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Lehigh Valley Celebrates “Week of the Young Child” with Events, Arts, and Educator Appreciation

Lehigh Valley, PA — The Early Childhood Education Collaborative (ECEC) is proud to announce a vibrant lineup of local events in celebration of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), taking place April 5–11, 2025, across the Lehigh Valley. This national initiative shines a spotlight on the importance of early learning and honors the educators, families, and community partners dedicated to the well-being and success of our youngest children.

In the Lehigh Valley, the week is marked by special events that highlight the community’s commitment to high-quality, accessible, and affordable childcare — a critical component for thriving families and a thriving local economy.

Week Highlights:

• Themed Days of Celebration: From “Work Together Wednesday” to “Artsy Thursday”, early childhood care centers across the region will be highlighting creative way children learn as they enjoy music, explore food and cooking, build together, create art, and celebrate their families!
• Educator Appreciation Event – April 9: A special Early Childhood Educators Appreciation Event will be held at ArtsQuest, featuring an Artist-in-Residence experience designed to celebrate and uplift the early learning community.
• Space Transformation Event – April 11: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and their Talk. Read. Sing! initiative will join members of the ECEC committee to provide a new reading space and library at the Lehigh School (1593 Lehigh Street Allentown 18103).
• Educator Spotlights & Social Media Shoutouts: Community members are encouraged to show their support by sharing why early childhood education matters to them and tagging #ecec2025, #lvecec, and #woyc25.
• Partnerships in Action: Throughout the week, collaborative efforts will showcase how local solutions are being implemented to address issues like staffing shortages, affordability, and access to early education.

The ECEC brings together childcare providers, educators, business leaders, and families to tackle the region’s childcare crisis head-on. As of late 2024, the Lehigh Valley faced 187 open childcare staff positions and over 90 classroom closures, leaving an estimated 1,655 children without access to early education. Through events like WOYC, the Collaborative aims to raise awareness and build momentum for lasting change.

Each of the region’s three mayors shared Week of the Young Child proclamations, pledging their support of the initiative. “Our children deserve the best start possible, and that begins with investing in early childhood education,” said members of the ECEC leadership team. “We invite the entire community to join us in celebrating the people and programs shaping our region’s future.”

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and is joined by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PPL, Crayola, Tuskes Homes, PennAEYC, Just Born, Victaulic, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, PNC, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and PBS39 in supporting the Week of the Young Child initiative.

Visit ececlehighvalley.org and follow @ececlehighvalley on Instagram or @ECECLV on Facebook to learn more and participate.

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Contributed Release

Allentown, Pa., March 13, 2025—Mariska van Aalst joined the staff of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation in March 2025 as Program Officer, Community Impact & Policy. Her primary responsibilities include supporting and developing the Foundation’s expanded role in government relations and advocacy work as well as managing arts programming.

Prior to joining the foundation, Mariska served as Lehigh Valley Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. and Deputy District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild. Before her roles in government, Mariska was a professional writer and editor. She spent 10 years as a magazine and book editor at Rodale, Inc., then became a nonfiction book collaborator and co-wrote eight New York Times and Washington Post bestsellers. Her work is published in over 30 languages.

Mariska is a member of the inaugural cohort of the CORE Fellowship, the Executive Team of Resilient Lehigh Valley, and Muhlenberg Board of Associates. She was a founding board member of Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus.

Originally from New Jersey, Mariska has lived in the Lehigh Valley since 1998. She received a BA in English from Schreyer Honors College at Penn State.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mariska to the Community Foundation team. Her deep understanding of government relations, policy, and community engagement—combined with her extensive experience in writing and communications—makes her an incredible asset to our organization,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.  “As we expand our role in advocacy, Mariska’s expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our impact across the region. We look forward to the meaningful contributions she will bring to our work and to the communities we serve.”

