News

United Way Day of Caring Mobilizes 2,300 Volunteers on Thursday, September 19

September 05, 2024

WHAT:
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will celebrate its 31st Day of Caring, presented by Crayola, with approximately 2,300 energetic volunteers completing community service projects at dozens of nonprofits throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties.

WHERE:
Various nonprofit locations in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton

WHEN:
Thursday, September 19, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Times vary by location)
Media is invited to join us for all or part of the day.

EVENT DETAILS:
Approximately 1,500 local employees and 95 area nonprofits will be joined by 800 Moravian University students on Thursday, September 19 as they volunteer their time during United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 31st Day of Caring, presented by Crayola. In partnership with the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, Day of Caring is the community’s largest, single day volunteer effort and the public kick-off of United Way’s 2024 campaign.

Participants from 54 area businesses will complete more than 90 service projects throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties. United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko and 2024 Campaign Chair Chris Martin of Martin Guitar will join volunteers throughout the region as they renovate rooms at local Community Schools, stock and organize food pantries and beautify outdoor spaces.

Day of Caring’s presenting sponsor is Crayola with additional support from Platinum Sponsor JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Silver Sponsors Air Products and Capital Blue Cross; Bronze Sponsors AAA East Central, B. Braun Medical Inc., Buckeye Partners LP, Highmark Blue Shield, Just Born Quality Confections and KingSpry Law; Pearl Sponsor Amazon Fulfillment and in-kind contributors ASR Media Productions, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Niagara Bottling Co. and Uline.

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.         Martin Guitar
Location: Hellertown Historical Society
Address: 150 W. Walnut Street Hellertown, PA
Project Description: Landscaping and yardwork

10:00 – 10:45 p.m.     PPL
Location: Wildlands Conversancy
Address: 5653 Old Bethlehem Pike Bethlehem
Project Description: Planting 300 trees

11:05 – 12:00 p.m.     Crayola
Location: Children’s Home of Easton
Address: 2000 S 25th Street Easton, PA
Project Description: Planting flower beds

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.          Air Products
Location: Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Address: 720 N. 6th Street Allentown, PA
Project Description: Reorganizing storage spaces, painting and cleaning

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.          Just Born Quality Confections
Location: Allentown Branch of River Crossing YMCA
Address: 425 South 15th Street Allentown, PA
Project Description: Organizing the children’s library and garden clean-up

Additional photo and video opportunities are available. To schedule, please contact Laura McHugh at 610-504-9452.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit our Day of Caring page.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley partners with Carbon County to administer funds for rent relief

September 03, 2024

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announces partnership with Carbon County to administer Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds to eligible households in need of assistance. Applications for the program are available to Carbon County renters starting September 3, 2024.

“The data tells us that up to 46% of all households in Carbon County continue to struggle to make ends meet and 34% can’t afford basic needs such as food and stable housing. We remain committed to helping people access the critical resources they need today, while working to develop the long-term solutions that will ultimately build a stronger community,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is a county-administered program that offers rental assistance and housing stability services to individuals and families experiencing or at-risk for homelessness due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to mitigate the effects of homelessness on families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This is accomplished by providing eligible families and individuals with financial assistance for rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs and other expenses related to housing.

ERAP helps Carbon County tenant households with paying rent, past-due rent balances (also known as arrears), utility and home energy costs, utility and home energy cost arrears and other expenses related to housing.

Carbon County residents can apply for themselves as tenants, or a landlord can apply on behalf of current tenant(s).

A household must be responsible to pay rent on a residential property, and:

  1. One or more people within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits, had a decrease in income, had increased household costs or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. One or more individuals in the household can show a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, AND
  3. The household has an income at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).

United Way will start accepting online applications on September 3, 2024 at unitedwayglv.org/carbon-erap. In late September, one-on-one assistance will be available by calling 2-1-1. For the fastest possible service, we recommend applying online. United Way will prioritize processing applications for households who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Households with income below 50% Average Median Income (AMI).
  • Households with a current eviction notice and/or utility shut-off notice.
  • Households with an adult who has been unemployed for 90 or more days preceding the date of application.

“We are proud to partner with Carbon County to ensure that housing support reaches those in need as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our goal is to make sure families can quickly access the assistance they deserve, securing stable homes and a brighter future,” stated Gina Nichols, Director of Family Stability, United Way.

The application link, along with eligibility criteria and other program information can be found on United Way’s website at unitedwayglv.org/carbon-erap. Any person or organization with questions related to ERAP is encouraged to contact our United Way ERAP team at [email protected].

