BETHLEHEM, Pa. (October 31, 2019)<\/strong> \u2013 Via of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s service that helps students with disabilities learn how to become employed after high school received a boost from Peoples Security Bank & Trust with a $3,000 donation.<\/p>\n Through Via\u2019s Pre-Employment Transition Service, students are prepared for the next step after high school \u2013 community integrated employment.\u00a0 Via staff work with students in partnership with their school districts and the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to create personalized employment plans and explore careers of interest.\u00a0 Students gain valuable work skills and develop insights about adulthood throughout this process through work-based learning experiences or job trials at sites within local business, industry and non-profit settings.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thank Peoples Security for their generous donation that is an investment in the future of area students,\u201d said Lisa Walkiewicz, Executive Director, Via of the Lehigh Valley. \u201cPreparing students with disabilities for the transition from high school to the world of work increases their chances to be economically self-sufficient. Community support like this is critical to the success of this program.\u201d<\/p>\n Peoples Security Bank & Trust donation was made through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), a state tax credit program that allows businesses to redirect tax dollars to support education.<\/p>\n \u201cPeoples Security Bank & Trust prides itself on being ingrained in our communities, and supporting local education programs and organizations is among the most important ways we can be there for our friends and neighbors,\u201d said Neal Koplin, Executive Vice President, Lehigh Valley Regional President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Via of the Lehigh Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n Serving our community since 1952, Via helps the people we serve to reach their full potential.\u00a0 Via provides services to 1,200 children and adults with disabilities living in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Bucks and Berks counties. These services include vocational exploration, community employment, vocational exploration, vocational exploration, educational activities, volunteer and recreational opportunities for teens and adults and early intervention therapies and inclusive education for young children. Visit www.ViaNet.org<\/a> to learn more about Via\u2019s services.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n About Peoples Security Bank & Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n Peoples Security Bank & Trust was established in 1905 and is one of the largest community banks in the Eastern Pennsylvania region with assets in excess of $2.3 billion. The bank has 29 locations across Eastern Pennsylvania and New York, including existing locations in Lehigh Valley, Delaware Valley, Scranton, Poconos and Binghamton. Through these 29 locations, Peoples Security Bank & Trust offers personal and business banking services, loans, home financing, and wealth management to community members and businesses. For more information, visit www.psbt.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n-AMAZONPOLLY-ONLYWORDS-START-<\/code><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/lisa-1.jpg\")
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\nMichele Grasso, MPA
\nVice President of Development
\nhttp:\/\/www.ViaNet.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n
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