For the past 15 years, the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley has helped to ensure every child receives a special gift during the holiday season. Through their Holiday Hope Chest program, they collect and distribute more than 4,000 gift boxes to at-risk or underprivileged youth in the Lehigh Valley. “The way it works is simple,” explained Phyllis Walsh, Holiday Hope Che... »
On July 5, 2010, Dana Hahn’s life as she knew it was shattered. Her son, Luke, and husband, Kraig, were involved in an accidental propane tank explosion. Her husband sustained severe burns on 83 percent of his body that kept him in the hospital until Christmas Eve of that year, but their son was killed in the explosion. He was just two days shy of his thirteenth birthday. ... »
Grasping the scope of hunger in America can be daunting. According to the Food Research and Action Center, about one in six Americans was sometimes unable to buy necessary food last year. And in a nation of nearly 320 million, that represents over 5 million hungry people. It’s even more widespread in the Lehigh Valley. Estimates show that up to 25% of Allentown’s residents... »
Every 26 seconds, a student in the United States drops out of high school. Within the confines of the Lehigh Valley, approximately 2.5 students drop out every single day. In 1970, the US held the highest graduation rate out of all developed countries. Today, it ranks 22nd out of 27. While these numbers are staggering, there’s still hope. “Every student is one caring adult ... »
You never forget your first time on a bicycle. Not riding in circles on three wheels in the driveway or graduating to cul-de-sac loops on four, but the instant after a patient parent lets go and the moments that follow when you realize you’re on your own, balancing on two wheels, and you can go anywhere as quickly – or slowly – as you wish. For most of us, this was our fir... »
When busy people volunteer for time-consuming tasks, you can believe they care about what they are doing. One such collective of civic-minded volunteers run Northampton County’s Bushkill Stream Conservancy (BSC). By giving a platform to what is otherwise voiceless, this diverse group of about two dozen folks is shedding light upon the importance of this quiet stream. The B... »
When describing a place, I can do it with words or even show you a picture. But nothing compares to being there. A place is not just about its appearance. It is about its history and its proximity to other places as well as the smells, sounds, tastes and – most of all – the feelings you get when you are there. Having worked on land protection in the Lehigh Valley for 42 ye... »
A really cool therapy center occupies 18 lush acres of farmland along Fehr Rd. in Nazareth. Stop in sometime, and you’ll see people of all ages – who’ve been affected by physical, mental or behavioral disabilities – striving to maximize their quality-of-life. It’s called Equi-librium, and (in various incarnations) it’s been an important part of the Lehigh Valley therapy sc... »
For years children were coming to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s dental clinic at 17th and Chew Streets for regular check-up visits but few returned for restorations, extractions or more serious cases. When parents were asked why they didn’t bring their children back for much needed follow-up the response was often, “I couldn’t take any more time off from work.” Often the... »
By Liz Reph The Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association, or GLVMA, is a non-profit community based arts organization dedicated to supporting local musicians and helping develop the Valley’s music scene. “Our mission is to create and deliver positive experiences through music, with a focus on honoring and developing our youth,” said Ricardo Flores, GLVMA President. “We beli... »
