BETHLEHEM, Pa. — In October, Via of the Lehigh Valley Chief Executive Officer Lisa Walkiewicz assumed a new role.
Walkiewicz now also will work with the American Network of Community Options and Resources’ national Board of Representatives.
According to a release from Via of the Lehigh Valley — a local nonprofit serving and advocating for children and adults with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome — Walkiewicz will join dozens of industry-service professionals.
“I am proud of the work we've done at Via to relentlessly advocate for people with disabilities, and hope to continue to support policy as well as inform federal legislation together with ANCOR."Via of the Lehigh Valley President and CEO Lisa Walkiewicz
They will work to inform ANCOR “on policy and practice innovations in the states,” for its efforts representing such community-based service providers in Washington.
She’ll report to ANCOR with relevant policy happenings out of Harrisburg, also helping to strengthen the nationwide services network for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"I am honored to be included as Pennsylvania's representative on ANCOR's National Board of Representatives,” Walkiewicz said.
“I am proud of the work we've done at Via to relentlessly advocate for people with disabilities, and hope to continue to support policy as well as inform federal legislation together with ANCOR."
'A testament to leaders'
Walkiewicz has been with Via of the Lehigh Valley for nearly two decades; she stepped into her current role in 2019.
That was a result of “the culmination of Walkiewicz’s deep understanding of Via’s services, relationships with outside funders, government agencies, as well as Via’s participants, families, and staff,” according to the release.
“The national provider community has always been vibrant, and that has been especially true amid the remarkable growth we have experienced over the past several years,” ANCOR Chief Executive Officer Barbara Merrill said.
“And that is a testament to leaders like Lisa and countless others who drive our work forward every day because they truly believe in the notion that all of us, regardless of ability or disability, deserve the opportunity to live a life of our choosing, in our homes and our communities.”
Via says through its inclusive education, vocational exploration, community employment, early intervention therapies, volunteer opportunities and more, 850 people who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the assistance they need during any given year.
For more information about Via of the Lehigh Valley, visit its website here.