News

United Way Women United Volunteers Refresh Boys & Girls Club of Allentown

August 27, 2024
  • Madeline Falcone, United Way
  • sign - United Way Helps Here
  • 3 Women United volunteers pose with paint rollers
  • 2 Women United volunteers pose with paint rollers
  • Women United Volunteer painting wall
  • Women United volunteer painting a wall
  • Women United member painting a wall
  • Women United member posing while painting a wall
  • Women United member smiling while painting a wall
  • Felycitie Lindsay, United Way
  • Women United members volunteer to refresh the space at the Boys & Girls Club Allentown before fall programming
  • Lisa Daugherty, Women United President
  • Felycitie Lindsay, United Way, smiling while painting

    • Did you know that 70% of the kids at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Turner Street Clubhouse are girls attending the United Way Women United funded program? Today, members of our affinity group took the morning to lend a helping hand at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown. They assisted by refreshing the Turner Street Clubhouse after their summer programing ended and before the fall programming begins.

    United Way Women United members leverage their individual strengths and collective resources to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley. These local, female philanthropic leaders are committed to forging partnerships, empowering other women to succeed and supporting meaningful programs with lasting impact.

    News

    Teens Empowering Teens: Celebrating Impact at the 2024 TeenWorks Summer Picnic

    August 22, 2024

    Teens helping teens – making a difference. Special thanks to all who joined us at our 2024 TeenWorks Annual Summer Picnic to celebrate the many ways members have made an impact throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

    An additional thanks to labor for the continued support, Capital Blue Cross for sponsoring and Zekraft for the delicious food to enjoy.

    TeenWorks is made up of a diverse group of local middle and high school students and local members of organized labor. 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 for their projects.

    • TeenWorks members and attendees at the Annual Summer Picnic
    • John Werkheiser, Chip Hurd and Shaun Marakovits at the TeenWorks Annual Summer Picnic
    • Scout speaker at TeenWorks Summer Picnic
    • United Way Board Member James Irwin and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk at the TeenWorks Summer Picnic
    • TeenWorks chair presented with a check
    • Guests at picnic tables at the TeenWorks Summer Picnic
    • 2 guests at the TeenWorks Summer Picnic
    • Another scout speaker at the TeenWorks Summer Picnic
    • Gregg Potter and guests at the TeenWorks Annual Summer Picnic
    View the Full Gallery

    News

    “I believe we all can play a role in confronting the challenges in our community.”

    August 21, 2024
    Andrew Dinka of Air products

    United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of 383 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Lehigh Valley transplant Andrew Dinka of Air Products shares how he found community and started giving back through United Way-supported programs.

     “I’ve been happy to get more involved in local volunteer work since moving to the area in 2021. I believe we all can play a role in confronting the challenges in our community. I give to United Way to help make a difference because the people who receive the care, services and love through United Way programs deserve every cent of it.”

    Andrew is a Project Manager at Air Products and has been a Tocqueville Society member since 2021. He resides in Allentown.

    News

    United Way Women United Shine Through the Rain at Stony Run Winery Gathering

    August 19, 2024
  • 4 Women United event attendees pose for the camera
  • 2 Women United event attendees
  • 3 Women United attendees smiling for the camera
  • United Way Staff at Women United event at Stony Run Winery
  • 6 Women United event attendees smiling for the camera
  • 4 Women United event attendees
  • 3 Women United attendees at a table
  • 3 Women United attendees smiling
  • Lisa Daughtery, Darlene Pors and guest at Women United Event
  • Women United attendees smiling at their table
    • VIEW THE FULL GALLERY

    Women United gathered to celebrate the summer sunshine—despite a rainy August day—at Stony Run Winery in Breinigsville. Attendees heard exciting updates about United Way Community Schools from Central Elementary STREAM Academy Principal, Rebecca Bodnar, United Way’s Jill Pereira and Women United member Marci Martinez-Howey.

    Allentown School District’s Central Elementary has transitioned to a STREAM Academy, focused on helping increase student attendance, address individual student and family needs and helping increase student academic performance.

    News

    Supporting Our Future: The Children’s Home of Easton Partners with United Way

    August 02, 2024
    The Children's Home of Easton logo

    United Way’s nonprofit partners stand UNITED, working to address our community’s greatest challenges. United Way is here to provide essential support that helps our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

    The Children’s Home of Easton is a nonprofit organization established in 1885 that provides comprehensive care through professional staff who guide, support and encourage children to believe in their own self-worth and reach their full potential. They serve dependent, neglected and traumatized children who, due to circumstances beyond their control, are unable to remain at home and/or with their family. They work with both the children and their family of origin to achieve permanency and independence.

