BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A local nonprofit organization that provides services for children and adults with disabilities announced that it has gotten nearly $158,000 in grants for its programs.
- Bethlehem nonprofit Via of the Lehigh Valley got $157,750 in tax credit funds to support community programs, aiding children and adults with disabilities
- Fourteen local businesses contributed to the funds through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which offers tax credits to businesses supporting Scholarship Organizations and Educational Improvement Organizations
- The donated funds will provide scholarships for teens at Camp Via and children in kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs at Lehigh Children's Academy
Via of the Lehigh Valley said Wednesday that it has been awarded $157,750 in tax credit funds through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The program offers tax credits to qualified businesses that contribute to a Scholarship Organization, an Educational Improvement Organization and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization, according to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Via of the Lehigh Valley has been approved as a Scholarship Organization, letting it get the tax credit funds to further its educational initiatives.
'High quality education programs'
The funds were donated by 14 local businesses and will be used to provide scholarships to teens participating in Camp Via, a program committed to helping children with varying disabilities acquire life skills.
Kids enrolled in kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs at Lehigh Children's Academy also will benefit from the funds.
“High-quality education programs are crucial to long-term success in school and life.”Jerry Somers, chairman of Via’s Board of Directors
“High-quality education programs are crucial to long-term success in school and life,” said Jerry Somers, chairman of Via’s Board of Directors.
“We thank these businesses for their generous support through the Pennsylvania EITC program to Camp Via and Lehigh Children’s Academy.”
The 14 businesses and the amounts contrinbuted are:
- American Bank: $6,500
- AmerisourceBergen Services: $10,000
- Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits: $4,740
- Capital Blue Cross: $25,000
- Embassy Bank: $35,000
- Fidelity Bank: $3,500
- Mid Penn Bank: $6,000
- Philadelphia Indemnity: $10,000
- QNB: $2,500
- The Yurconic Agency: $15,000
- Truist: $18,000
- UGI Utilities: $1,000
- UPMC Health Plan: $13,000
- Weis Markets: $5,000
- Yocco’s, Inc.: $2,500
