United Way Hires Early Childhood Systems Coordinator
By RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Southern Alleghenies
Lauren Lazzari
The United Way of the Southern Alleghenies, in partnership with the 1889 Foundation, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Lee Initiatives, the Center for Population Health, and Vision Together 2025 is excited to introduce Lauren Lazzari as the Early Childhood Systems Coordinator for Cambria and Somerset counties.
The hire comes after an extensive planning process leveraging the insight of experts from numerous organizations serving in the early childhood sector in the region.
In the role, Lazzari will oversee the organization and implementation of the early childhood strategic plan for Cambria and Somerset counties.
"I strongly believe our region is the best place to raise a family and my work entails making sure that child health, nutrition, education, safety and economic stability are all being addressed to make this possible," Lazzari said.
Lazzari previously worked for Beginnings Inc., a long-time United Way partner agency implementing the crucial Parents as Teachers program. So, she knew United Way was committed to improving early childhood development in the region. That's part of what drew her to the opening.
“I have always been familiar with the collaborative work that the United Way does in our community," she said. “This initiative brings together multiple funders and stakeholders to amplify the good being done in early childhood education.”
Lazzari started the job at the beginning of January.
She has since been meeting with stakeholders as she puts together her game plan for the coming months, hitting the ground running. She said that she has a clear goal.
"Uniting the community partners, stakeholders and families together to make our region a thriving place for children to learn, grow, and look forward to raising their own families here," Lazzari said.
A big challenge, both locally and nationally, is affordable childcare and preschool spots. Lazzari said there is twice the demand than availability.
Lazzari has a lot of experience, and a strong knowledge base in the field. A Westmont Hilltop graduate, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's from Clark University in Massachusetts, and is working toward a doctorate from Point Park University in Pittsburgh. She held an AmeriCorps position at the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority between her bachelor's and master's degrees.
She lives in Southmont with her husband, Mark, and three children: Molli, Maggi, and Miller. In her free time, Lazzari enjoys hiking. She is the chairperson of Stackhouse Park.
