neighbors in Easton’s West Ward have a new place to shop for fresh produce, baked goods and meals this summer.

The Easton Market District adds a third market to the mix — the West Ward Market. The outdoor street market will debuted June 1 and runs 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays (June-September) on 12th Street near Paxinosa Elementary School. It complements the existing Market District properties — Easton Farmers’ Market, America’s oldest, continuous open-air farmers’ market; and Easton Public Market, a year-round indoor market and gathering space.

“This market will help nourish the neighborhood and we’re excited that its debut coincides with the 270th anniversary of Easton Farmers’ Market,” says Megan McBride, director – Easton Market District. “The West Ward Market will offer fruits and veggies, baked goods, prepared foods and more – with many items that reflect the rich international food cultures of West Ward residents.”

Adding an outdoor, walkable market in the West Ward was a frequent mention during community meetings run by the West Ward Community Initiative (WWCI), a program of Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP).

“We have heard countless times from the neighborhood of their want for better access to fresh foods and grocery items. We expect that the weekly market will unify the community and become a gathering place for neighbors to find fresh food, activities and cultural events each week,” says Amy Boccadoro, manager-WWCI. “We also hope this market becomes a business incubator for West Ward businesses and restaurants.”

The West Ward Market got a boost thanks to a commitment from the Air Products Foundation through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to expand access to fresh, healthy food throughout the Lehigh Valley. The West Ward Market was announced in March 2022 as one of the three local initiatives being supported by this investment.

“We are grateful to the Air Products Foundation and United Way for their support in helping to kick this off,” says Jared Mast, executive director-GEDP. “This really is a community-driven effort and we couldn’t do it without the support from our community partners.”

Vendors
This season, the market welcomes vendors offering local fruits and veggies, bread and pastries, pickled veggies, olive oil, meat, eggs, prepared meals, cut flowers and dog treats. 

  • Bizzle’s Bites (all natural, healthy dog treats)
  • Jersey Pickles (pickles, olives and pickled veggies)
  • Kellyn Foundation (locally-grown and international fruits and veggies, whole grains, and Medicine Meals featuring local growing partners; Easton Urban Farm, Lafayette College’s LaFarm, The Seed Farm, Scholl Orchards and more)
  • Krakus Polish Deli (pierogi, kielbasa, soups, chrusciki, cabbage & noodles, cabbage stew, babka, poppyseed roll and more)
  • Made by Lino (sourdough breads, croissants, cookies, pastries, muesli, Dominican-inspired baked goods, james and salsas, vegan options)
  • Mediterra (organic, unfiltered extra virgin olive oil from Tunisia, balsamic vinegar, Mediterranean spices, rubs and condiments, olive wood crafts)
  • Mercantile Outpost (cut flowers and plants)
  • Untamed Ferments (naturally probiotic beverages, including; kombucha, switchel, root beer, carbonated lemonade, kvass and nitro tea)
  • Windy Springs Farm (a vast selection fruits and veggies, pasture raised beef, roaster chickens, eggs, cut flowers, jarred products and more)
  • Zekraft (seasonal soups, salads and desserts as a pop-up vendor)

Like the other markets in the Easton Market District, the West Ward Market accepts EBT, as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for qualifying purchases at all West Ward vendors. Thanks to a USDA grant through Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBLGLV), the market offers LV Fresh Food Bucks, matching up to $10 per day on fruit and veggies purchased with EBT. Those enrolled in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for qualified seniors, and those in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Pennsylvania can use their vouchers at produce vendors who participate in the state’s program.

The Kellyn Foundation, whose mission is to help individuals and families prevent or reverse chronic disease states, also provides a little assistance to eat healthier. The Eat Real Food Mobile Market offers vouchers to those in need that provide 10-85% of their purchase total on a sliding scale based on household income, says Eric Ruth, co-founder and CEO of Kellyn Foundation.

“Kellyn Foundation is pleased and honored to continue our tradition of serving the West Ward with our partnership with the West Ward Market,” Ruth says. “The Eat Real Food Mobile Market will continue to carry produce from local farms, including LaFarm and the Easton Urban Farm, along with many other local farmers and regional distributors. Kellyn also offers Chef Amanda’s Lifestyle Medicine Meals, a healthy and very tasty plant forward alternative to the regular take-out meal options.”

Events
The West Ward Market is designed to be a gathering place for the community, and will feature music and events throughout the season. Each week visitors can take part in healthy eating activities for kiddos provided by the Easton/Phillipsburg Branch of the Greater Valley YMCA and enjoy activities at weekly community tents. Shoppers can also join bike rides with Community Bike Works at 4 p.m. each week. Easton Cycle will also offer pop-up cycling classes throughout the season.

Easton Garden Works’ weekly booth will feature food and farm activities, like flower crown making and scavenger hunts for kids, as well as pickling kits and seed starting workshops for adults. On the third Wednesday of each month — dubbed ‘Wacky Wednesday’— the YMCA will also provide zany activities for all ages. 

Sponsors for the 2022 season include: Air Products Foundation through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

About the Easton Market District
The Easton Market District comprises the following programs of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership: Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM), America’s longest continuously-running open-air market; Easton Public Market (EPM), a year-round, indoor market; and the West Ward Market, an outdoor street market that features produce and prepared foods. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. For more information, visit eastonpartnership.org.

Photos courtesy of West Ward Market.

WEST WARD MARKET IN EASTON, PA

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News

“We feel secure knowing United Way programming is smart, responsible, and best serves the needs of our community.”

July 13, 2022

The Tocqueville Society of United Way is an alliance of over 300 successful business and philanthropic leaders who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Seasoned Tocqueville donors, Virginia and Tim Oskin, recently spoke about their personal reasons for giving back through United Way.

An active volunteer and Women United cabinet member, Virginia has seen the important work done by our United Way. When they looked closely at their annual giving, she and her husband Tim, a physician at St. Luke’s, discovered they were already generously supporting community needs but in a haphazard way, donating at events or to causes they supported through volunteering.

As Virginia notes, “United Way offers us a simpler way to give, ensuring our donation makes the most impact. We feel secure knowing United Way programming is smart, responsible, and best serves the needs of our community.”

The Oskins reside in Hellertown and have 2 children, Sydney (21) and Maclaine (19).