Category: Uncategorized

Financial, business and community leaders began three-year terms on July 1

ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 31, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation recently appointed four accomplished business and community leaders to its Board of Governors: Michael J. Fischer, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial; Michael S. Keim, president of Univest Bank and Trust Co. and chief operating officer of Univest Financial Corporation; Mark D. Myslinski, retired life sciences executive and community leader; and Brian T. Regan, director of tax services for RLB Accountants, P.C.

“Michael Fischer, Michael Keim, Mark Myslinski and Brian Regan bring an exceptional breadth of financial, executive, governance and community experience to the Foundation,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Their expertise and strong commitment to the Lehigh Valley will help guide our work as we steward charitable resources, engage donors and address important community needs.”

About Michael J. Fischer

Michael Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CAP® is president and CEO of Client 1st Financial and has more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designations. He has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table every year since 1999, earning Top of the Table recognition in many of those years.

In 2025, Fischer received the Icon Honors designation from Lehigh Valley Business, recognizing accomplished leaders over the age of 60. He was inducted into the Signator Investors, Inc. Hall of Fame in 2014, and Client 1st Financial was named National Practice of the Year in 2012 for excellence in practice management and client service.

Fischer founded the Client 1st Foundation in 2012 to support charitable organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities. He is a past president of the Board of Directors of New Bethany, Inc. and currently serves on the Board of Governors of Valley Youth House. He is also a member of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Tocqueville Society and the Kutztown Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Award for humanitarian service.

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Fischer also completed a year of undergraduate study at the University of Exeter in England and is a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

About Michael S. Keim

Michael Keim is president of Univest Bank and Trust Co. and chief operating officer of Univest Financial Corporation. He joined Univest in 2008 as senior vice president of mortgage banking and was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2013. He became president of Univest Bank and Trust Co. in 2015.

Before joining Univest, Keim worked as a consultant with a private equity firm to develop and implement a bank acquisition strategy. He previously spent 14 years with GMAC Residential, where his leadership positions included senior vice president and managing director of consumer lending, chief financial officer of GMAC Mortgage, and executive vice president and chief operating officer of GMAC Bank.

Keim serves on the Board of Directors of Lehigh Valley Public Media. His previous community service includes the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, the Board of Trustees of the Bucks County Historical Society and the Advisory Board of The City School in Philadelphia.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Temple University.

About Mark D. Myslinski

Mark Myslinski is an accomplished life sciences executive with extensive experience commercializing cancer diagnostics, building high-performing teams, securing reimbursement for new tests and guiding companies through growth and strategic change.

His career includes senior leadership positions with venture-backed startups, emerging diagnostics companies and Fortune 100 organizations. He served as senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Saladax Biomedical, chief commercial officer of KEW, interim CEO of Rapid Pathogen Screening, vice president and general manager of Hologic’s diagnostics unit, president and CEO of RedPath Integrated Pathology, and general manager of Johnson & Johnson’s Veridex.

Myslinski also co-founded StrandSmart, served as CEO of CytoVas through BioAdvance Ventures and chaired the board of PeriRx. His governance experience includes service on the Board of Directors of MDxHealth, where he chaired the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, as well as board service with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

A Moravian College alumnus, Myslinski currently serves as chairman of the Moravian College Leadership Council.

About Brian T. Regan

Brian Regan, CPA, is director of tax services for RLB Accountants, P.C. He began his accounting career in banking with MidLantic National Bank before joining KPMG Peat Marwick in 1983. After 10 years with KPMG, he purchased the middle-market practice of the firm’s Lehigh Valley office.

Regan is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley. He previously served on the boards of ESSA Bank & Trust, Saucon Mutual Insurance Company and Northampton County Meals on Wheels and has been involved with numerous other civic and community organizations. In 2020, LVCF recognized Regan with its Service to Philanthropy Award for his commitment to charitable giving and his understanding of philanthropy’s role in estate, retirement and wealth-management planning.

A graduate of the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Regan has extensive experience in industries including banking, food manufacturing and real estate development.

About the LVCF Board of Governors

The Board of Governors of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation provides administrative, programmatic and fiscal oversight in support of the organization’s mission. Board members also serve as ambassadors, promoting the Community Foundation as a vehicle for philanthropy and a leader in community improvement.

