News

Hundreds of Students Celebrate Christmas Early at the Fifth Annual Lehigh Valley Labor Council Toy Drive

December 23, 2024
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
  • 2024 TeenWorks Toy Drive at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown
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    United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is United for KIDS, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and included during the holiday season. Santa brought holiday cheer once again to Roosevelt Elementary School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District, with a festive parade of vehicles, gifts and special guests during the fifth annual Lehigh Valley Labor Council Toy Drive.

    On Friday, December 20, Santa’s helpers, including Capital Blue Cross, local labor unions and dedicated volunteers, gathered at United Auto Workers Local 677 on Mack Blvd in Allentown to prepare his “sleighs.” These sleighs included a Teamsters Local 773 trailer, a UA Local 677 trailer, a fire engine and a LANta bus—all brimming with gifts for Roosevelt’s students. The festive caravan made its way to the school, greeted by excited students and surprise visitors like Santa himself (played by Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk), IronPigs’ mascot FeRROUS and other beloved characters.

    As part of Santa’s visit, he made a heartfelt stop at Roosevelt’s Autistic Support (AS) class, where the students received personalized gifts from their wish lists. These presents were provided by TeenWorks™, a United Way affinity group that champions youth-led community service projects.

    The collaboration of partners like the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, TeenWorks™ and United Way showcases the power of a UNITED community coming together to bring joy to children and families during this special time of year.

    TeenWorks is made up of a diverse group of local middle 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. 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 Roosevelt for the past seven years. TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross entered into this unique relationship over twenty years ago and have produced significant results.

    Special thanks to Lehigh Valley Labor Council for their deep commitment to Roosevelt and the groups who provided donations/financial support for this year’s toy drive: UAW 677, Teamsters 773, Laborers 158, Laborers 1174, AFSCME, Workers United, AEA, Operating Engineers 542, Allentown Firefighters, Allentown Police Department, Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office, ATU 956, LANTA, Mack Trucks, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, Capital Blue Cross,  IATSE 200, SEIU 668, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Communities in Schools, United Way TeenWorks, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lehigh Valley Print Center, USW, among others.

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    “I’m especially proud to support an organization that creates real change.”

    December 17, 2024
    Lisa Grenier - Tocqueville Society Member

    As the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Just Born Quality Confections and a recent addition to the Lehigh Valley community, Lisa Grenier has brought decades of passion and commitment to United Way. Having lived in six states over the past 30 years, Lisa has consistently supported United Way’s mission as a financial donor and volunteer, witnessing firsthand the organization’s transformative impact on communities nationwide.

    “No matter where I’ve lived, United Way has always been there, addressing critical needs like homelessness, food insecurity and mental health,” Lisa shared. “The challenges may vary by location, but United Way’s approach to creating lasting change remains constant.”

    Since moving to Hellertown in March 2023, Lisa has joined the Tocqueville Society, continuing her long-standing tradition of giving back. Her belief in United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s collective impact model aligns with her deep personal commitment to tackling significant challenges head-on.

    In addition to her professional and philanthropic contributions, Lisa is a proud parent of two daughters. Her eldest is a critical care pediatrician and new mother residing in Chapel Hill, NC. Meanwhile, her younger daughter recently moved to Philadelphia after working at an animal hospital in North Carolina.

    “I’m especially proud to support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Lisa added. “It’s an honor to be part of an organization that creates real change and addresses the most pressing needs of our neighbors.”

    News

    Crayola Donates $100,000 to United Way Nonprofit Partners

    December 16, 2024
    Crayola Donates $100,000 to United Way Nonprofit Partners

    Easton, Pa – Crayola is kicking off the holiday season by celebrating our community. Twenty Crayola employees who contributed to the Company’s United Way campaign were selected to gift a $5,000 grant to the United Way nonprofit partner of their choice during the 5th annual Crayola United Way $100,000 Challenge.  Established in 2019, the $100,000 Challenge was designed to encourage giving while supporting the communities where Crayolians work and reside. The employees and agencies were invited to a celebration to receive the contribution and share information about their organization’s mission.

    Employees were selected by participating in the 2024 Crayola United Way Campaign, which raised over $1 million. The following United Way nonprofit partners were in attendance and received grant checks:

    • Ascend Counseling Services, Inc.
    • Bethlehem Area Public Library
    • Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center
    • Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley
    • Cay Galgon Life House
    • Laughing at my Nightmare, Inc.
    • Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley
    • Moravian University
    • Shanthi Project
    • Slater Family Network Foundation
    • Summit Hill Heritage Center
    • The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties,
    • The Children’s Home of Easton
    • The Foundation for Easton Area School District
    • Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
    • Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley

    “It is with much appreciation that I choose to allocate this gift to Moravian University, an institution that means so much to me and my family,” said Jen Johnson, a Crayola employee.  “As a parent, one of my greatest hopes has always been for my daughter to have the opportunity to pursue an education that empowers her to achieve her dreams and create a better future. Thanks to Moravian University’s generous scholarship fund, my daughter has had the chance to become the first in our family to attend college, and for that, I am deeply thankful. The Moravian Scholarship fund does not just offer financial support— it is truly a gateway to opportunity. It provides students the chance to experience a world-class education, to grow as an individual, and to join a community that values learning, diversity, and service.”

