Family Connection is the non-profit family center for the Easton Area School District. In the 1990s, the Department of Public Welfare’s Family Service System Reform (FSSR) initiative was created along with the family center model. The goal of FSSR was to strengthen families and to rethink/redesign the way family programs and services were delivered. It was based on a belief that broader needs of children and families were being missed, as most programs had too narrow or specific missions.

FSSR focused on innovative ways communities could more effectively organize and coordinate resources to achieve results in seven broad outcome areas:

  • Prenatal and Infant Health
  • Healthy Child Development
  • Healthy Youth Development
  • Children Ready for School
  • Children Succeeding in School
  • Safe Families and Communities
  • Stable and Self-sufficient Families

Family Connection was founded in 1998 on the south side of Easton through FSSR and with the help of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Family support services were first offered at Cheston Elementary School to build positive relationships among families, schools, and the community. Over the years we have grown to serve the entire Easton Area School District and its sending area. We officially incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization in 2006.

Our Purpose & Impact

Family centers are places within the community where parents can come to share and receive support. We aim to connect families to resources and engage them in their child’s academic career. We are also in a unique position to operate programs that are extensions of what the school district can provide. These programs aim to start the learning process early, so children are better prepared to enter school with the tools they need for success.  When a family is in need of things like clothing, housing or food, we must find ways to alleviate these concerns before we can expect a child to thrive.

Our services are open to all Easton families and are offered at no cost! Over 1,500 children and their families are served annually through referrals and program services including:

  • Family support and case management to over 500 families;
  • After-school academic support for 150 students;
  • Over 750 bags of food to students in need;
  • 1800 educational home visits for preschool aged children and their families who received hundreds of books, educational toys and activities; and
  • 600 backpacks with readiness activities distributed at kindergarten registration

Just to name a few!

In addition to direct service to families, Family Connection staff are involved in several community initiatives including the United Way’s Early Learning Coalition, the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council, the West Ward Collective Impact Team, the Easton Hunger Coalition and more!

Staff and Board Members

Keela Vincent
Executive Director
(610) 250-2551 ext. 24075

Beth Beisel
ParentChild+ Coordinator
(610) 250-2542 ext. 20018

PC+ Family Literacy Specialists:
Laura Garcia-Villafuerte
Alfonso Maturana
Dana Moser
Elizabeth Ponce

Elizabeth Reyes
Family Support Coordinator
(610) 250-2551 ext. 24240

Cynthia Caputi
Afterschool Program Coordinator
(610) 250-2551 ext. 24129


Family Connection’s Board of Directors

President: Paul Barclay, Lafayette College

Vice President: Pam Magnan, Community Volunteer, former Special Education Administrator and Educator

Secretary: Karen Kelly, Crayola

Treasurer: Sharon Ashton, Community Volunteer, Chubb Insurance (retired)

Rose Bukics, Lafayette College

Danielle Fletcher, Aesculap Inc.

Damon Gross, Nordson Medical

Mary Heck, Northampton County CYF

Lauren McNeil, Easton Area School District

Candice Merrit, Chubb Insurance

Jessica Milton, Easton Area School District

Jenna Mooney, St. Luke’s Hospital Anderson Campus

Tracy Piazza, Easton Area School District

Megan Serrano, Northampton County CYF

Nora Walters, Jeannie Kreeger State Farm Insurance


If you are interested in serving on our board of directors, please contact our Executive Director, Keela Vincent, at (610) 250-2551 ext. 24075 or vincentk@eastonsd.org