Paul and His Family Are Living Their Best Lives Because of Your Support David, Paul, and Carolyn

Carolyn and David know their son Paul, 34, is living his best life because of Via’s caring and dedicated Direct Support Professionals. Paul is diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities. After graduating from high school at 21, he started receiving services from Via. “Via staff have been phenomenal over the years,” said Paul’s mother, Carolyn. “Paul’s father, David, was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Knowing we could depend upon Via during that time when David was undergoing treatments gave us peace of mind. Via staff are unique because of their ability to quickly problem-solve and be flexible. They are a source of steady support for Paul, even when he is having a challenging time.” During the week, Paul enjoys spending time in the community with his Via staff. He likes to go to local stores and volunteer at Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army. Paul really likes to meet people and loves the friends he has made at Via. He has grown so much over the years and is very proud of himself for all he has accomplished. His parents are also very proud of him.  Via depends upon community support so Paul and his family and hundreds of others in our community live their best lives. You can help them when you donate to Via this spring. Thank you.

Via Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

After 16 years of service, Randy Letterhouse retired from his position as Chief Financial Officer. After an extensive search to find a replacement, Via is pleased to announce the appointment of Luke Schaeffer, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer. Luke has extensive experience in public and nonprofit accounting and holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Baltimore and an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Frostburg State University.  As a member of Via’s Leadership Team, Luke provides oversight of the agency’s financial management, analysis, reporting, and strategic planning and execution. He is very happy to join the Via team and is passionate about Via’s mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential.

Via Participants Enjoy All Our Community Has to Offer

Part of Via’s mission is to help participants reach their full potential through an enriching community life. Depending upon their interests and goals, you will see participants throughout the Lehigh Valley.  Recently, some individuals spent part of their day at the Banana Factory’s new sensory enrichment room, Studio 104, before participating in an art-making experience. Claire Marcus, a local artist, guided participants as they created a pattern and then folded the pattern into a book. Participants also took a tour of the site.  On another day, Carl and Emily had a great time selling candles, wax melts, goat's milk soap, bath sachets, all-natural dog treats, and more at Rock the Walk at the City Center Allentown ArtsWalk Pocket Park. All items were made by Via participants who benefit from their sale.  Via staff are always looking for creative ways to help participants access community activities. They are also looking for volunteer opportunities for participants. If you have any ideas for activities that may be of interest to our participants or need volunteers, please reach out to Chelsea Hamm at [email protected]

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Via of the Lehigh Valley | ViaNet.org

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