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LVCF Supports Early Childcare Access with $175,500 in Grants

Allentown, Pa., February 28, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has awarded over $175,500 in general operating grants to local nonprofits dedicated to improving early childcare access. This funding is part of LVCF’s ongoing commitment to addressing early childhood care challenges through strategic, foundation-directed community investments.

“Ensuring that families in our region have access to high-quality, affordable early childcare remains a priority for LVCF,” said Megan Briggs, Vice President for Community Investments. “We recognize that financial support alone won’t solve these challenges, so we are also working alongside community partners and the Early Childhood Education Collaborative to drive sustainable solutions.”

The following organizations have been awarded third-year grants, as part of a three-year funding cycle, with amounts ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 for the fiscal year 2024-25:

• Resurrected Community Development Corporation
• The Children’s Center, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
• Third Street Alliance

Additionally, the second grant of two-year grant awards ranging from $2,500 to $14,000 to for 2024-25 have been granted to:

• Community Services for Children
• Fine Feather Foundation Inc.
• Greater Valley YMCA
• Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Inc.
• Mindful Child Initiative
• Northampton Community College Foundation
• Pinebrook Family Answers
• ProJeCt of Easton, Inc.
• Red Door Early Learning Center
• Saucon Valley Community Center
• Via of the Lehigh Valley

Addressing Key Challenges

LVCF’s funding strategy is informed by ongoing engagement with community leaders. “Our goal is to foster a long-term, sustainable approach to early childcare access,” explained Briggs. “We’re leveraging not only financial resources but also collaboration, advocacy, and research to drive impactful change in this sector.”

LVCF’s early childcare initiatives align with broader impact areas such as workforce development, family stability, economic mobility, and health. LVCF remains dedicated to ensuring that every child in the region has access to quality early learning opportunities, recognizing the critical role these programs play in shaping a brighter future for both families and the broader community.

For more information about LVCF’s foundation-directed grantmaking: click here.

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LVCF’s Marueen Wendling Receives Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® Designation

Allentown, Pa., February 6, 2025— Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Director of Donor Initiatives Maureen Connolley Wendling, recently obtained the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® from The American College of Financial Services.

 As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), Maureen helps clients integrate philanthropy into their financial, estate, and legacy planning. She specializes in designing strategic giving plans using tools like donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and private foundations while leveraging tax-efficient strategies to maximize impact. She focuses on aligning charitable giving with my client’s values and goals, creating meaningful legacies, and collaborating with other professionals to develop cohesive plans.

Maureen joined the staff at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation in 2023. She serves as Director of Donor Initiatives with primary responsibilities that include donor identification, cultivation and solicitation; relationship building with professional advisors; and strategy development for groups of donors such as planned giving donors.

An experienced leader in the Lehigh Valley’s nonprofit sector, Maureen has a background working in higher education, the arts and social services. She brings strategic insight and a hands-on approach to each donor/client relationship. Drawing upon her knowledge of best practices, she has helped many regional organizations develop and implement key strategies to advance their missions.

Maureen is a Lehigh Valley native and finds value in giving back to the community where she grew up. She has served on the Communications Committee of Resilient Lehigh Valley and the Northampton County Suicide Task Force and the serves on the Board of Associates of Muhlenberg College.

Maureen is a mindfulness mediation teacher; she completed her teaching training at the Mindfulness Institute at Thomas Jefferson University and the Center for Mindfulness at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Maureen graduated from DeSales University with a B.S. in Marketing and Sales.

The Community Foundation now has three staff members who have achieved the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®). LVCF’s Carrie Krug Nedick, Director of Donor Services, achieved her CAP® in 2024 and President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli added the designation in 2023.

About The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) is a professional designation that is designed for financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, and other professionals who work with individuals and families in the area of charitable giving. The process of becoming a CAP typically takes around one year to complete, depending on the individual’s schedule and pace. The American College of Financial Services and other approved providers offer various study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the CAP exam.