For more information about the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and its mission, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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Lehigh Valley Business recognizes Community Foundation leaders across six professional categories

Allentown, Pa., July 31, 2026 — Six members of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Governors have been named to the 2026 LVB300, a recognition presented by Lehigh Valley Business honoring influential leaders shaping the Greater Lehigh Valley’s economy and communities.

The LVCF board members recognized are Kathryn M. “Katie” Brown and Michael Fischer in Wealth Management; Jennifer L. Mann in Corporate and Business Law; Michael Keim in Banking; Kerry Wrobel in Distribution and Logistics; and Tom Groves in Insurance.

The LVB300 recognizes 300 accomplished professionals across 26 categories. Each year, the publication’s editors identify executives, innovators and community leaders driving growth and strengthening some of the region’s most important industries.

“LVCF benefits tremendously from the professional expertise, strategic insight and community commitment that these leaders bring to our Board of Governors,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Their recognition across such a broad range of fields reflects the strength and diversity of our board and the leadership they provide throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

Kathryn M. Brown | Wealth Management

Kathryn M. Brown, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, is founder and senior wealth advisor at Morton Brown Family Wealth in Allentown. With 25 years of experience, she helps individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions while aligning their resources with their values and goals. Brown has emphasized maintaining an independent, locally rooted advisory firm while building a strong team and organizational culture. She serves on LVCF’s Finance Committee.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/wealth-management/kathryn-m-brown/

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Michael Fischer | Wealth Management

Michael Fischer is founder, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, a Fogelsville-based financial advisory firm. His work focuses on personalized financial planning, legacy planning and philanthropic strategies that help families connect their financial decisions with their values and long-term goals. Through the Client 1st Foundation, a charitable fund managed by LVCF, Fischer and his team support nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/wealth-management/michael-fischer/

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Tom Groves | Insurance

Tom Groves is CEO of Equinox Benefits Consulting, A Gallagher Company. He founded the business as The Equinox Agency in 2005 and developed it into a leading employee-benefits consultancy serving Lehigh Valley employers. Following its acquisition by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in 2025, Groves remained in a leadership role with the organization. He also chairs the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/insurance/tom-groves/

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Michael Keim | Banking

Michael Keim is president of Univest Bank and Trust Co. and chief operating officer of its parent company, Univest Financial Corporation. Since joining Univest in 2008, he has held several senior leadership positions and helped guide the institution’s expansion beyond its traditional Montgomery County market into the Lehigh Valley and central Pennsylvania. Keim also chairs the board of Lehigh Valley Public Media.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/banking/michael-keim/

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Jennifer L. Mann | Corporate and Business Law

Jennifer L. Mann is president of JL Mann Consulting, LLC, where she works at the intersection of government, business and strategy. She helps clients navigate regulations, build relationships, secure support and position their organizations for growth. Mann previously represented the Lehigh Valley in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and made history in 2008 as the third woman elected to a leadership position in the House Democratic Caucus.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/corporate-and-business-law/jennifer-l-mann/

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Kerry Wrobel | Distribution and Logistics

Kerry Wrobel is president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Industrial Park Inc., a nonprofit economic development corporation that oversees a 2,500-acre industrial park system. During her 35-year career, she has led major commercial, industrial and residential development projects in Bethlehem, Easton and Reading. Her work includes land and building development, property management, sales and marketing, and efforts to expand the region’s supply of industrial properties for growing manufacturers.

https://lvb.com/lvb300/distribution-and-logistics/kerry-wrobel/

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The six board members join LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, who was named to the LVB300 in the Nonprofits category, bringing the total number of recognized LVCF board and executive leaders to seven.

LVCF’s Board of Governors provides administrative, programmatic and fiscal oversight in support of the Foundation’s mission. Its members also serve as ambassadors for philanthropy and help guide the Community Foundation’s work to respond to regional needs, engage donors and strengthen the Lehigh Valley’s nonprofit community.

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Lehigh Valley Business recognizes LVCF president and CEO among the region’s most influential nonprofit leaders

ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 27, 2026 — Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, has been named to the 2026 LVB300 in the Nonprofits category.

