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5 Shocking Ways United Way Lehigh Valley Is Transforming The Community In 2025

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The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) is not just a fundraising organization; it is a strategic community investor, and its 2024-2025 impact is setting a new benchmark for regional philanthropy. With a fresh wave of leadership and a laser focus on three critical pillars—Education, Healthy Aging, and Community Stability—the organization is deploying innovative solutions to tackle the Lehigh Valley's most pressing challenges. The latest reports show a monumental investment, proving that the UWGLV is the central engine driving measurable, lasting change across Lehigh and Northampton counties.

As of late 2025, the UWGLV is operating with unprecedented momentum, having recently invested over $26.7 million into the community, serving approximately 175,000 people through more than 100 programs and services. This massive financial and operational commitment underscores their dedication to creating a community where every person can belong and thrive. The following deep dive reveals the most current, impactful, and often surprising ways the United Way is changing lives right now.

The New Era: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Leadership Profile

The organization’s strategic direction is guided by a dynamic team, with a significant transition in 2024 marking a new chapter focused on bold 2030 goals for community stability and strength. This leadership ensures that every dollar invested translates into tangible, measurable results.

  • President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Marci Lesko
    • Appointment Date: Effective June 3, 2024, Marci Lesko officially took the helm as President and CEO.
    • Background: A long-time veteran of the organization, Lesko previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, making her a collaborator and facilitator with deep institutional knowledge.
    • Vision: She is instrumental in guiding the UWGLV’s strategic investments across Education, Healthy Aging, and Community Stability.
  • Board Chair: Joe Savage
    • Role: Provides governance and strategic oversight for the entire organization, ensuring mission fidelity.
  • 2025 Campaign Chairs: Mike and Diane Molewski
    • Role: Leading the critical annual fundraising efforts that fuel the UWGLV's extensive network of programs and partners throughout the Lehigh Valley.
  • Key Entities and Partners: The UWGLV collaborates with over 300 corporate partners and numerous nonprofit agencies, including the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF), TRC Companies, and educational sites like The Learning Center at Third Street Alliance.

The Three Pillars: UWGLV’s Core Investment Strategies

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) has concentrated its efforts on three core areas, recognizing them as the foundational building blocks for a strong, healthy community. Their investments are designed to create lasting, systemic change rather than temporary fixes.

1. Education: Investing in Future Success

The commitment to academic success is a cornerstone of the UWGLV’s mission. In a single year, the organization invested an astonishing $7,358,128 in educational programs, directly supporting the academic journey of over 40,454 students.

  • Early Childhood Education: Significant funding is directed toward ensuring that young children have access to high-quality care and learning, improving literacy rates and preparing them for kindergarten.
  • Community Schools Initiative: UWGLV supports a network of Community Schools, which serve as neighborhood hubs that connect students and families with essential resources, from health services to food security programs, directly within the school environment.
  • Measurable Impact: By focusing on early intervention and comprehensive support, the UWGLV is directly addressing the achievement gap and bolstering the region's future workforce.

2. Community Stability: The Critical Safety Net

Community Stability encompasses the immediate needs of residents, focusing on financial stability, housing, and food access. The UWGLV is constantly innovating to provide a robust safety net, particularly for vulnerable populations in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

  • The PA 211 Lifeline: This free, confidential service is arguably the most critical resource for immediate help. Available 24/7/365, the PA 211 helpline received 31,203 calls last year from the UWGLV service area alone. It is the primary connector for individuals experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and other crises.
  • Critical Support Fund: In partnership with the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF), the UWGLV launched a major fundraising campaign to strengthen food access and other essential services for families facing economic hardship.
  • Warming Station Coordination: For the 2024-2025 winter season, the UWGLV took the lead in sharing a vital listing of local warming station locations, ensuring that no resident is left exposed during extreme weather events.

5 Shocking Ways UWGLV is Responding to 2025’s Greatest Needs

Beyond the core pillars, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has launched several highly targeted, innovative initiatives that directly address the most urgent and complex challenges facing the community today. These fresh programs demonstrate the organization’s agility and commitment to specific, high-need demographics.

  1. Massive Investment in Mental Health:

    The UWGLV recognized the rising mental health needs across all ages. In a significant move, they announced a $250,000 investment through two new funding streams: the Youth Mental Health Innovation Grant and the United for Mental Health Fund. This funding supports programs that provide innovative solutions for the region's youth and general population.

  2. The United for Veterans' Mental Health Grant:

    A separate, specific initiative was the announcement of the 2024 United for Veterans' Mental Health Grant. This program is exclusively designed to support services and programs that directly address the unique mental health challenges faced by the Lehigh Valley's veteran population, ensuring they receive the specialized care they deserve.

  3. The "100 Cool Acts of Kindness" for Healthy Aging:

    As part of its Healthy Aging pillar, the Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley initiative launched the "100 Cool Acts of Kindness" program. This creative initiative focuses on increasing the safety and comfort of older adults, demonstrating an innovative approach to preventative care and community engagement for seniors.

  4. Record-Breaking Fundraising for Future Impact:

    The financial success of the UWGLV is staggering. Their ability to consistently raise a record-breaking amount—over $25 million in recent campaigns—ensures that the Critical Support Fund, the PA 211 service, and all partner agencies remain fully operational and poised for growth. This robust financial health is a key indicator of the community’s trust and the organization's stability.

  5. A Bold Vision for 2030:

    Instead of resting on its 2024 accomplishments, the UWGLV is looking ahead with three new and bold goals set for 2030. These long-term objectives are focused on ensuring the entire Lehigh Valley community achieves greater stability and strength, moving beyond short-term aid to focus on systemic, generational change in areas like financial stability and economic mobility.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley continues to be a powerful and essential force for good. Under the new leadership of CEO Marci Lesko and the dedicated work of its hundreds of corporate and nonprofit partners, the organization is strategically deploying its $26.7 million investment to create a more resilient, educated, and stable future for all residents of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Their focus on Education, Healthy Aging, and Community Stability, backed by innovative programs like the PA 211 lifeline and the Youth Mental Health Innovation Grant, solidifies their role as the region’s premier impact organization.

5 Shocking Ways United Way Lehigh Valley is Transforming the Community in 2025
united way lehigh valley
united way lehigh valley

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