Insights

Getting LINC’d Series Highlights Volunteerism in the Lehigh Valley

Did you know the Lehigh Valley has one of the largest and most distinguished United Ways in North America? Did you know the Volunteer Center has skills-based volunteering opportunities? Check out the recording below as we unpack how you can make a meaningful impact in the community and feel a greater sense of connection and belonging in this wonderful place to call home. 

Interested in learning more? View our complete Getting LINC’d webinar series HERE. Other topics include Wills Trusts and Estate PlanningFinancial Wellness, and Home Ownership.

Many Opportunities to Volunteer

Listen as our expert panel discusses opportunities to volunteer and serve the greater Lehigh Valley community.

Madeline Falcone from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley share so many fun and actionable insights, such as:

  • The Lehigh Valley boasts around 350 independent nonprofit organizations 
  • Each year there is a designated ‘Day of Caring’ where volunteers can sign up for projects. This year, Day of Caring will be held on September 18, 2025.
  • Learning about Board leadership is easy through the Volunteer Center’s Board development program
  • Signing up to serve as a family is easy; just ask

Finding the right volunteer opportunity for you is just a phone call away.

Ideas to Get Started

The panel suggested a few ways to get started:

  • Sign up for newsletters from the United Way and Volunteer Center to stay up to date on volunteering opportunities.
  • Keep an eye on event pages from LINC, United Way, and Volunteer Center – “It is a great way to get to know an organization,” said Madeline Falcone.
  • “Take one step forward,” encouraged Karen Smith, “and reach out.”

Whether you’re interested in occasional volunteering or long-term commitments, this session will help you get started and make a difference in the community.

View the recording

About Our Panel

Joining Katelyn Mack, LINC’s President are two incredible leaders from vital Lehigh Valley organizations in the volunteer landscape.

  • Madeline Falcone, Sr. Director, Engagement and Events, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

In her role, Maddi manages event and sponsorship strategy and serves as lead staff for Women United®-an affinity group of United Way. Women United is a network of female philanthropists who come together to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Maddi is passionate about creating memorable and meaningful experiences that deepen engagement and drive results. In addition to leading events such as United Way Day of Caring and Celebration of Caring, Maddi lends her expertise to Northampton Community College’s Alumni Board and Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit serving as a stakeholder. Maddi resides in Easton with her husband and 2 daughters.

  • Karen Smith, CEO, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley

As CEO, Karen focuses on developing programs and services to enhance the nonprofit organizations and the relationships with the business community.  Karen has a 25 year professional career as an executive in commercial real estate leading teams in sales and management for an international company.  Karen also has had her own consulting practice in leadership development and strategic planning consulting with a focus on nonprofit organizations.  Karen is a member of the Nonprofit Business Council Board for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, and serves on the United Way’s Impact Council.

Coming Up Next in the Series

LINC’s fourth and final event in the Getting LINC’d Navigating Your Community series is on Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning on June 4th at Noon EST. This webinar is designed for professionals who have recently moved to the Lehigh Valley and want to ensure their legal documents are up to date. 

Register for the next webinar here

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