Obtaining the CAP designation demonstrates a commitment to providing clients with the highest level of expertise and knowledge in the field of philanthropic planning, providing a comprehensive education in charitable giving strategies, tax law, and ethical issues.

The CAP credential is recognized as the premier credential for advisors in the philanthropic field, providing them with a competitive advantage and enhancing their credibility and reputation in the industry. The ongoing professional development requirements of the program can also help advisors stay current with the latest trends and regulations in philanthropy, ensuring that they can provide the best possible advice to their clients helping them achieve their philanthropic goals and make a positive impact on their communities. By providing guidance on charitable giving strategies, a CAP holder can help clients maximize the impact of their charitable contributions while also achieving their own financial and estate planning goals.

Allentown, Pa., February 5, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has joined forces with 40 other Pennsylvania community foundations to launch the PA Giving Pledge, a statewide campaign to inspire Pennsylvanians to leave at least 5% of their estates to help future generations. 

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association (PACFA), the newly announced PA Giving Pledge aims to scale Pennsylvania-focused giving with an emphasis on generating sustainable financial resources for worthy causes and nonprofits addressing a wide range of community needs across the state. 

“The PA Giving Pledge is a remarkable opportunity for Lehigh Valley residents to create a lasting legacy that will enhance the quality of life for our families, friends, and neighbors for generations to come,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation President and CEO. “Place-based philanthropy is essential to addressing the unique needs of our communities, ensuring that resources stay local and drive sustainable impact where they are needed most. By collaborating with other PACFA community foundations, we can amplify our impact and ensure meaningful change in nearly every county in the commonwealth.” 

The effort aims to tap into 5% of the estimated $418 billion transfer of wealth projected in Pennsylvania by 2030, according to estimates by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. If 5% of that $418 billion were endowed through the pledge, it would generate $21 billion to benefit Pennsylvania communities and causes forever, said PACFA president Michael L. Batchelor. 

With the launch of the PA Giving Pledge, donors and professional advisors can now access an interactive website, PAGivingPledge.org, to find their nearest community foundation and explore county-by-county data highlighting the total estimated wealth transfer by 2030. 

“The potential impact is truly transformative,” Erika said. “Here in the Lehigh Valley, if our residents committed just 5% of the projected transfer of wealth, it could mean millions in additional funding each year to support local nonprofits and vital community initiatives.” 

PACFA members will be engaging business leaders, professional advisors, and philanthropists in their communities to endorse the program and help build further momentum. 

“We’re thrilled to have the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation as a dedicated partner in advocating for the PA Giving Pledge,” Batchelor said. “Together, we have the opportunity to leave a shared legacy that will benefit Pennsylvanians for generations to come.” 

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Allentown, Pa., January 27, 2025—Kevin Greene recently joined the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Governors. Kevin is the Principal Strategist at Faces International, a full-service creative and digital marketing agency, based in Allentown, offering integrated corporate growth and business consultancy services. He serves on the Community Foundation’s Community Relations Committee.

Originally from Jamaica, Kevin’s career has taken him from New York City to Northern New Jersey and now to the Lehigh Valley, where he has established himself as a strategic leader in business development and community impact. A graduate of William Paterson University, Kevin has worked with organizations across cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and the Lehigh Valley. As Co-owner and Principal Strategist of Faces International, Kevin has helped earn the company several accolades, including the Governor’s Award, the Lehigh Valley Chamber Impact Award, and the United Way Community Award.

Kevin is deeply involved in the community and serves on several boards and committees, including the NCC Foundation (Northampton Community College Foundation), Valley Youth House, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. For over a decade, he has championed initiatives that support youth and families, reflecting his commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and stronger communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Greene to the Board of Governors,” noted Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP^®, President and CEO. “His innovative leadership, dedication to community service, and deep understanding of the Lehigh Valley’s needs make him an invaluable addition to our team. Kevin’s experience and passion for empowering others align perfectly with our mission to enhance the quality of life in our region through philanthropy.”

