Local Impact
United for Kids: United Way Community Schools Improve Academic Success by Promoting Social-Emotional Wellness and Attendance
Many students arrive at school carrying the invisible burden of trauma, which impacts their ability to focus, regulate emotions and engage in learning. These challenges affect children across all backgrounds and lead to struggles with attendance, behavior and academic performance.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is dedicated to removing these barriers to education so more students can graduate ready for life, career or college. Through our signature solution, United Way Community Schools, we support over 19,814 students by fostering social-emotional learning, improving student attendance and engagement, encouraging positive relationships with families and supporting behavioral health.
Sheridan Elementary School in the Allentown School District, one of 33 United Way Community Schools, recognized a significant need for social-emotional learning and introduced a skill-building program in partnership with Cohesion Network.
Cohesion Network uses their engaging curriculum to help students develop crucial social-emotional skills and manage behavioral health challenges. Their program has profoundly impacted students like Paris, Dasiel and Jeremy. The 11-year-olds initially struggled with defensive behavior and peer relationships. Now, they enthusiastically recall how Cohesion’s program helped them find new ways to cope and positively handle conflict.
Thanks to supporters like you, United Way is here to provide essential support that helps our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Give Today.
United for Families: Fostering Community Stability Through Adult Education
For adults entering or reentering the workforce, strong literacy and communication skills are essential for career advancement and economic stability. Mastering English as a second language is a significant barrier for many in our region, and overcoming it empowers individuals to achieve their goals to unlock opportunities for growth and fosters a sense of community.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley envisions communities where every person belongs and every person thrives. Together with partners like ProJeCt of Easton, Inc., we’re improving the lives of over 175,000 people in our region by building thriving families and increasing community stability. ProJeCt connects participants to vital resources and equips people with the skills and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of poverty, achieve their aspirations and promote positive change in their lives.
In the heart of our community, individuals like Ricardo from Ecuador are not just learning English, they're overcoming barriers to realize their dreams. Determined to improve his language skills, Ricardo enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at ProJeCt. With the support of dedicated teachers, he not only enhanced his communication skills but also passed the G.E.D. test. After graduation from ProJeCt where he is one of the graduation speakers, he plans to continue working on his English and pursue courses in business management.
Join us as we champion organizations like ProJeCt, empowering individuals like Ricardo to thrive and realize their potential. Together, we're United for YOU at every step of the journey. Give Today.
United for Healthy Aging: From Isolation to Connection
Margarita's vibrant personality shines today after overcoming significant hurdles. She admits that her physical, mental, social and emotional well-being suffered in the past caused by social isolation.
One in three seniors in our region lack companionship while one in four report loneliness—and with many of her family members spread across the country, Margarita was one of them. Her doctor encouraged her to become more active, and that’s when the 66-year-old Allentown resident found Casa Guadalupe Center.
Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown is one of five United Way Community Hubs that offers easily accessible gathering spaces with programming tailored to older adults. United Way Community Hubs offer connections to healthy food, health care and other resources that can increase quality of life. Participants delay the onset of chronic illnesses and improve their physical and mental health as well as their economic well-being.
Casa Guadalupe offers social activities for older adults including bingo, exercise classes and health resources like blood sugar monitoring, fall prevention tips and more. Together with Casa Guadalupe, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is here for individuals like Margarita, connecting them to resources to improve their health and quality of life.
Margarita’s favorite activities are playing dominoes and participating in Zumba classes because she loves to dance. She encourages everyone to seek out a place like Casa Guadalupe because when you’re socially isolated, your mental health declines.
Thanks to supporters like you, United Way can continue to provide vital services and programs that ensure seniors like Margarita can thrive. Give Today.
