Via of the Lehigh Valley dedicated its new Kristi Hanawalt Life Skills Center at 1020 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. recently. The newly-opened building is named for a longtime recipient of Via’s services who died in 2020.

Among those celebrating at the event were Via Vice President of Services Denise Pioli, local philanthropists Tom and Karin Hall who provided startup funding for the new center and Hanawalt’s parents and brothers.

“Kristi was truly a wonder,” Scott Hanawalt remarked about his older sister. “She was a magnificent person who had limitations, but rarely let them get in her way,” he continued as he praised her determination to lead a productive life.

Both brothers expressed gratitude to Via for assisting their sister and for honoring Kristi by naming the facility after her. They also thanked the Halls for their generosity.

The Kristi Hanawalt Life Skills Center was opened to provide services to meet a critical need for younger adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Via helped her to get and retain the perfect job, working in the bagel bakery at Wegman’s,” Pioli said. “She worked there for 12 years.”

Hanawalt graduated from VoTech in 2000 and worked a variety of jobs before coming to Via. After a total of 23 years in the workforce and no longer able to work, Hanawalt received services at Via’s Bethlehem facility.

Program Director Lauren Goldberg described the life skills training and other services soon to be offered at the new center.

Staff representing state legislative and Lehigh County administrative offices joined in the celebration.

Since 1952, Via of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. has made it their mission to help people reach their full potential.

The Bethlehem-based nonprofit serves individuals and their families with disabilities. Via’s valley-wide services include vocational exploration, community employment, educational activities, volunteer and recreational opportunities for teens and adults and early intervention therapies and inclusive education for young children.