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Frances Sadler Award for Nursing

The Frances Sadler Award for Nursing was established at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation in appreciation of the critical work performed by nurses in the Lehigh Valley. A retired nurse, Frances Sadler knew that nurses perform extraordinary work every day. She had a desire to recognize and help support her colleagues as they begin their nursing careers.
Mrs. Sadler, a native of the Lehigh Valley, acknowledged that there’s a chronic need for trained nurses, especially in the area of women’s wellness.

As Mrs. Sadler had explained, “There have been many times when women have been unfairly treated by the medical profession. I want to see women have the health care they need for themselves, and by extension, their families. That is why the nursing award recognizes an individual who has given time and talent to improving the lives of women.”

LVCF thanks Frances Sadler and her family for generously endowing this special award that will be given to a first-year Lehigh Valley nurse who has experience with caring for the well-being of women, a demonstrated financial need, and a strong academic record.

The Application for the 2024 Frances Sadler Award for Nursing (now closed)

Individuals meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Working in the Lehigh Valley region as a nurse, for example in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office;
• Graduated from a four-year accredited college or university in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing;
• In first year of employment (began nursing employment after January 1, 2023);
• Has volunteer, rotation, or work experience at a center, clinic, or department for women’s well-being and care;
• Preference will be given to applicants with a strong academic record and financial need.

The 2024-25 Grant Cycle

• Application Opens: October 9, 2024
• Application Deadline: November 10, 2024
• Award Recipient Announced: December 2024

Please contact: Maureen Connolley Wendling, Director of Donor Initiatives at maureen@lvcfoundation.org

About the Frances Sadler Award for Nursing Fund

Allentown, Pa., December 9, 2024—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced the recipients of the Good Neighbor Fund grants. This program, designed to address the growing energy cost burdens faced by households in eastern and central Pennsylvania, awarded a total of $195,000 to fourteen nonprofit organizations. The grants will enable these nonprofit community-based organizations to provide direct financial assistance to families struggling with home energy costs, including electricity, fuel, oil, and even wood pellets.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $22,500 have been awarded to nonprofits serving 29 counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania. These grants, aimed at organizations with existing utility assistance programs, will provide crucial support to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, with aid capped at $1,000 per household.

The funding is supported by the Good Neighbor Fund, an initiative that received initial funding from the the PPL Foundation to address the growing financial challenges faced by families, particularly with rising home energy costs. The program also includes administrative support to help nonprofits manage expenses, ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently and effectively to those in need.

“Energy costs are a significant challenge for families, and we’re proud to provide this crucial support through these organizations.” said Megan Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at LVCF, “By empowering nonprofits already on the ground with the resources they need, we’re able to get help to families faster. This program underscores the importance of partnership in addressing community challenges.”

The following nonprofit organizations received 2024-25 grants from the Good Neighbor Fund:

• 4 Girls on A Mission – Electric Utility Assistance
• Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. – CSO Utility Assistance Program
• Family Promise of Berks County, Inc. – Rent and Utility Assistance
• Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. – Project Lights On
• Lehigh Conference of Churches – Utility Assistance at Lehigh Conference of Churches
• New Bethany – New Bethany’s Housing Advocacy & Assistance
• Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley – Promise Utility Assistance Program
• Raising The House – Family Assistance Program
• Salvation Army of East Stroudsburg -Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Corps Utility Assistance Program serving Monroe County, Pa.
• The Open Link – Upper Perk Valley Utility Assistance
• Third Street Alliance for Women & Children – Third Street Alliance Utility Assistance Program 
• Tri County Community Action – Powering Stability: Expanding Utility Support for Families in Need
• Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Inc. – Utility Assistance for Domestic Abuse Survivors
• Valley Youth House – Utility Assistance for Formerly Homeless Youth and Families in Rapid Re-Housing Programs

About the Good Neighbor Fund

The Good Neighbor Fund supports nonprofits offering utility assistance programs in PPL Electric’s service area. This collaborative effort aims to alleviate the financial strain of energy costs on families, ensuring more households can meet their basic needs. For more information about the Good Neighbor Fund and the grant recipients, please visit LVCF’s website.

