BETHLEHEM, PA – (June 28, 2019) – Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce that it received $155,898.50 in EITC and OSTC tax credit funds from 20 local businesses this year.  These funds will provide scholarships to teens attending Via’s Teen Experience program and children attending Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten at Lehigh Children’s Academy, an inclusive childcare center operated by Via.

The following businesses have given to Via:  Alan Kunsman Roofing, $2,000; Allied Personnel Services, $5,000; American Bank, $13,500; Amerisource Bergen Services Corporation, $10,000; Avalon Insurance Company, $20,000; BB&T Allentown, $10,000; Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits, LLP, $4,750; Embassy Bank, $35,000; FNCB, $1,500; Lafayette Ambassador Bank, $5,000; PA Messenger Services, Inc., $1,398.50; Serfass Construction Company, $2,000;  The Yurconic Agency, $15,000; UGI Utilities, Inc., $6,000; UGI Storage Company, $5,000; UPMC Health Plan, $20,000; Weis Markets, Inc., $2,000; and Yocco’s, Inc., $1,500.

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.  Established in 2001, the EITC and OSTC programs award tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved Scholarship Organizations, Pre-K Scholarship Organizations and Opportunity Scholarship Organizations. Via’s Teen Experience and Lehigh Children’s Academy are approved for these programs.

“High quality programs for children and young adults with disabilities are critical to long-term success,” said Jerry Somers, chairman of Via’s Board of Directors.  “We thank these companies for their support to Lehigh Children’s Academy and Via Teen Experience, so we can work collaboratively with families to encourage and support children and young adults’ desires and potential to become enthusiastic, independent, confident and inquisitive lifelong learners.”

About Via:  Serving the community since 1952, Via’s mission is to provide support and opportunities for children and adults so they can live full, independent and productive lives within the community.

Lehigh Children’s Academy, a service of Via of the Lehigh Valley, provides high quality, nurturing care and education for young children ages six weeks to six years, and provides before and after school care for school age children.  Learn more at LehighChildrensAcademy.com.

Via Teen Experience is for teens and young adults, ages 12 to 21, with varying disabilities. Via provides instruction on a variety of skills to help participants achieve personal goals, like having a rewarding career, enjoying rich friendships, and being independent in the community.

Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

Information provided to TVL by:
Jillian Lovejoy
Communications Director, Via of the Lehigh Valley
336 W. Spruce Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
http://www.ViaNet.org/

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