HNL Lab Medicine and United Way Launch New Community School Partnership with Allentown School District to Advance Student Success
HNL Lab Medicine becomes corporate partner with ASD’s South Mountain Middle School to provide funding for staffing and resources to meet students’ and families’ basic needs, increase school attendance and improve engagement.
HNL Lab Medicine is deepening its commitment to advancing the academic success of our region’s students by becoming a leading partner with South Mountain Middle School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District. Through this partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, HNL Lab Medicine will provide funding for staffing and resources to meet students’ and families’ basic needs, increase school attendance and improve engagement in partnership with Communities In Schools of Eastern PA.
“At HNL Lab Medicine, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Partnering with United Way to support South Mountain has been a powerful way to invest in the next generation. Education is the foundation for a brighter future, and that starts with empowering our youth through initiatives like this,” said Angela Connell, Vice President of Human Resources at HNL Lab Medicine.
“HNL Lab Medicine and United Way share a passion for improving the quality of life within our community. As a corporate partner of a United Way Community School, HNL Lab Medicine will make a direct impact on individual students and their families,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “We’re grateful for their continued support of United Way and our community. When schools have the resources that students and families need and can offer them through a coordinated approach, kids can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
United Way’s Community School Network serves nearly 20,000 students in Allentown, Bangor Area, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area and Panther Valley school districts. South Mountain Middle School is the largest of four middle schools in the city of Allentown and serves approximately 1,000 students.
“This initiative demonstrates how we at HNL Lab Medicine are not just healthcare providers but active partners in community growth. The dedication of South Mountain’s staff and students inspires us to contribute in ways that help unlock their full potential. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and our contribution is a step toward making that vision a reality,” commented Jessica Bargilione, Vice President of Marketing at HNL Lab Medicine.
“As a District, we recognize that student success is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and have made strengthening partnerships a priority area in our new Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent/CEO, Allentown School District. “Fostering collaborative partnerships and creating Community Schools allows us to leverage the strengths of the broader community and create a supportive learning environment beyond the classroom. I thank Communities In Schools, United Way and HNL Lab Medicine for their investments in our students and their overall schooling experience.”
Through United Way Community Schools, thousands of students gain access to the resources that they need to grow academically. With goals to demonstrate growth in math and literacy across every school and every grade level, Community School Coordinators activate a network of cross-sector partners to offer a range of services that aim to improve student attendance, increase family engagement and remove barriers to learning. Services include:
- basic needs such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies;
- connections to critical resources such as healthcare and housing;
- academic engagement experiences such as field trips and after-school programming;
- parent engagement workshops and activities; and
- on-site physical, mental and behavioral health services.
“I am thrilled that Communities In Schools of Eastern PA is a part of this exciting partnership between South Mountain Middle School, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and HNL Lab Medicine,” said Philip Parise, Regional Director of Operations at Communities In Schools of Eastern PA. “At Communities In Schools, we are committed to going all in to support students and families in the communities we serve. I am confident that this new partnership is going to help amplify the wonderful work already happening at South Mountain Middle School, increase opportunities for students and ultimately lead to greater impact.”
To learn more about United Way Community Schools, please click here.
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About HNL Lab Medicine
Operating for over 25 years, HNL Lab Medicine is a leading multi‐regional, full‐service medical laboratory providing testing and related services to physician offices, hospitals, long‐term care facilities, employers and industrial accounts. HNL Lab Medicine has more than 50 patient service centers in Pennsylvania and has 14 acute care laboratories within our partners’ hospital sites. Over 1,200 employees, including over 40 board-certified pathologists and scientific directors, work together to provide high-quality, advanced diagnostic testing. Learn more at HNL.com and follow us on Fac