One in three seniors lack companionship while one in four report loneliness.
Older adults who participate in senior center programs can delay the onset of chronic illnesses and improve their physical, mental, social, spiritual, emotional and economic well-being. Strong social connections, in particular, are linked to better overall health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
However, many older adults in the Lehigh Valley face barriers to accessing essential services and resources. Community hubs serve as gathering places where seniors can connect, engage and access support systems that improve their quality of life.
These easily accessible hubs offer tailored programming, including healthy meals, social activities and essential services. Staff provide guidance and assistance, helping older adults navigate health care, financial aid and other vital resources.
United Way has established 11 Community Hubs to further enhance seniors’ well-being by offering food assistance, health care services and community-driven programs that foster connection and long-term wellness:
Casa Guadalupe Center
218 N. 2nd Street, Allentown
610-435-9902
Easton Area Neighborhood Center
902 Philadelphia Rd, Easton
610-253-4253
Greater Valley YMCA, Slate Belt Branch
315 W. Pennsylvania Ave, Penn Argyl
610-881-4470
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley
520 E 4th Street, Bethlehem
610-868-7800
Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder Senior Center
995 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe
570-325-4980
Lehighton Senior Center
243 S. 8th St, Lehighton
610-337-0633
Lehigh Valley Active Life
1633 W Elm Street, Allentown
610-437-3700
Palmerton Senior Center
501 Delaware Ave, Palmerton
610-826-4505
Panther Valley Senior Center
90 E. Catawissa St, Nesquehoning
570-669-9930
Slate Belt Senior Center
707 American Bangor Rd, Bangor
610-588-1224
Weatherly Senior Center
335 3rd St, Weatherly
570-427-8175
This approach is centered in a commitment to a community hub model and place-based investments in areas with the highest concentration of older adults.
The Power of Community at a United Way Community Hub
After losing his wife of more than 60 years, Gary found himself alone for the first time in decades. A lifelong social worker and community leader, he was used to offering support, not needing it.
“I knew I needed help. But not just help—I needed connection,” he shared.
That connection came through Lehigh Valley Active Life in Allentown, one of five United Way Community Hubs across the region. Gary first came for a grief support group. What he found was a welcoming place where he could heal, reconnect and rediscover all he still had to offer.
“Here, older adults aren’t just participants,” said Rick Dougherty, Executive Director at Lehigh Valley Active Life. “They’re leaders, teachers and community builders.”
United Way Community Hubs are trusted, accessible spaces designed for older adults to stay active, independent and engaged. By connecting to healthy food, healthcare and social support, participants can delay the onset of chronic illness and improve their physical, emotional and financial well-being. Last year, more than 6,700 older adults received services like meals and housing support through United Way Community Hubs.
Today, Gary teaches wellness classes in the very place he found community. He’s drawing again, slow dancing and embracing a life filled with purpose. When older adults like Gary are supported emotionally, socially and spiritually, they don’t just survive, they grow.
“The staff and members make me feel like family. Because of the ‘Y’, I’m mobile again.”
Franchesca
Slate Belt Resident
Older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they feel respected, are connected to each other and have access to resources.
Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley supports those living with dementia and their caregivers through social interaction and early diagnosis.
Empower yourself or your loved ones with free tools and resources to stay connected to our community in a meaningful way.
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