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Join WLI Today!
If you have questions, please contact Terri Slaughter at 610.807.5710.
terris@unitedwayglv.org | |
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WLI Needs You!
Join a committee today. For more information e-mail or call Terri Slaughter at terris@unitedwayglv.org or 610.807.5710
WLI Year in Review Report and renewal letters will be in the mail this month. Be sure to check out our new incentives. | |
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Upcoming Events! 
Networking - Bring a Friend!
September 13 - Jane Roncoroni Fine Clothing
60 W. Broad St. Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.
RSVP TODAY!
October 12 - DeDe Laver
474 Pine Top Trail
Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.
RSVP Today!
Click Here for Event Details
November 3 - Power of the Purse. A shopping and networking extravaganza! SteelStacks, Fowler Room
6-8 p.m.
*Registration coming soon
PowerofthePurse2011.eventbrite.com | |
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Kudos to our Members!
Kathy Leber and David Leber will receive an award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers from the Association of Fundraising Professionals at their National Philanthropy Day Awards Breakfast on November 9th, 2011. Inquire at www.afpeasternpa.afpnet.org to register.
Valerie Lane of the Second Signature Project reports that Debbie Heeps has been very helpful at the Central Food bank by contacting her family's food company to get enough donations(including meat!) for all 3 summer distributions. Thank you to Debbie and her family.
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Clutch Sponsor
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Event Sponsor
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Message from Council President
Joyce Dougherty
It is truly an honor to be taking over as Chair of the WLI Council. Following in the footsteps of four wonderful  women from whom I have learned great lessons about what it means to be an effective leader is a humbling experience. These are, without a doubt, tough economic times that will test the mettle of even the most committed philanthropists among us. What I have found among the members of the Women's Leadership Initiative, however, are women determined to have a positive impact on our community by generously giving of their time, talent and treasure. We understand that when times are tough, the neediest in our community are the ones who suffer the most. So as we approach our tenth year, all of the members of the Women's Leadership Initiative can take pride in knowing that their investment has had a tremendous impact on the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley. To our current members, we need your continued support now more than ever, and to those of you who have been sitting on the fence about joining, now is the perfect time! | |  |  |
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What is WLI all about?
By Barbara Diamant | | | |
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While under the umbrella of United Way, we decide where to invest our money and we remain nearly 100% volunteer, so the money goes where it is needed.
What a great idea Betsy Torrence had nine years ago! Thanks to a group of dedicated founding WLI members, a mission to better the life of women and children in the Lehigh Valley was launched. We continue that mission through pooling our time and treasure.
We have raised over $640,000 (through May 31, 2011) so far. Where has the money gone?
WLI has offered scholarships to 120 women to earn professional credentials and degrees in early childhood education. Today, these women earn more money themselves and make a greater impact on the children they teach because of WLI. That's due to our first project. And we are helping the neediest children at Central Elementary School in Allentown improve in literacy - that's the second project.
Here is a reminder of how important our mission is: WLI-member Jane Ervin, CEO of Community Services for Children, says that "studies show that investing in children at an early age results in long term savings for taxpayers through lower costs in remedial education, juvenile crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and prison." CSC operates Head Start, Early Head and SafeStart, an intensive program for babies and toddlers in the most dire family circumstances. WLI has paid the tuition and student teaching costs for a number of their teachers and has contributed to SafeStart.
Another example: Central Elementary has a 95% poverty rate but has shown a "gradual rise in its state test scores" due to increased state funding for special programs. And who else is funding programs at Central? United Way and WLI!
What is our next WLI project? That will depend on the Council and members. You get to decide. Join WLI and stay with us - we're making a difference.
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What difference do WLI projects
really make?
WLI Project Testimonials: | | |
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For our Scholarship recipients (First Signature Project):
It was an amazing and overwhelming experience to see my name in black and white on my diploma. I am thrilled to be finished, but I feel so blessed to have received so much generosity. I am beginning to pay it forward by teaching adults about assessment systems, in this area, and in the Reading area. My goal is to continue to educate adults in my field, as well as children, in order to have a positive impact in my community. (Does this sound familiar?) Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. You have definitely helped make dreams come true for a great deal of us. I am currently researching Masters Programs.
Sincerely, Sallyann Jeffreys
At Central Elementary School (Second Signature Project):
From the parents of one student who attended an art class: "Not only is she better (in art), it helps her focus and keeps her stable. She used to fight when someone looked at her the wrong way, but now when she gets upset she walks off on her own to go do something creative, and blows the steam off on paper instead. She's more relaxed and comfortable with herself, and her self -esteem is much better because she gets so much praise for her work."
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Becky Gorton key player in WLI's teacher support
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Becky Gorton, a long-time member and supporter of WLI, was featured in the Morning Call article (June 17) "Champion  for Children," which recounted Becky's many accomplishments as she nears retirement. The article names Becky "a leader in the process of moving away from childrearing to education." In her 43- year career in early childhood education, Becky helped establish the Associate's Degree in early childhood education at Northampton Community College, a program that has won national acclaim.
Becky was also a key player in establishing WLI's Bachelor's Degree cohorts. In 2002, WLI began its first signature project funding early childcare givers who sought their Associate's Degrees or professional certificates. A year later, Becky brought to light the need for assistance with Bachelor's Degrees in the field and she helped forge the partnerships with WLI, NCC, East Stroudsburg University and TEACH, initiating the WLI Bachelor's Degree cohorts.
Warmest congratulations and many thanks to Becky Gorton for all she has done to better the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley. Happy and healthy retirement, Becky!
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