Presented by Lehigh Valley Business, the LVB300 recognizes 300 of the most accomplished and influential leaders shaping the Greater Lehigh Valley’s economy and communities. Honorees are selected by the publication’s editorial team based on sustained professional success, adaptability in the face of economic change, and commitment to their industries and communities. The 2026 honorees represent leaders across more than two dozen business and professional categories.

The Nonprofits category recognizes leaders whose organizations improve quality of life, expand opportunity and strengthen the social fabric of communities throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“I am grateful to be included among so many leaders who are working every day to strengthen the Lehigh Valley,” Petrozelli said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of LVCF’s staff, Board of Governors, donors and community partners. Our work depends on bringing people and resources together around shared priorities and creating opportunities for lasting community impact.”

Petrozelli joined LVCF in 2014 and became president and CEO in 2019. Under her leadership, the Community Foundation has grown into an approximately $140 million regional philanthropic organization that connects donors, nonprofits, professional advisors and community partners to address critical needs and expand charitable impact throughout the Lehigh Valley.

As president and CEO, Petrozelli provides strategic leadership for LVCF’s philanthropic mission, donor engagement and community-impact initiatives. She has guided the Foundation’s continued growth while strengthening partnerships across the nonprofit, philanthropic, civic and business sectors.

In its profile of Petrozelli, Lehigh Valley Business highlighted her role in helping transform LVCF from a primarily transactional grantmaking organization into a regional philanthropic leader. The profile also recognized her collaborative leadership and the Foundation’s work to respond to emerging community needs.

One example cited by the publication was the Critical Support Fund, established by LVCF and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley in 2025. The collaborative fund raised $689,000 to provide food assistance and emergency support for families affected by reductions in public benefits and growing economic pressures.

Petrozelli is a certified public accountant and holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® professional designation. Her leadership focuses on building relationships among donors, nonprofit organizations and community partners while positioning LVCF to respond effectively to the region’s immediate needs and long-term opportunities.

To read Petrozelli’s complete LVB300 profile, visit:
https://lvb.com/lvb300/nonprofits/erika-riddle-petrozelli/

Walker Fund at LVCF Continues George T. Walker’s Legacy with Annual Grants to Seven Organizations

ALLENTOWN, Pa., June 8, 2026 — The George T. Walker Charitable Fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) recently awarded $393,230 in grants to seven nonprofit organizations designated by the late George T. Walker through his charitable estate plans.

A donor-designated fund administered by LVCF, the George T. Walker Charitable Fund provides annual grants in perpetuity to organizations selected by Walker during his lifetime. Established following his passing in 2011, the Fund continues to honor his charitable vision by supporting causes that were meaningful to him and advancing the work of organizations dedicated to helping others.

Grant recipients for 2026 are:

• American Red Cross – Poconos Chapter
• Deborah Hospital Foundation
• Effort United Methodist Church
• Guiding Eyes for the Blind
• Mount Pocono United Methodist Church
• Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Corps
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

“The George T. Walker Charitable Fund demonstrates the lasting impact a donor can have through thoughtful charitable planning,” said Carrie Krug Nedick, CAP®, Director of Donors Services at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “More than a decade after the Fund was established, Mr. Walker’s generosity continues to provide meaningful support to organizations he cared about deeply. It is an honor to help ensure his wishes are carried out year after year.”

Walker worked with his professional advisors in 2005 to establish plans for his charitable legacy. Through his estate, he created a fund that would provide ongoing support to organizations he trusted to make a difference in the lives of others. Since its establishment, the George T. Walker Charitable Fund has distributed annual grants that reflect his values and commitment to helping people in need.

Nedick added, “One of the greatest strengths of a designated fund is its ability to create consistent, long-term support for nonprofit organizations. These annual grants reflect Mr. Walker’s enduring commitment to helping others and illustrate how charitable giving can continue making a difference for generations.”

Known for his humility and generosity, Walker lived in Monroe County and believed strongly in supporting organizations that provided essential services and compassionate care. Through the George T. Walker Charitable Fund, his legacy continues to strengthen the work of nonprofits and extend his impact well beyond his lifetime.

