LINC Celebrates 10 Years of Welcoming Newcomers to the Lehigh Valley

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - April 1, 2025 - PRLog -- LINC, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering welcoming and inclusive workplaces and communities, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping individuals and families transition to the Lehigh Valley. Over the past decade, LINC has played a pivotal role in making the region more accessible and connected for newcomers from across the country and around the world.

"Celebrating our 10th anniversary is a testament to the thriving community we've built together in the Lehigh Valley," said LINC President Katelyn Mack. "We've had the privilege of supporting individuals and families from all walks of life, spanning different industries, backgrounds and cultures from across the country and around the world. Their unique perspectives and contributions have strengthened our region, making it a more welcoming and dynamic place to live and work."

To celebrate its milestone year, LINC will host clients, partners and friends on Wednesday, May 28, at the 1869 Luckenbach Mill in Historic Bethlehem, with support from title sponsor Dayna Kucharz, Realtor®, RE/MAX Real Estate.

Since its founding, LINC has supported more than 2,000 individuals and families from 31 companies relocating to the region from 48 states, Puerto Rico and 20 countries. Through its career support services, 272 individuals have received assistance in pursuing job opportunities in the Lehigh Valley. LINC has also hosted more than 180 events to build connections between newcomers and long-time residents, and its workplace inclusion programming now reaches 70 organizations.

LINC's growth over the past 10 years reflects the increasing demand for its services. In 2024, the organization supported more than 350 people—more than 14 times the number it served in its inaugural year. In response, LINC expanded its team from two to eight employees and broadened its geographic reach to include Luzerne, Schuylkill, Monroe and Carbon counties.

Program milestones over the past decade include:

• 2017: Formation of the Inclusion Council and the launch of regular learning sessions focused on workplace belonging.
• 2021: Inaugural CEO Summit convening regional leaders to discuss priority issues impacting workforce development and regional growth.
• 2022: Introduction of the Workplace Inclusion Community, a resource for cultivating inclusive workplace cultures.
• 2023: Geographic expansion beyond the Lehigh Valley to support broader regional workforce development.
• 2024: Launch of the CEO Breakfast Forum series, connecting 50 regional leaders to advance inclusion and retention strategies.

Tickets to LINC's celebration event are available for purchase here. Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Photo:
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