We hope that everyone has a fun, enjoyable and safe Independence Day weekend. Via’s offices will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of the holiday.  Via Advocates for Support of Direct Support Professionals Using American Rescue Plan Dollars Via’s Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential services that enable people with disabilities to live fulfilled lives in our community. DSPs put themselves at risk to provide daily support to the people they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have proven to be everyday heroes and deserve our utmost respect. Gary Blumenthal, Vice President of another provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Via, recently wrote: “Direct support professionals, the backbone of programs that enable people with disabilities to live in the community in either their own homes or supported living, have long suffered from low wages set by the governor and General Assembly through an inadequate state rate system and underfunded annual appropriations.” Jerry Somers, Chair of Via’s Board of Directors, sent this letter to The Morning Call editor echoing Mr. Blumenthal’s support of using American Rescue Plan dollars to provide higher service payments to agencies like Via to help fund increased wages for essential DSPs.    You can help Via advocate with our legislators and governor for vital support of DSPs by sharing your story about how important DSPs are to you and your family. Please contact Michele Grasso, VP of Development and Communications at m.grasso@vianet.org or 484-893-5396 to share your story. Thanks so much.

Via Staff Member Changed Lives During Long Career

After 31 years of service as an instructor in Via’s Prevocational Workshop, Ana Morganello retired on June 21st. Her last day was spent celebrating with coworkers and participants. In addition, she received a special visit from Aurea E. Ortiz of Representative Steve Samuelson’s office. Aurea congratulated Ana and presented her with PA House and Senate proclamations recognizing and celebrating the positive impact she made on so many people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Ana truly changed lives during her many years of service. If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can change lives as Ana did, join our team!

If You Need Great Employees, Via Can Help

Barry worked with staff from Via’s Community Employment Services to discover what he wanted to do and learned how to prepare for and attain a job. He got his dream job at Dunkin’ and enjoys being a part of the Dunkin’ team. Barry is a great worker and has several duties including bringing in supplies, washing dishes and making baked goods, like Dunkin's delicious muffins! Watch this TikTok to see Barry in action. Via’s Community Employment Services deliver bottom-line value to businesses and can strengthen and diversify your labor force. If you are looking for great employees like Barry, Via can help. To learn more, visit: Become an Employment Partner.

Thank You for Ensuring Via Participants Reach Their Full Potential

Thank you to everyone who responded to our Spring Appeal featuring the Martinez family. You are changing lives and helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential. Because of you, Allen and Matthew Martinez receive essential services and their father, Pastor George Martinez, has peace of mind. Pastor Martinez said, “Via is an outstanding organization. Because of Via, I know my children can go somewhere safe where they will be cared for and taught, they are important." Thank you so much. If you haven’t donated yet, please click here to donate now.

Via of the Lehigh Valley | ViaNet.org