BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A group of nonprofit organizations that help create networks of support to meet student needs has honored PPL Corporation for its longstanding support.
Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday honored PPL at the Champions For Education celebration at DeSales University Center.
CIS of Eastern PA helps students with needs such as food, clothing or just someone to talk to about emotional stress.
"We're not just giving back, we're building relationships, opening doors, and helping shape a future full of possibility."Lisette Santana, president of PPL Foundation
CIS of Eastern PA has site coordinators in school districts across the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area, East Penn, Northwestern Lehigh, Whitehall-Coplay and Wilson Area.
The PPL Foundation has provided CIS of Eastern PA with $425,000 in financial support over the past 23 years.
"We're not just giving back, we're building relationships, opening doors, and helping shape a future full of possibility,” PPL Foundation President Lisette Santana said, according to a news release.
Santana said PPL employees have volunteered at Hays Elementary School in Allentown, where they created a mentorship program.
“We're proud to stand alongside Communities In Schools in their mission,” she said.
'Central role in shaping CIS'
Also at the Champions for Education celebration, three former board chairs were inducted into CIS for Easter PA’s Leadership Circle.
Inductees were Michael Bruckner, retired vice president of external affairs and community relations at Muhlenberg College; Susan Larkin, chief operating officer at Allied Personnel Services; and Matt Sorrentino, former chairman of Norris McLaughlin law firm and retired chief executive officer of HealthNetwork Laboratories.
“Michael, Susan and Matt have each played a central role in shaping CIS of Eastern PA into the organization it is today,” CIS of Eastern PA Chief Executive Officer Tim Mulligan said in a statement.
During their tenures on the board of CIS of Eastern PA, Bruckner provided leadership on fundraising and communications; Larking focused on human resources oversight and strategy; and Sorrentino advocated for stability and long-term organizational growth.