For more information, visit www.lvcfgrants.org.

Allentown, Pa. June 8, 2026— Jamie Popp recently joined the staff of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation as Program Officer, Early Childhood. Her primary responsibilities include supporting initiatives that strengthen early childhood education throughout the Lehigh Valley. Her role serves as a central connector across funders, providers, and community stakeholders, supporting initiatives that increase childcare capacity, affordability, workforce pathways, and systems effectiveness.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Jamie spent more than 15 years working alongside early childhood educators, administrators, and families in a variety of leadership and program development roles. Her experience includes overseeing state-funded early childhood programs, leading professional development initiatives, supporting family engagement efforts, and collaborating with school districts and community partners to expand access to high-quality early learning opportunities.

Jamie has presented nationally on family engagement, including at the 2024 Head Start National Conference, and is passionate about advocating for the early childhood profession and strengthening systems that support children and families. In 2023, she earned a certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Family Engagement in Education: Creating Effective Home and School Partnerships.

“Jamie brings a deep understanding of the early childhood landscape and a longstanding commitment to supporting children, families, and educators,” said Megan Barnes Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Her experience building partnerships, strengthening programs, and advancing family engagement will be invaluable as we continue working with community partners to expand access to high-quality early learning opportunities across the Lehigh Valley. We are excited to welcome Jamie to the Foundation and look forward to the leadership and insight she will bring to this important work.”

A Lehigh Valley native, Jamie earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University.

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$106,000 in general operating grants will help ten Lehigh Valley nonprofits expand access to high-quality early childhood education

Allentown, Pa., June 23, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has awarded $106,000 in general operating grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to ten nonprofit organizations working to expand access to high-quality early childhood education throughout the Lehigh Valley. The grants reflect LVCF’s continued commitment to strengthening the early childhood sector and supporting the children, families, and educators who depend on it.

“Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care is critical to the well-being of children, families, employers, and our community as a whole,” said Megan Barnes Briggs, Vice President for Community Investments at LVCF. “By providing flexible operating support, these grants help organizations respond to immediate needs while building the capacity needed to create lasting impact.”

Organizations receiving grants through LVCF’s Early Childhood Education Fund include:

• Community Services for Children, Inc.
• Greater Valley YMCA
• Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Inc.
• Northampton Community College Foundation – Northampton Community College Children’s Centers
• Pinebrook Family Answers
• ProJeCt of Easton (supported by Joyce and Lloyd Welken Fund at LVCF)
• Resurrected Community Development Corporation
• The Children’s Center, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
• Third Street Alliance
• Via of the Lehigh Valley

The grants support organizations that provide childcare, early learning opportunities, family support services, and specialized programs that help children develop the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Funding also helps strengthen the early childhood workforce, expand access to care, and address barriers that prevent families from securing reliable, affordable childcare.

“Investing in early childhood is one of the most effective ways to strengthen our community’s future,” Briggs added. “These organizations are helping children build strong foundations for lifelong success while providing essential support that allows families to work, learn, and thrive. We are proud to partner with them in this important work.”

LVCF’s early childhood investments are part of a broader strategy to improve outcomes for children and families while addressing regional challenges related to workforce participation, economic mobility, and community well-being. Through grantmaking, convening, and collaboration, the Foundation continues to support efforts that advance a stronger early childhood ecosystem throughout the Lehigh Valley.

This grant is being awarded as part of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Leadership Grantmaking and is made possible by the generosity of our fundholders who contribute to foundation-directed grantmaking.  The funds supporting the 2025-2026 Early Childhood Fund grant cycle include: 

• Edward & Inez Donley Fund
• Walter & Alma Bastian Fund
• Frances L. Barnard Fund for Children
• Janice & Paul Gross Fund
• Lucille F. Driver Fund
• Support from Anonymous 
• Support from the Peter Barter and Linda Bartera Fund 
• Support from Judith Roberts
• Support from Joyce and Lloyd Welken Fund at LVCF
• Support from Roger & Kathy Yott

For more information about LVCF’s grantmaking and community initiatives, visit www.lvcfgrants.org. To learn more about the Early Childhood Education Collaborative visit: LV Early Childhood Education Collaborative.

