HSI NEWS
In September 2024, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania created a sister city relationship with Patillas, Puerto Rico, marking a significant milestone in the cities’ shared history. The mission of this partnership is “to foster unity, cultural exchange and community support between the citizens” of the two communities. The connection between Bethlehem and Patillas…
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In 2018, Lindsay Remington combined two of her passions—cycling and community service—and started Giving Bikes Back, a volunteer-run program serving Southeastern Pennsylvania. Since then, the mission has been simple but powerful: donate new and refurbished bikes to underserved individuals and families. Nearly seven years later, the team of seven volunteers…
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The Chunko Foundation was established to honor the late Zac Chunko, a man known for his infectious humor and energy. “Zac was like a brother to me, and losing him left an emptiness that words can hardly express,” says founder Caleb Shenkman. “It was heartbreaking to watch someone so full…
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Lehigh Valley resident Molly Gilley founded and led an event production and management company, Mgstudio, for over 14 years until she felt a calling to help people in a different way: by offering a supportive space to heal trauma and rediscover joy. In 2024—at age 59—Gilley took the leap to…
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The Valley League has rapidly become an important part of the Lehigh Valley community, uniting locals through the love of basketball. It was founded by Erick Marfil in 2018 during his senior year at Lehigh Carbon Community College. “I wanted to use my love of the game of basketball to…
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In the Lehigh Valley, a staggering 19,383 households—about 7.4% of the region—do not have access to a vehicle.* In a geographic location that offers very limited public transportation services, this poses a critical handicap for thousands of community members. “[The] Lehigh Valley, like many regions across the country, is largely…
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The Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund (CMAF), established in February 2023, is committed to creating an inclusive playground in Northampton, Pennsylvania. This initiative honors the legacy of Cindy Miles, a visionary in pediatric physical therapy who passionately advocated for accessible fitness and fun for individuals of all abilities. Miles dedicated over…
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Hearing loss is an issue that affects millions of Americans, including many in the Lehigh Valley. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and even an increased risk of mortality. Despite the profound impact on quality of life, many individuals, particularly those…
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For immigrants and asylum seekers in the United States, an evaluation report can make or break their case—and be the reason a family stays together, or a young mother is able to escape an abusive relationship. Licensed professional counselor Tracy Lovelace has provided life-changing evaluations for individuals in those situations…
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Laasya Pedapati is one of 31 million women worldwide who struggle with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). This disorder can have very severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, both physical and mental, and can be debilitating. Many women with the disorder have had thoughts of suicide, and 34% have even made a…
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