Teen Summer Experience 2021 Was a Huge Success Because of Community Support
Before Teen Summer wrapped up, the teens received a special visit from Representative Jeanne McNeill, who worked with students with disabilities before she became a state representative. She explained what she does as a legislator and taught them how a bill becomes law. The teens then took part in a mock legislative session where they approved a bill to provide rainbows for everyone in PA and voted down a bill that would require everyone in PA to stay up past midnight! Thank you, Representative McNeill, for an entertaining and educational experience.

We want to extend our appreciation again to several local organizations that provided programming throughout the summer, including BB&T Bank, Bethlehem Health Bureau, LVHN, Out Of Our Minds Art Studio, Steinmetz Farm, St. Luke’s Health Network, The Center for Humanistic Change and Turning Point. We would also like to thank the businesses that provided generous financial support for activities and participant scholarships: St. Luke’s University Health Network, Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLP, Fidelity Bank, UGI Utilities, Inc., The Yurconic Agency, Crayola through the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Hospital Central Services, Inc. & Affiliates, and King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC.

This year’s Teen Summer Experience would not have been as successful as it was without community support. We hope we can count on this generous support again next year. If you would like to learn how to help, contact Michele Grasso, VP of Development & Communications at [email protected] or 484-893-5396. Thanks!
Creating Success

Via’s mission is to help the people we serve reach their full potential, which is why we love hearing stories like this one! One of our participants recently began receiving in-person services again and his mother said, "I'm sure it's been a hard 17 months for y'all as it has been for us; but knowing the Via family is there with the kind of love, caring and support I've come to simply accept as fact has made it a tad easier." We are truly grateful to our caring and dedicated Direct Support Professionals who go above and beyond each day.

To learn more about Via’s services and how they can help your family, visit www.vianet.org.
Family of Long-Time Participant Asks for Donations in Her Memory
In July, Via lost longtime participant, Eileen. Eileen worked in Via’s Pre-Vocational Workshop for 38 years where she was known as Chippy. She enjoyed coming to work every day and had many friends at Via. And she made sure her sister, with whom she lived, knew that she did not like it when she couldn’t come to Via if it was closed because of inclement weather! Via staff loved spending their days with her and Chippy truly loved being a part of our Via family.

It is a testament to Via’s Direct Support Professionals that Chippy’s family asked their friends and family to donate to Via resulting in almost $4,000 raised in her memory. Nancy, Chippy’s sister wrote: “We’re so thrilled and grateful for all the donations being sent to Via in memory of our beloved Eileen.”

Via is grateful to Chippy’s family for requesting donations in her memory to support services that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential. If you'd like to donate in honor or in memory of someone, please click on the link here.
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, September 12-18
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 12-18) highlights the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. Via will be celebrating its DSPs throughout the week with raffles, recognition events and more. Check out Via’s social media throughout the week and month to learn why this year’s theme is Via’s DSPs are Rock Stars.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday! As a reminder, Via’s offices are closed on Monday, September 6 so that staff and participants may enjoy the holiday with their families and friends.
Via of the Lehigh Valley | ViaNet.org