About the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. A leader in charitable giving in the Lehigh Valley for more than 58 years, we receive support from donors, manage funds to grow over time, and make high-impact grants to strengthen local nonprofits.

The Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds, totaling over $140 million, and we continue to grow—both in size and in the way we fulfill our mission. We are evolving to engage more deeply with partners, serve more effectively as a thought leader on community issues, and explore more innovative ways to make life better across the Lehigh Valley. To learn more, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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LVCF Honors Attorney Edward J. Lentz and the Torrey Family Fund with Philanthropy Awards

Allentown, PA, June 3, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation honored Edward J. Lentz, Esq. and the David Torrey and the Torrey Family Fund during its Board of Associates 2026 Spring Meeting and Awards Program, held Thursday, May 28, at Saucon Valley Country Club. The annual program brought together more than 80 members of LVCF’s Board of Associates, donors, professional advisors, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, community volunteers, and friends of the Foundation to celebrate philanthropy and the people who help strengthen charitable giving across the Lehigh Valley.

Edward J. Lentz, an attorney with Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C., received the 2026 Service to Philanthropy Award, which recognizes a professional advisor who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to philanthropy by helping individuals, families, and businesses use charitable giving to make a lasting difference.

The 2026 Vision in Philanthropy Award was presented to David Torrey and the Torrey Family Fund in recognition of the fund’s sustained commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations through the Community Foundation.

“Tonight is a celebration of philanthropy — not just as an act of generosity, but as a reflection of trust, partnership, and love for this community,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

Erika shared that LVCF is experiencing a remarkable period of growth and impact. The Foundation is on track for another record year of contributions, approaching $30 million, while grants are on track to exceed $10 million for the first time in its history. LVCF’s assets have grown to almost $140 million, more than 80 percent of which is endowed. “Those numbers matter,” Petrozelli said. “But what they really represent is something much deeper. They represent the generosity of this region and the people who believe that there should be a permanent source of support to meet the changing needs of our community, today and tomorrow.”

David Torrey | Vision in Philanthropy Award

David Torrey first came to LVCF through his financial advisor after maintaining a donor-advised fund on a national platform. Seeking a more personal connection to local needs, he transferred his charitable fund to LVCF and established the Torrey Family Fund. His philanthropy has supported organizations addressing homelessness, food insecurity, emergency needs, veterans, foster youth, housing, and disaster relief. “David is a proud servant of the community,” Petrozelli said. “His philanthropy is thoughtful, consistent, and deeply compassionate. He gives where help is most needed, and he does so with care.”

In accepting the award, Torrey spoke about his appreciation for LVCF’s local knowledge and its ability to help donors respond to needs both locally and beyond the region. “I find that the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has a good knowledge of local charities,” Torrey said. “What I like about the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation is that you can give locally, as well as internationally.”

Torrey also used his remarks to highlight causes close to his heart, including housing, disaster relief, homelessness, and foster youth. He encouraged attendees to consider practical ways to help young people in foster care, including donating suitcases and backpacks so children do not have to carry belongings in trash bags.

Edward J. Lentz, Esq. | Service to Philanthropy Award

Edward J. Lentz, Esq. was recognized for his longstanding leadership as a professional advisor and his partnership with LVCF. A former member of LVCF’s Board of Governors, Lentz has helped clients incorporate charitable giving into estate, retirement, and wealth management planning, creating opportunities for meaningful charitable impact throughout the region.

“We at LVCF have been so fortunate to work with Ed over the years,” Petrozelli said. “He has been both an advisor to his clients and a trusted partner to LVCF.”

Joseph Bubba, Esq., Lentz’s colleague and partner at Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, introduced Lentz and praised his professional excellence, attention to detail, and nearly 50 years of service to clients and the community. “Ed has a simple mantra that he passes on to all attorneys, both old and new,” Buba said. “If you want to be good at what you do, you do not need to have an exotic model for success. You simply need to do the basic things in the right way.”

In accepting the award, Lentz thanked his colleagues, family, and the Community Foundation, noting the significance of receiving the recognition at this point in his career. “To receive this award at this time means a lot to me,” Lentz said. “It especially means a lot because I’ve seen the Foundation grow from kind of a sleepy Bethlehem foundation to a dynamic organization with $140 million of assets under management.”