    “A strong community is imperative to the success of our business,” said Pete Ruggiero, Crayola President & CEO. “Before we can help parents and educators raise creativity alive kids, we must first help them meet their basic needs. Through the generosity of Crayolians and our long-standing partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we’re able to help thousands of students and families prepare for future success.”

    “At United Way, one of our passions is connecting people to the causes they care about, and we can attest to the effectiveness of each organization receiving grants today. Thank you so much to the leadership and employees at Crayola for this bold, creative and fun way to inspire people to raise their hands, get involved and create an impact together,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

    To support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, visit www.unitedwayglv.org.

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    Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference: Informing, Inspiring, and Driving Action

    December 11, 2024

    The Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference, held on November 20, 2024, at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, gathered 110 passionate attendees dedicated to fostering a livable community for all ages. Hosted by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, the event centered on the theme Inform, Inspire and Take Action, showcasing the collaborative efforts driving healthy aging initiatives across the region.

    The conference featured dynamic presentations by distinguished speakers. Mike Watson, Director of Livable Communities at AARP, shared his expertise on building age-friendly communities and emphasized the importance of creating environments where people of all ages can thrive. Watson’s work with AARP’s nationwide initiatives has brought critical resources, tools and support to communities striving to enhance livability for older adults.

    Joetta, a 4-time Olympian and renowned impact speaker, captivated the audience with her motivational message. Drawing from her book, Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success, she challenged attendees to “Show Up And Show Out” for themselves and their communities. Her energy and passion left a lasting impression, inspiring participants to embrace challenges and strive for greatness in their personal and professional lives.

    The conference also welcomed Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, who brought his extensive experience in human services to the discussion. Secretary Kavulich touched on the importance of supporting older adults in maintaining their independence, thriving with dignity and contributing to the vibrancy of their communities. He reinforced the critical role of local aging networks in driving meaningful change for Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million older adults.

    In addition to the inspiring presentations, attendees engaged in a group activity designed to foster connection and collaboration. The activity underscored the importance of community partnerships in creating actionable solutions for the challenges faced by older adults.

    The Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference was a celebration of the progress being made and a call to further action. By coming together, attendees demonstrated their commitment to creating a region that values and supports its aging population. This event served as a reminder that building a healthy and livable community is a shared responsibility—and an achievable goal when we’re UNITED for the greater good.

  • Featured speaker Mike Watson speaking at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
    Featured speaker Mike Watson, Director of Livable Communities, AARP
  • Featured speaker Joetta speaking at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
    Featured speaker Joetta, 4-time Olympian Impact Speaker
  • United Way's Carmen Bell and special guests at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • United Way's Erika Newhard speaking at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Male attendee participating in the group activity at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Attendees participating in the group activity at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Wide shot of all attendees at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Female attendee speaking during the group activity at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • Female attendee participating in the group activity at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • United Way Staff at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
  • United Way's CEO Marci Lesko with an attendee at the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference
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    The Bach Choir of Bethlehem: Preserving a Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations

    December 10, 2024
    Bach choir of Bethlehem

    The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, a new United Way partner, is the oldest American Bach choir, giving the first complete American performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 1900 and Christmas Oratorio in 1901.

    Since its founding in 1898, the now-famous Choir has been attracting thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond to the annual Bethlehem Bach Festival in Pennsylvania. The 115 dedicated volunteer singers of The Bach Choir, performing with the Bach Festival Orchestra and distinguished soloists, have received international acclaim. Programming includes 40 concerts and educational programs per year for an audience of more than 22,000. The Bel Canto Youth Chorus is The Bach Choir’s youth choir educational program under the direction of Director Kelly Rocchi. Through Bel Canto and other educational programs, The Bach Choir is training the next generation of choral singers and cultivating a life-long passion for the choral arts. Learn more at bach.org.

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    SELF! Supports Women Reentering the Lehigh Valley

    December 09, 2024

    SELF! is a nonprofit based in Allentown that is dedicated to supporting women after incarceration and other traumatic circumstances. The nonprofit offers resources, guidance, and a safe space for women to rebuild their lives and self reliance. With help from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, SELF! is working tirelessly to ensure that no woman is left behind.

