Local Impact
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United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley supporters help to improve the lives of well over 200,000 people in our community every year.
Support Beyond the Classroom: Helping Students Thrive Through Community Schools
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we know that thriving students are the foundation of thriving communities. But for many families, barriers like mental health, physical challenges or inconsistent access to support can make that path harder.
United Way Community Schools are designed to help. With a full-time coordinator in each building, Community Schools connect students and families to resources like after-school programs, food, clothing and mental health care, removing the obstacles that stand in the way of learning.
For Nahla, a fourth-grader at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton, mornings used to bring a sense of dread. Her anxiety made walking into a classroom full of unfamiliar faces overwhelming. She missed school often, but things began to shift with help from the school’s United Way-supported resources. With patience and encouragement, Nahla began easing into her days, one step at a time.
Across the region at Panther Valley Elementary in Nesquehoning, third-grader Arietta faced a different challenge. As a wheelchair user, inconsistent nursing coverage once kept her home for more than a month at a time. But thanks to her Community School Coordinator and caring educators, Arietta was present and engaged all year. Her mom says she’s now a social butterfly, gaining confidence and independence every day.
“When families feel supported, they put that time and effort into the school that’s providing that support,” said Dr. Paula Jones, Principal at Panther Valley. “It makes a difference with attendance. It makes a difference with academics.”
When we surround students like Nahla and Arietta with what they need to succeed, we lay the foundation for stronger communities, because when we are UNITED, we thrive. Give today.
Click here to learn more about Nahla's Story.
Finding Stability: A Mother's Journey Toward Safe, Secure Housing
When Francisca’s landlord suddenly decided to sell the home she shared with her children, she had no choice but to use her savings to pay for a hotel. What she thought would be a short-term solution quickly became unsustainable. After two months, the money was gone, and the future felt uncertain.
“I had nothing—No money, no support,” Francisca said. “I was struggling just to get my kids to school.”
Everything changed when her daughter’s school, Donegan Elementary, a United Way Community School in the Bethlehem Area School District, referred her to the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, one of five United Way Community Hubs in the region. There, Francisca found the connection and compassion she needed.
“They made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” she shared.
With support from staff and a network of trusted partners, the Hispanic Center helped Francisca apply for food assistance and Medicaid benefits, connected her to the food pantry and assisted with referrals for rental support. Within a week, she and her children had a new place to call home.
“We’re proud to be one of five United Way Community Hubs in the region,” said Hispanic Center’s Marshalena Agosto. “It allows us to do this work in a way that’s deeply rooted in trust, culture and connection.”
Francisca’s story is a powerful reminder that when families are met with care and community, they don’t just recover. They rebuild with dignity and hope, showing that UNITED, we thrive. Give today.
Click here to learn more about Francisca's story.
The Power of Community: Gary’s Journey of Healing 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.
“I’ve always been independent, but you don’t grow just by being alone. I’ve grown because I’m UNITED with others. I have a community now—a family.”
When older adults like Gary are supported emotionally, socially and spiritually, they don’t just survive, they grow. Because when we’re UNITED, we thrive. Give today.