The event was sponsored by PNC Bank, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, Charlie and Ruth Marcon, and David and Carol Osborn.

About the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. A leader in charitable giving in the Lehigh Valley for more than 50 years, LVCF receives support from donors, manages funds to grow over time, and makes high-impact grants to strengthen local nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.lvcfoundation.org.

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Contact:

Michael Wilson, Director of Communications
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
840 West Hamilton Street, Suite 310
Allentown, PA 18101

Cell: 484-695-3277
michael@lvcfoundation.org

Good Neighbor Fund Supports Energy Assistance with $200,000 in Grants to Nonprofits

Allentown, Pa., May 20, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) and the PPL Foundation announced the recipients of Good Neighbor Fund grants for 2026, awarding a total of nearly $200,000 to nonprofit organizations working to help households across eastern and central Pennsylvania manage rising home energy costs.

The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, will support community-based organizations that provide direct utility assistance to families and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Funding may be used to assist with electricity, heating fuel, oil, and other essential home energy expenses.

Funded by the PPL Foundation, the Good Neighbor Fund helps addressthe increasing burden of utility costs on households throughout PPL Electric Utilities’ service territory. Through partnerships with trusted nonprofit organizations already serving their communities, the program helps ensure support reaches households quickly and efficiently.

“Families across our region continue to face difficult financial decisions as energy and household costs remain high,” said Megan Barnes Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “These grants strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits that are already deeply connected to their communities and able to respond quickly when households need support the most.”

Community organizations play a critical role in helping neighbors maintain safe and stable housing. By investing in organizations with established utility assistance programs, the Good Neighbor Fund helps deliver meaningful relief to households while reinforcing the importance of local partnerships in addressing urgent community needs.

Organizations receiving 2026 Good Neighbor Fund grants include:

• Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.
• Eastern PA Trans Equity Project
• Berks Family Promise
• Family Promise of the Poconos
• Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley
• Lehigh Conference of Churches
• New Bethany
• ProJeCt of Easton, Inc
• Raising the House
• Safe Monroe
• Salvation Army East Stroudsburg
• The Open Link
• Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
• Turning Point Lehigh Valley
• Union-Snyder Community Action Agency
• Valley Youth House

The Good Neighbor Fund supports nonprofit organizations with existing utility assistance programs serving communities throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. Grant funding helps households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level maintain access to essential utilities and avoid housing instability.

For more information about the Good Neighbor Fund and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

Lehigh Valley Early Childhood Education Collaborative Announces 2026 Week of the Young Child Events

Lehigh Valley, Pa. April 10, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Early Childhood Education Collaborative (ECEC) will hold a number of local events in celebration of the 2026 Week of the Young Child, a national initiative recognizing the importance of early learning, young children, their families, and educators. This year’s celebration is especially significant, marking the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the 55th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child.

Throughout the week, ECEC will host a series of engaging, community-centered events designed to celebrate early childhood educators, connect families, and highlight the critical role of childcare in strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.

Family Parade & Celebration
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Sigal Museum & Easton Farmers Market

Families are invited to kick off the celebration with a lively morning of creativity and fun. The Family Parade & Celebration will feature hands-on activities, music, storytelling, and a parade walk through the Easton Farmers Market and Public Market. Children will have the opportunity to create their own instruments and banners as part of the festivities. This free event is open to the public, with parent or guardian accompaniment required.

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Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Event
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
DeSales University

In recognition of the vital contributions of early childhood educators, ECEC will host a special evening celebration honoring those who shape the lives of young children every day. The invite-only event will include a dinner program and recognition ceremony. Admission is free for invited guests, with registration required. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.

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2026 State of Early Childhood Education in the Lehigh Valley: Childcare as Economic Infrastructure
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Bethlehem

Closing out the week, ECEC will convene regional leaders for a focused breakfast conversation examining childcare as a workforce and economic imperative. Designed for elected officials, employers, and community stakeholders, this session will explore how access to affordable, high-quality childcare impacts talent recruitment, retention, and regional economic growth.

