Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)

11/14/2025

Dec. 2 is Giving Tuesday.

We need your generosity now more than ever. The state has finally passed a budget, but we’re more than four months behind. The funding will still take time before it starts flowing. But the need never stopped. Accessible housing, food insecurity, young adults needing transition services, parents of young children diagnosed with disabilities could not wait. It was heartbreaking to have to ask them to. Our staff has been doing everything we can to help them and we’ll keep on doing what we can. So if you’re able to… we could use a little help.

Please go to https://lvcil.org/donate/ to donate.

Photo description:
Photo 1 - LVCIL 35th Anniversary Logo with "Empowering persons with disabilities for 35 years"
Photo 2 - Giving Tuesday Logo with the "v" in giving as a braided heart shape.
Photo 3 - Group of people sitting around tables for Peer Support.

11/12/2025

LVCIL update:

Today, the Pennsylvania state budget was passed. This is a very big step in restarting LVCIL programs that were paused back in September. Funds from the state will now have to get to our state pass through funding source which in turn goes to LVCIL. Although that pass through will be doing what they can to get us those funds as soon as they can, it may take some time to do so and for LVCIL to fully get back to providing the quality services we always have. Please stay tuned for more information. We will share it as we can.
In the meantime please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you.

11/10/2025

Attention Adaptations Members:
Please check your inbox for an email from Seth with information about an upcoming update meeting.

All members, family and support team members are encouraged to attend.

If you have not received this email, please contact SethHoderewski@lvcil.org.

Image description: Attention Adaptations Lehigh Valley Check your email for updates

11/10/2025

November 12th is the last chance to order pies!

LVCIL is partnering with The Buttered Crumb for its annual pie sale fundraiser!

All pies $26
Apple Crumb
Pecan
Pumpkin
Blueberry Crumb
Cherry Crumb
Sugar-Free Cherry
Sugar-Free Apple

Place your order and questions at PieSale@lvcil.org

Orders due by November 12th
Pick up at LVCIL on November 19th
Payment due at time of pickup - Cash, Check,or Card.
(Cash or check preferred)

All proceeds go to supporting LVCIL programs and services that help people with disabilities achieve greater independence

Thank you for your support!

Picture description - Flyer includes the above information along with pictures of fall leaves at the top and bottom of the page. Also the LVCIL logo.

11/06/2025

“LVCIL relies on state funds to provide our essential services. The failure to pass a budget means our base funding is not coming in. As a result, LVCIL has laid off 14 people, representing nearly half of our staff. Fifty percent of the hands that help, the voices that guide, and the hearts that care are now silent.”

“Some will look at this situation and see only a line item on a spreadsheet. But what we are witnessing is the highest cost of all. We are seeing essential support that safeguards health, independence and dignity stripped away.”

“Make no mistake, the fiscal cost to the Commonwealth will only rise. The layoffs trigger unemployment obligations and the loss of community-based services will inevitably shift our neighbors into far more expensive systems of care, such as institutionalization or repeated emergency room visits.”

“The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now!”

Excerpts from Op-Ed: “Pa. budget delay hurts the state's most vulnerable residents” by Michelle Mitchell, President, LVCIL Board of Directors
Read the full Op-Ed with Morning Call subscription: bit.ly/4901eWj
Also available online for free with your library card: https://bit.ly/47q3oxf

What you can do:

1. Call Your Legislators: Tell them to Pass the Budget immediately so LVCIL can get back to building a supportive community.

2. Make an Emergency Donation: LVCIL is fighting to survive and bridge this funding gap. Your emergency donation is a lifeline that helps us retain vital staff and provide essential services until the budget is resolved. You can donate at www.lvcil.org/donate

Images of quotes from Op-Ed.

11/06/2025

There is still time to sign up for Community Inclusion for Young Children's next Parent Support Group topic is Early Intervention Support and Services: What You Need to Know.

This virtual event will provide information about the process and services. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other parents, family members, and caregivers.

Details:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6p-7p
Virtual on Zoom

Email to register: CommunityInclusion@LVCIL.org

This presentation is made possible with funding from Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC)

Image description: Flyer for upcoming Community Inclusion for Young Children's Parent Support Group

11/03/2025

Are you in need of food assistance? We will do what we can to help get you to the resources you may need.
Call 610-770-9781 or email info@lvcil.org
Attached are a few resources that have been shared with LVCIL

Picture description: The pictures show lists of food banks and information to access food resources. Please call 610-770-9781 or email info@lvcil.org for a more specific description if needed.

10/30/2025

There is still time to sign up for the next LCCC's SEED Program Information Session!

SEED helps students build skills through activities like job shadowing, work experience, social groups, structured study groups, and weekly coaching meetings.

Register now for upcoming Information Sessions:
- 11/10, 6pm to 7:30pm
- 12/9, 6pm to 7:30pm
- 1/22, 6pm to 7:30pm (virtual)

For more info and to register: https://www.lccc.edu/student-experience/student-services/disability-educational-support-services/disability-services/success-engagement-education-determination-seed-program/

10/29/2025

LVCIL is partnering with The Buttered Crumb for its annual pie sale fundraiser! All pies $26
Apple Crumb
Pecan
Pumpkin
Blueberry Crumb
Cherry Crumb
Sugar-Free Cherry
Sugar-Free Apple

Place your order and questions at PieSale@lvcil.org

Orders due by November 12th
Pick up at LVCIL on November 19th
Payment due at time of pickup - Cash, Check,or Card.
(Cash or check preferred)

All proceeds go to supporting LVCIL programs and services that help people with disabilities achieve greater independence

Thank you for your support!

Picture description - Flyer includes the above information along with pictures of fall leaves at the top and bottom of the page. Also the LVCIL logo.

10/28/2025

GoodMaps app offers precise directions at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Check out the link below.

Image description: Multiple people waiting in line to have their bags checked at the airport with multiple security officers pictured.

On Friday, LVIA became the first airport in Pennsylvania to launch the A-I indoor navigation app, GoodMaps.

10/27/2025

Want to win a gift card for a night out to McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar or fuel up with gift card from Wawa?

Here’s your chance to support Adaptations and win!

Calendar tickets are available for $10 each.

Winning calendar determined by the EVENING PA Daily 3-digit lottery number.

Adaptations is a dynamic program at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, created for adults with disabilities. Their mission is to empower members through community involvement, life skill development, and build lasting friendships.

100% of your donation for this calendar will support adults with disabilities to continue to develop the skills necessary to reach their goals. Thank you for your support!

To purchase a calendar, please email Seth (SethHoderewski@lvcil.org)

Image description: January 2026 Lottery Calendar Fundraiser. Calendar shows prizes that could be won each day in January.

10/27/2025

Community Inclusion for Young Children's next Parent Support Group topic is Early Intervention Support and Services: What You Need to Know.

This virtual event will provide information about the process and services. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other parents, family members, and caregivers.

Details:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6p-7p
Virtual on Zoom

Email to register: CommunityInclusion@LVCIL.org

Image description: Flyer for upcoming Community Inclusion for Young Children's Parent Support Group.