    SELF! stands for “strongly embracing life’s future,” and its mission is clear: no human life is disposable. SELF! offers a stable living environment through its Allentown-based transitional housing, where women receive a wide range of supportive services, from job assistance to family reunification.

    SELF! is a nonprofit based in Allentown that is dedicated to supporting women after incarceration and other traumatic circumstances.

    “Our approach is to address the whole person,” said the co-founder of SELF! “Whether it’s providing social services, connecting with family, or securing a stable income, we want these women to know they’re supported every step of the way. We want them to feel empowered and valued because they’re an important part of our community.”

    SELF!’s work is far-reaching, covering everything from basic needs to long-term stability. With the support of the FRJE grant, SELF! has been able to expand its programs, including:

    • Case Management Services: Upon release, SELF! connects women with a retired public assistance worker who assists them in securing essential benefits such as food stamps, medical assistance, and mental health services. This ensures their immediate needs are met, laying a foundation for long-term success.
    • Journal Writing Workshops: SELF! also offers workshops to help women process their thoughts and emotions. Run by a former Allentown School District teacher, these sessions have revealed instances of illiteracy and provided opportunities to teach women reading and writing skills.
    • Community Engagement and Education: The nonprofit actively participates in community events and partnerships. SELF! joins forces with organizations like Unidos and Operation Address the Homeless to extend its reach. These collaborations help ensure women have access to necessary resources and opportunities to give back to the community.

    SELF!’s annual event is the Angel Tree Program, which provides holiday gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated. This community-driven event seeks to ensure children feel valued and loved, giving them a joyful, festive experience that many might otherwise miss. Each child receives a bag of presents, along with a message from their parent, helping maintain that essential bond between parent and child.

    With the support of the FRJE grant, SELF! can continue its mission of providing vital reentry services to women and creating pathways to stable, successful futures. SELF!’s commitment to education, empowerment and community collaboration exemplifies the impact that focused reentry services can have on individuals and their families. 

    “When someone is incarcerated, it’s not just them who are impacted—it’s their whole family. We’re here to support that transition, one step at a time.”

    SELF! is a testament to what’s possible when communities unite to uplift and empower one another. Through partnerships and programs like the FRJE grant, United Way and its community partners invest in a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

    United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:

    Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.

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    Salvaggio Academy Elevates Learning as a United Way Community School

    November 15, 2024

    Salvaggio Academy, a private elementary school founded and funded by CAI and the Salvaggio family, today announced its designation as a United Way Community School, a collaborative network of over 30 academic institutions.

    With Salvaggio Academy’s comprehensive approach to education, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley recognized that the school meets and exceeds its qualifying criteria. The Community School model has a track record of enhancing academic growth, ensuring students’ and families’ basic needs are met, increasing engagement and attendance and fostering a positive school culture. Beyond these standards, Salvaggio Academy was chosen for its extracurricular programs and community partnerships that enhance the student experience. This aligns with the Community Schools initiative, which is rooted in the belief that kids’ academic success and social well-being is significantly influenced by external factors.

    As a Community School, Salvaggio Academy will leverage its network connections to generate new and improved benefits for those in the surrounding area, including:

    • Barrier-free Access to Resources: Health services, counseling sessions and social support to both students and families, ensuring that everyone can thrive academically and personally.
    • Enrichment Programs: A variety of programs aimed at enhancing students’ educational experiences from after-school activities to summer learning courses.
    • Parent Engagement: Workshops and activities designed for parents to become more thoroughly involved in their children’s academics for stronger support structures

    “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a United Way Community School,” said Jessica Devlin, director of education at Salvaggio Academy. “This designation reflects our commitment to supporting not just our students, but also their families and the village it takes to offer the next generation with a thriving academic foundation. Together, we are building bridges and empowering everyone to achieve greater success.”

     “Welcoming Salvaggio Academy as the first school of its kind in our Community School network is a significant milestone,” said Marci Lesko, chief executive officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to innovation and excellence in education. We are excited about the opportunities we’ll create for the Academy’s students and families.”

    In addition to this designation, CAI and United Way launched the CAI United Fund to support student success, furthering Salvaggio Academy’s mission by providing additional resources to improve academic outcomes.

    For more information about Salvaggio Academy, enrollment and its programs, visit https://www.salvaggioacademy.org/

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    Building Community: Tocqueville Society Families Give Back Together

    November 05, 2024
  • Mother and daughter volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • Group of volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • 4 Tocqueville Society members volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • Family of volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • A young volunteer in a teal "Volunteer" shirt uses a rubber mallet to assemble furniture at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, with another child watching closely.
  • Family of 4 volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • Volunteer assembles a structure inside the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • Three volunteers assemble a structure inside the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
  • Four volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown pour white paint into trays, preparing for a painting project.
    • View the full gallery

    Over 30 of our dedicated Tocqueville Society donors and their families came together for a meaningful day of community service on October 26. Designed for families with children aged 6 and up, the day offered a unique chance to give back while spending quality time together.