The program will feature brief presentations and a moderated panel discussion with leaders from early childhood education, business, public policy, and economic development. Attendees will gain updates on local initiatives, learn about employer tools and incentives, and leave with actionable strategies to expand childcare access across the Lehigh Valley. A light breakfast will be provided. The event is free, with registration required.

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A Community Investment in the Future

“The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to celebrate not only our youngest learners, but also the educators, families, and systems that support them,” said Megan Barnes Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Investing in early childhood education is essential to building a strong workforce, thriving families, and a resilient regional economy,” noted Megan who is a member of the ECEC.

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative is committed to ensuring that all families in the Lehigh Valley have access to high-quality, affordable childcare. By bringing together partners across sectors, the Collaborative works to advance solutions that support children, families, and employers alike.

About the Early Childhood Education Collaborative
The Early Childhood Education Collaborative, convened by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, brings together partners representing early childhood advocates, providers, businesses, and community stakeholders. The Collaborative works to strengthen the early childhood sector and improve outcomes for children and families across the Lehigh Valley.

Learn more at: www.lvearlyedcollaborative.org

About the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation connects donors with causes that matter, managing more than 300 charitable funds totaling over $130 million. For more than 58 years, the Foundation has supported high-impact initiatives that strengthen nonprofits and improve quality of life across the region.

Thank you Sponsors

Support for these events was made possible through a grant from PNC, with additional sponsorship provided by Crayola Experience, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Just Born Quality Confections, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park (LVIP), Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and Zoellner Arts Center.

For more information, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org

Media Contact:
Michael Wilson, Director of Communications
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
484-695-3277
michael@lvcfoundation.org

Critical Support Fund Delivers Immediate Food and Crisis Relief Across the Greater Lehigh Valley

Nearly 100 donors and partners committed over $689,000 to address urgent food access and emergency needs.

Families across the Greater Lehigh Valley received immediate food and emergency relief through the Critical Support Fund, a joint effort of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. Launched in October 2025 to address urgent community needs, the fund raised more than $689,000, allowing partners to act quickly and deliver direct support to thousands of neighbors facing food insecurity and other critical challenges.

“Because of the generosity of our partners, we were able to move at the speed of need to respond at the scale this moment required,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “The Critical Support Fund allowed us to act immediately, coordinate across systems and ensure families had access to food, heat and essential supports during a critical time. This is what collaboration looks like when a community comes together around urgent need.”

“Community foundations play a critical role in mobilizing philanthropy when urgent needs arise,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Through the Critical Support Fund, donors and partners were able to move resources quickly to organizations already serving families on the front lines of food insecurity and economic hardship. This collaboration shows how philanthropy and community partnerships can work together to respond quickly and effectively when our neighbors need support most.”

To meet needs, the organizations worked in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley. Funding supported bulk purchases totaling 775,995 pounds of food, serving 25,762 households per month across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Purchases filled shelves at more than 100 food pantries with produce, dry goods, cereal, rice, beans and shelf-stable items, along with fresh proteins and essential staples. This level of food purchasing rapidly expanded the ability to source supplies in the region, where approximately 66,000 pounds of food were distributed in September and October prior to the fund’s launch. Bulk food purchases began in early November and continued through February, ensuring food access for families throughout the winter months.

In addition to food distribution, funds have been invested in warming shelter operations in Easton, including a $15,000 investment to support Safe Harbor, as well as food delivery and alternative food access options for individuals who are unable to reach food pantries, utility assistance for working families struggling to afford basic needs and after-school program food access.

This work was driven by a network of food providers, formed in early October, when the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley convened over a dozen food pantry and food bank leaders to strategically share information and resources to get through the crisis. They also partnered with Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and North Penn Legal Services to host a webinar in November focused on changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The session supported nonprofit partners in helping community members maintain access to SNAP, with a second session currently being planned.

Additional Critical Support Fund investments were issued in early 2026 to support specific populations and emergency needs. These included $30,000 in grants to organizations serving people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and LGBTQ residents with partners including the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living Inc., Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, Lehigh Valley Friends Meeting and Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley. An additional $120,000 was distributed to support utility assistance for households with oil heat through grants to The Salvation Army in Bethlehem and Allentown and the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, Inc.

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