    The Children’s Home of Easton strives to prepare each child to cope effectively with the realities of life and to become a productive member of society. Their goal is to build, strengthen and preserve every family’s full potential. They are dedicated to creating family solutions while teaching and remaining true to their four pillars: compassion, respect, integrity and perseverance.

    • The Children's Home of Easton
    • Children's Home of Easton collage of photos
    • children's home of easton picnic

    News

    CAI and United Way Launch the CAI United Fund to Support Student Success

    July 24, 2024
    graphic CAI United Fund

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 23, 2024 —CAI, a global services firm, announced today a new partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to form the CAI United Fund. The fund will invest in family and student engagement initiatives to reduce absenteeism and improve academic outcomes within the United Way Community Schools Network totaling over 19,000 students. The CAI United Fund directly aligns with two of CAI’s corporate social responsibility pillars of accessible education and helping families thrive, while also advancing United Way’s goal to increase the percentage of students ready to learn and successful in school.

    United Way Community Schools Network offers a full-time community coordinator in each school to lead the charge in addressing basic needs, promoting family engagement and building partnerships. These schools serve as a neighborhood hub, providing resources and services including:

    • Essential support with food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies
    • Connections to healthcare, housing and other critical resources
    • On-site physical, mental and behavioral health services
    • Academic engagement experiences including field trips and after-school programs
    • Workshops and activities to increase parent engagement

    “At CAI, we know the profound impact a quality education has on a child’s life and how it transcends into the fabric of our communities,” said Tom Salvaggio, president and CEO at CAI. “Partnering with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley represents a shared vision of empowering students and families in both schools and after-school programs. This collaboration is not just an investment in education; it’s a commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and building a stronger, more resilient community.”

    “CAI is a global leader dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. At United Way, we are truly honored to partner so closely with CAI’s outstanding leadership team and staff to help them achieve their corporate social responsibility goals,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Together with highly qualified partners, we will produce measurable results that expand accessible education opportunities and help more families thrive in the Greater Lehigh Valley.”

    Investments have been made for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to United Way Community Schools, Valley Youth House, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, Boys & Girls Club of Easton, Da Vinci Science Center, Mindful Child Initiative, Banana Factory, Greater Valley YMCA and James Lawson Freedom School. CAI and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will work toward ensuring that students reach their highest potential.

    To learn more about CAI’s corporate social responsibility, visit https://www.cai.io/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility

    About CAI

    CAI is a global services firm with over 8,700 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what is right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

    Learn how CAI powers the possible at www.cai.io

    News

    “I stand by United Way and its mission to support the local community, which is a central value of mine.”

    July 16, 2024
    Dr Carlos Hodges headshot

    United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of 383 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Carlos Hodges, DVM, Tocqueville Society member since 2013 and former United Way Board member, shares his personal reasons for giving back through United Way.

    “I stand by United Way and its mission to support the local community, which is a central value of mine. Its focus on education, food access, seniors and emergency preparedness aligns well with my family’s values.”

    Hodges is an owner and the Chief of Surgery at Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center and has been caring for pets in the Lehigh Valley area since 1996. He resides in Bethlehem and has 1 daughter: Raya, 20.

    News

    Community Groups Unite to Launch Hamilton Street Fire Fund to Support Displaced Families

    July 11, 2024
    GRAPHIC Hamilton Street fire fund

    Allentown, PA, July 11, 2024 – To offer rapid financial support to the families and residents affected by the July 8 fire in the 1100 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley, Community Action Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA have established the Hamilton Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners including American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, Community Action Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Conference of Churches, The Ortiz Ark Foundation, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and Valley Health Partners, among others. Special thanks to City Center Group, PPL and Truist for their early donations to the Fund and to the many donors, including City Center apartment community residents, for rallying together to help their neighbors.

    The fire destroyed or significantly damaged multiple buildings, displacing 21 residents including several children. 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, Community Action Lehigh Valley’s Sixth Street Shelter, The Salvation Army Allentown Corps and River Crossing YMCA will work with partners to provide long-term assistance with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.

    “Recognizing that many families have lost everything and cannot return home, United Way is dedicated to addressing the community’s urgent needs. This partnership with reliable Allentown organizations ensures donors that their contributions will be carefully managed and used exclusively for those impacted by the fire,” stated Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way.

    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 “Hamilton Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.

    For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.