    Volunteers supported the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown by “Scrubbing the Club” and organizing the Teen Center, while others helped transform the Talk Read Sing spaces at Bethlehem’s Early Learning Resource Center, building furniture, cleaning and adding vibrant wall decals.

    Tocqueville Make a Difference Day was a wonderful opportunity for families to experience firsthand the impact of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley partners and the importance of their work in our community. Together, they fostered connection, helped strengthen our United Way network and made meaningful impact at our local nonprofits. Thank you to everyone who participated for making a difference with us.

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    Promoting Health, Dignity and Equity: Meet Maternity Care Coalition

    November 04, 2024
    Maternity Care Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting maternal and child health.
    Maternity Care Coalition logo

    United Way’s nonprofit partners stand UNITED, working to address our community’s greatest challenges. We are proud to announce our new partner, Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), a community-driven nonprofit organization with a legacy of over 40 years dedicated to maternal and child health.

    Serving communities in Pennsylvania and Delaware, MCC is on a mission to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, parenting families and young children, especially those impacted by racial and social inequities. MCC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women and parenting families and enhance school readiness for children 0—3. They achieve this through direct service, advocacy, and research, in collaboration with individuals, families, providers, and communities.

    MCC envisions a future where parents impacted by racial and social inequities can birth with dignity, parent with autonomy and raise babies who are healthy, growing and thriving. We are proud to welcome MCC as a partner and look forward to working together to promote maternal and child health in our communities.

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    Vet Beds Empowers Veterans with Housing and Support Services

    November 01, 2024
    Vet Beds provides veterans with housing, life skills and support, helping them rebuild their lives and find stability

    Veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life, often including a lack of stable housing and support systems. Vet Beds, a nonprofit organization based in the Lehigh Valley, is working to change that. With the support of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, Vet Beds provides independent living and supportive services for veterans through rapid rehousing and case management, helping them transition to permanent housing.

    The organization is committed to providing veterans with the tools and resources to regain independence and stability. Through a 12-month program, veterans receive life skills training, including financial literacy, job placement assistance and family reunification support. By collaborating with local businesses like Walmart and B. Braun, Vet Beds helps veterans find employment, allowing them to rebuild their lives.

    Vet Beds representative serving food at an event

    “Our goal is to provide a stable living environment for veterans while offering the life skills and support they need to achieve permanent housing,” said Brandon Yarber, CEO of Vet Beds. “We assess their needs, provide referrals and cover their expenses until they’re able to stand on their own.”

    The FRJE grant has been instrumental in helping Vet Beds expand its programs and reach more veterans in need. The grant enabled Vet Beds to walk in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City, where the organization raised awareness of its mission by distributing flyers, shirts, and hats. This event allowed Vet Beds to connect with new partners and supporters, further expanding its reach and impact.

    Another critical initiative supported by the grant is its Thanksgiving Meal Program, during which 13 turkeys were provided, and over 125 people were fed. The organization also hosted a coat drive in collaboration with B. Braun, which distributed over 120 coats, scarves and gloves to veterans and others in need during the cold winter months.

    Running a nonprofit comes with challenges, particularly when balancing the organization’s mission with financial sustainability. The FRJE grant provided much-needed relief, allowing the organization to cover expenses that would otherwise come out of pocket. 

    “The grant allowed us to continue our work without the stress of wondering how we’d pay for a next meal or next coat,” said Brandon Yarber, CEO of Vet Beds.

    Looking ahead, Vet Beds plans to expand its services, including launching a jacket drive for children in need. The organization also focuses on developing a Veterans Leadership Program, where veterans who have completed the program can serve on the board and help guide future initiatives. The nonprofit aims to expand from a 12-month program to a three-year process.

    Vet Beds representative standing at his informational table at an event

    Yarber has a personal connection to the struggles that veterans face, having grown up in a household with a father who was a Korean War veteran. 

    “My dad never talked about the war, but his experiences shaped who he was. He didn’t have access to the resources Vet Beds provides, and I want to make sure that today’s veterans don’t face the same challenges he did,” said Yarber.

    Through initiatives like the FRJE grant, the United Way and its partners support organizations like Vet Beds and invest in countless veterans’ futures. By providing housing, life skills, and community support, Vet Beds empowers veterans to rebuild their lives and find lasting stability.

    The United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:

    Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.