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Allentown, Pa., November 26, 2024 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) is accepting applications for the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts & Culture Recovery Program. This initiative will provide $3,000 grants to working artists and creative professionals in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton Counties who experienced significant financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the program aims to support the recovery and sustainability of the region’s vibrant arts and culture sector.

Eligible applicants must be active artists or creative professionals who earned at least 51% of their income from their work in 2019 and who plan to continue their careers in the arts. Applicants must reside full-time in one of the four eligible counties and be able to demonstrate a loss of at least $3,000 in income due to the pandemic that has not been reimbursed through other relief programs. Applicants will need to create a Foundant account.

Applications for the program are now open and will be accepted exclusively online through the Foundation’s grants portal, Foundant Grants Portal webpage.  Applicants must register for a Foundant account register by following the instructions for businesses to submit their application. Required documentation includes proof of residency, tax returns from 2019 and one additional year between 2020 and 2023 (including Schedule C if applicable), and evidence of pandemic-related financial losses. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to include artistic portfolio samples to help the selection committee understand their work and how the pandemic impacted their careers.

The application period will close on January 27, 2025. Grants will be awarded based on need, as determined by a volunteer review committee, with notifications sent by the end of March 2025. Successful applicants can expect to receive payments by April 2025.

Questions about the program can be directed to Megan Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, 610 351-5353, ext. 21 | megan@lvcfoundation.org

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Allentown, Pa., November 21, 2024— The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation awarded $38,780 in grants to eleven nonprofit organizations in the region. This fund is primarily supported by two area-of-interest funds: the Richard E. Gasser Fund and the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund, which provide annual grants to programs serving the Upper Bucks area, including the Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts.

Grants, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, were recommended by the advisory committee for the Upper Bucks Community Fund, a committee of the Foundation focusing on the region. “The Upper Bucks Community Fund Advisory Group carefully reviewed each application in alignment with the fund’s priorities,” said Monique Saunders Moreno, Program Officer for Arts, Culture & Creative Economy at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “After thorough discussion, the group collaboratively recommended the final awards, drawing on their collective expertise about the Upper Bucks region to support projects that enhance the quality of life for local residents.”

The following organizations received grants for programs from the fund’s 2024-25 grant cycle. The funded programs are listed as well.

Durham Historical Society
Durham Historical Society Archeological Dig

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc.
Girl Scouts STEM Programming – Upper Bucks

Heritage Conservancy
Tree Plantings Across Upper Bucks County

Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
General Operating Support

National Inventors Hall of Fame
Camp Invention STEM, Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs in Upper Bucks County

Palisades School District
Palisades Middle School Watershed Integration Program (WIP)         

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
PSF’s Community Touring Productions and FreeWill in Upper Bucks

Quakertown Community Center
Art at the Drop

Quakertown Music Promoters Organization (QMPO)
Quakertown Music Promoters Organization (QMPO) on behalf of Quakertown Percussion

River Valley Waldorf School
Visual and Performing Arts Summer Camp

Upper Bucks County Technical School
EXPLORE: Engaging Learning Opportunities through Real-world Experiences

About the Upper Buck Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, a geographic affiliate of Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, consists primarily of two area-of-interest funds. The Richard E. Gasser Fund and Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund are for organizations and programs primarily serving the Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown School Districts in the Upper Bucks area. Recently added to Upper Bucks umbrella, The Bucks County Free Library Endowment Fund is an agency fund that benefits the seven-branch county library system with locations in Bensalem, Doylestown, Langhorne, Levittown, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Yardley-Makefield.

Learn more about the Upper Bucks Community Fund on the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation website.

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